Engineering & Health Sciences Student Highlights
By: Erin Feeney, Penn Abroad Graduate Assistant
Ruth Lee (left) at the World Medical Association
Our Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) is accepting applications until January 7, 2021! Through GRIP, Penn students can apply to intern or conduct research with one of dozens of organizations based around the world in more than 20 countries. Internship and research opportunities can be found on every continent (except Antarctica) and in a wide variety of career industries. Let’s explore past experiences of GRIP participants within the fields of engineering and health sciences, one of our four GRIP industry categories.
At the World Medical Association in Geneva, Switzerland, Penn students have described experiencing a “microcosm of the whole world.” Carolyn Chow (CAS ‘20) marveled at the multilingualism she found to be so common there, and relished the opportunity to learn about the cultures and unique backgrounds of each of her international colleagues. Within the diversity of this workplace, students discover unparalleled opportunities for professional exploration and advancement. On the very first day of her internship, Rania Monsour (CPHI ‘19) was offered the opportunity to speak on behalf of the World Medical Association at the World Health Assembly taking place at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. Through conducting her research and attending events such as the 71st World Health Assembly and the 38th UN Human Rights Council, Ruth Lee (Nursing ‘20) gained a more full and nuanced understanding of global health and the intersection of health and human rights, issues she feels she could not have been similarly exposed to at Penn.
In Aachen, Germany, Ethan Boyer (SEAS ‘21) spent ten weeks conducting research in 3-D printing microvascular networks at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital. In his third week there, Ethan wrote of his excitement as he transitioned from his initial literature-based research to working more hands-on in the laboratory. Outside of work, Ethan enjoyed exploring the rich history of Aachen, and traveling to other cities in Europe with new friends.
Amy Yueng (SEAS ‘21) interned at Science Workshop, a science and technology school in Hong Kong. Although she had tutored within the STEM field before, Amy desired the opportunity to do so in a new city and environment. Her time as Science Workshop provided the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups and class sizes, and opened her up to the possibility of working in academics in STEM, whether it be research or teaching. Outside of work, Amy enjoyed trying the local, notably affordable, cuisine, traveling, forming new friendships, and practicing her Cantonese.
During her time at Trinity College Dublin, Nora Henessey (Nursing ‘21) mined six major databases to create a qualitative systematic literature review. The experience not only prepared her for an upcoming nursing research course at Penn, but also allowed her to recognize her interest in pursuing nursing research as a career. Outside of her research role, Nora enjoyed spending time with her Irish host family, hiking throughout Ireland and Scotland, and exploring Dublin with fellow Penn students.
These student experiences highlight just a few of the program offerings available this year. We encourage you to explore more on our website!
Global experiences in engineering and health sciences can provide key opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge and skills in a new context. Through the Global Research & Internship Program (GRIP), Penn students from across schools have spent the summer abroad, taking on exciting research projects and professional opportunities. Let’s explore the past experiences of GRIP participants within the fields of engineering and health sciences to gain insight into the student experience abroad and how Penn students can make the most of these opportunities.
Research in a Global Context
In Aachen, Germany, Ethan Boyer (SEAS ‘21) spent ten weeks conducting research in 3-D printing microvascular networks at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital. In his third week there, Ethan wrote of his excitement as he transitioned from his initial literature-based research to working hands-on in the laboratory. Outside of work, Ethan enjoyed exploring the rich history of Aachen and traveling to other cities in Europe with new friends.
During her time at Trinity College Dublin, Nora Hennessy (Nursing ‘21) mined six major databases to create a qualitative systematic literature review. The experience not only prepared her for an upcoming nursing research course at Penn, but also allowed her to recognize her interest in pursuing nursing research as a career. Outside of her research role, Nora enjoyed spending time with her Irish host family, hiking throughout Ireland and Scotland, and exploring Dublin with fellow Penn students.
Global Community & Professional Exploration
Amy Yueng (SEAS ‘21) interned at Science Workshop, a science and technology school in Hong Kong. Although she had tutored within the STEM field before, Amy desired to do so in a new city and environment. Her time at Science Workshop provided the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups and class sizes and opened her up to the possibility of working in academics in STEM, whether it be research or teaching. Outside of work, Amy enjoyed trying the local, notably affordable, cuisine, traveling, forming new friendships, and practicing her Cantonese.
At the World Medical Association in Geneva, Switzerland, Penn students have described experiencing a “microcosm of the whole world.” Carolyn Chow (CAS ‘20) marveled at the multilingualism she found to be so common there and relished the opportunity to learn about the cultures and unique backgrounds of each of her international colleagues. Within the diversity of this workplace, students discover unparalleled opportunities for professional exploration and advancement. On the very first day of her internship, Rania Monsour (CPHI ‘19) was offered the opportunity to speak on behalf of the World Medical Association at the World Health Assembly taking place at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. Through conducting her research and attending events such as the 71st World Health Assembly and the 38th UN Human Rights Council, Ruth Lee (Nursing ‘20) gained a more full and nuanced understanding of global health and the intersection of health and human rights.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce. Placements and funding awards are available.