Supported by a CCPD summer internship stipend, Abigail Eilertson ’27 spent the summer in Dr. Adil Akkouch’s biomedical engineering lab at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Her work with nanoparticles offered firsthand experience in how research drives medical innovation and confirmed a growing passion for medicine and discovery.

“This summer, I performed biomedical engineering research, under the mentorship of Dr. Adil Akkouch, at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. My research project primarily focused on synthesizing nanoparticles and evaluating their antibacterial properties. My primary role in the project was creating the nanoparticles and conducting experiments using agar disc diffusion and time-kill kinetic assays to assess how varying nanoparticle size and concentration impacted bacterial growth over time. This internship not only helped deepen my understanding of experimental design and data analysis but also solidified my aspiration in becoming a physician-scientist.

While I had previously appreciated the value of research-based treatments, working directly in a biomedical engineering lab has allowed me to understand how innovative therapies are developed from concept to application. As a future physician, I aim to continue research and stay at the forefront of medical advancements to provide the best and most up-to-date care for my patients. Medicine is built upon innovation and the constant need to seek new solutions for old challenges. My time in the biomedical engineering lab has broadened my perspective and helped me recognize persistent issues in our healthcare systems. I have been able to reflect on how existing procedures and treatments could be reimagined in the future to better meet the needs of the patients. My internship would not have been possible without the help of the CCPD. Due to cuts to research, funding is increasingly limited and securing grants is difficult. With the internship stipend, I was able to completely focus on my research without the distraction of financial concerns. Overall, this summer research internship has positively impacted my academic and personal growth by deepening my understanding of biomedical engineering research methods and solidifying my aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist.”

Abigail Eilertson ’27

What happens when you combine field research, Indigenous partnership, and a passion for protecting wildlife? This CCPD stipend-supported internship with the Buffalo Field Campaign shows how one student gained career-defining skills while working to safeguard Yellowstone’s wild bison and educate visitors on their importance. Here is the story in her own words:

“For my summer internship, I worked with Buffalo Field Campaign: A Non-profit focused on protecting the last, wild Bison in and around Yellowstone National Park. With a focus on stopping the harassment and slaughter of Yellowstone Buffalo, BFC emphasizes working with Indigenous nations to honor and protect their sacredness. The protection of their natural habitat helps to restore historic migration patterns. Since Buffalo (Bison bison bison) are a keystone species, their conservation is necessary for the future of surrounding environments. 

During my time at BFC, I had multiple projects and responsibilities. From tabling in Yellowstone to doing wildlife reports, I gained a lot of vital experience in the field of wildlife conservation. Tabling allowed me to interact with tourists through science communication. This involved educational posters illustrating collected data, such as Bison migration patterns in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, and pamphlets with further information. In addition, we had one-on-one conversations to provide further context and answer any questions. Through imputing native species data sets into wildlife reports, I gained skills in field work and mapping software. When I wasn’t tabling, I wrote updates from the field for our supporters, along with imputing data into wildlife reports. This helped me gain skills in field work and mapping software. Lastly, I assisted in performing tasks to keep the cabin running smoothly. 

Overall, I gained important knowledge and experience in my field of study, aligning with my future career goals. As a biology major with a minor in Anthropology & Sociology and a concentration in Environmental Studies, my internship meshed each of my passions together into one common goal. Learning both through the lens of Western science and Indigenous connections allowed me to have an appreciation of the issue at hand. Portraying this through tourist education required me to have a deep, rooted understanding to be able to answer questions. I can’t wait to see what I can do next with this gained experience and knowledge!”

Natalie Ward ’26

Through the CCPD Summer Internship Stipend program, students explore industries they love while gaining practical experience and professional mentors. Here’s how one student’s summer with the United Shore Professional Baseball League turned a love of sports into career insight.

“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) as a member of their fan engagement team. This experience gave me valuable, firsthand exposure to the fast-paced world of sports marketing and management, while also allowing me to see how an entertainment-focused company operates daily. I quickly realized that professional baseball is about much more than just the game, it is also about creating a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for fans of all ages.  

As part of the fan engagement team, I was directly involved in a wide range of responsibilities that contributed to the overall fan experience. Our tasks varied from preparing the stadium before the gates opened to running in-game promotions. Whether it was organizing and executing on-field contests, being a mascot, or interacting with families in the stands, our team worked to make sure that every guest left with a positive impression. I was able to strengthen my adaptability, teamwork, and strong communication skills throughout this process.  

Through this internship, I developed a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes operations that go into running a successful sports and entertainment venue. I learned how vital it is to build connections with fans and create a welcoming environment that keeps them coming back. This experience has not only strengthened my understanding of the sports industry but has also given me clarity about what I could possibly want to pursue more in the future. 

The biggest mark that was left on me from this internship was the people. Coming into work every day was fun and exciting, knowing who I was going to be surrounded by. I cannot thank Noah Theiler and Jake Dolata enough for the skills they have taught me. I appreciate this internship and all the people who participated in it.”

— Savannah Chapie ’27