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Science
Science internships are available in virtually all campus science departments and programs on campus and at the UC Davis
Medical Center as well as at many off-campus research sites. Whether you are in the mathematical and physical sciences, the
biological sciences, or the social sciences you will be able to choose from a range of internships that will whet your
interests and hone your research skills. Join in the excitement of participating in a research team and experience the thrill
of discovery!
Student Experiences:
NASA
"My most exciting experience at NASA was a trip to the Kennedy Space Center
to view the STS-93 Shuttle launch. My supervisor wanted me to help coordinate
the events at the launch. This meant that I would be needed on-site at the
shuttle viewing area at Cape Canaveral, Florida. I had a unique
opportunity to meet the first American woman in space along with other
outstanding astronauts. During the day, I was invited to a VIP tour of the
space center where I got a glimpse of how physics can transform mathematical
equations into an intricate and powerful tool for space flight. When I arrived
in Washington DC in June to begin my internship, I never
imagined that 'd be shaking hands with astronauts in July - what an experience
and what a summer!
- Physics student working in the NASA Public Affairs Office.
National Institute of Health
"The most important thing I learned from this internship was the
organization and structure of research. I received hands on experience of
conducting a research study. It was more complex than I ever imagined. Aside
from the scientific aspect, there are consents, collaboration, integrity, and
ethical issues involved. Research is done in a systematic way. It is rigid, yet
full of experimentation and questions. I thought that I would receive many
answers such as where does particular disease come from and why is it more
prevalent in one population over the other? Unfortunately, there may not be
many exact answers. I was exposed to research methods, discussions, and
presentations. it was a privilege to be at the National Institutes of
Health."
- Human Development major conducting clinical research at the National Institute of Health.
UCD School of Medicine
"I benefited tremendously from this internship. My major is Nutrition,
but I have a great interest in herbal and alternative medicine... I would love to
combine my background in nutrition and natural healing in my future career as a
nutritionist. This internship ahs allowed me to appreciate the herbal medicine
field and understand the process involved in order to produce
pharmaceuticals."
- Nutrition major conducting phytochemical research at the UC Davis School of Medicine.
Genentech
"The Genentech internship exposed me to an industrial environment quite
unlike the academic environment at UC Davis... After working with talented,
educated professionals I no longer feel like a kid, and I am prepared for a
real career, whatever it may be."
- Biochemistry student interning at Genentech
Department of Neurophysiology and Behavior
"The internship gave me great insights into the way bioinformatics
research is conducted. I became familiar with the kind of data used and
techniques employed... I had a great opportunity to make useful contacts with
professors and students, and I got to see a live example of how collaboration
is important in scientific research. The skills I acquired though the
internship will help me to pursue my career in bioinformatics."
- Biochemistry major working on protein bioinformatics in the Department of Neurophysiology and Behavior.
UCD Medical School's Department of Psychiatry
"Learning about the process of
actual research in a University setting and working with fellow undergraduate
and graduate students allows one to evaluate what they want to do with their
life. I also really enjoyed working one on one with the professor and learning
about his experiences with research and graduate study. This internship helped
me to see that research is not something I am interested in for full time work,
however, it allowed me to see that I do want to work in a clinical
setting."
- Psychology Major serving as a marital communication intern in the UCD Medical School's Department of Psychiatry.
UCD School of Medicine
"This research group has focused on analyzing the role of urokinase-type
plasminogen activation which contributes significantly to the growth and
aggressiveness of prostrate cancer. The first few months helped me to get
acquainted with various lab techniques and procedures such as growing and
splitting cells... I had the chance to observe a tumor removal surgery... and
observe the close relationship of research and clinical application.... As a
premed student, it was very important to realize the importance of research
work as it is coupled and interconnected with clinical work. Despite my initial
inexperience, I believe that I contributed to the progress of the project and
met the expectations of my supervisors. The application of biochemistry it the
lab, a basic understanding of prostate cancer and a general training in scientific
methodology certainly benefited me as an undergraduate student and will help me
as a potential medical student."
- Nature and Culture major conducting cancer research at the UC Davis School of Medicine
Plant Biology
"I can truly say that this experience has broadened my horizons
[beyond] textbook reading. And it is this undergraduate research experience
that has given me the invaluable tools and knowledge to carry me into a career
in the health sciences.... I have worked with the spectrophotometer, the scintillation
counter, PCR, Western blots and ion-exchange chromatography. We are trying to
isolate a protein from what we think is on the plasma membrane of plant cells,
in particular, rose cells. This protein we believe, is involved in the DNA
repair process from damage induced by UV rays. One of the most exciting times
of my research experience was presenting a talk at the UC Davis Undergraduate
Research Conference... I had a great experience in Dr. Murphy's lab and highly
recommend this internship to anyone..."
- Biological Sciences student doing a research internship in Plant Biology.
Ethnobotanical Conservation Organization
"We decided my involvement in ECO-SEA would consist of researching,
writing and finding graphics for new set of cards in the ethnobotanical kit. In
addition I gave two presentations - one formal and one informal. I gained many
things from this internship including considerable knowledge of medicinal
plants of Southeast Asia and how much effort
it takes to run a non-profit. I also honed my writing skills, public speaking
ability and organizing capacity. I was alerted to an opportunity to study
abroad in my fourth year at UC Davis. My supervisor feels I would be highly
competitive for a scholarship which would pay my airfare to study in Indonesia,
where I would... conduct some field research of my own."
- Botany student working at the Ethnobotanical Conservation Organization for South East Asia.
Genencor
"Overall, my internship experience at Genencor International
Corporation was great. I come away from this summer determined to continue in ...
the biotechnology industry. This internship has sparked my interest in this
particular field. Not only have I found my niche in the biotechnology industry
but I have also determined positions I don't feel I would be compatible with. I
would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning about the
biotechnology industry and it's structure."
- Microbiology student working with Genencor.
Division of Neurophysiology, Biology, and Behavior
"The purpose of the project was to determine the antigen responsible
for Lymes disease. Overall, this project has provided me with an understanding
of the life as researcher. Precision and organization are very important.
Because numerous hours are spent inside the lab, much dedication is also
needed."
- Biological Sciences student working with the Division of Neurophysiology, Biology, and Behavior.
California Energy Commission
"The
results from one of the projects I have been working on were submitted for
publication in a professional journal. This is very exciting for me, as this
will be the first time my work will be published. I also have the
opportunity to participate in writing the paper, meaning I have to explain my
results in a non-technical way so that even people with minimal background in
statistics can understand my findings and how they can be applied in real life
situations and policy making. This has
been a valuable learning experience, because in real life situations a
statistician often has to explain his or her findings in "lay-person" terms to end
users and clients who do not have a lot of background in quantitative analysis."
- Statistics Major interning at the California Energy Commission.
Ross Laboratories Division of Abbott Laboratories
"Working at Ross for the
past two and a half months has proved to be a truly valuable learning
experience. I have not only been able to improve technically on my laboratory
skills but have also been able to learn several new techniques that I hope to
apply to future laboratory coursework... I have also been fortunate enough to
interact with many employees at Ross on a professional level allowing me to
improve on my communication skills."
- Genetics major serving as a cell biology and metabolism intern at the Ross Laboratories Division of Abbott Laboratories.
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
"Working full
time as a scientist for ten weeks allowed me a preview of graduate education
and furthermore a scientific career. This fellowship expanded my
perception of science and allowed me to understand the intense devotion,
optimism, creativity and patience one must first acquire before maturely making
the decision to direct their path towards graduate school in the biological
sciences. This is an insight that is unparallel to any experience one
student may gain during university courses. This experience added many
sparks to the passion and curiosity I have for knowledge and
science... I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work in one
of the most beautiful and renowned laboratories in the Unites States along side
many brilliant scientists".
- Nutrition/Biochemistry student interning at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
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