Summer Interns Available from the MMP!

[Gisele Giorgi]

Hello!

Don't you wish you had a skilled, enthusiastic assistant to help you be more productive and creative?  Would you like to experience the satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of microscopists?

Good news:  students from the Merritt College  Microscopy Program are now available for summer internships!!! They're very intelligent, hard working, driven, and skilled.   They extensive backgrounds and/or advanced degrees in computer programming, database management, network management, graphic arts, chemical engineering, lighting design, marketing and agronomy.

The students have had rigorous training in the art and science of microscopy and biological research.  They have in-depth hands-on experience on all major brands of microscopes, including a spectral confocal and a spinning disc confocal.  They're familiar with research design, good lab practices, troubleshooting, morphometry, data analysis, basic mobi and cell bio techniques, and they've used a variety of high-end imaging software.  They've had a year of training (24 units of coursework), including:  Theory and Practice of Optical Microscopy; Good Lab Practices; Survey of Biotech Business; Advanced Fluorescence/Confocal Microscopy; Research Design; Digital Imaging Software; Lab Safety and Bioethics; Tissue Culture; Immunohistochemistry; Live Cell Imaging.  They've designed their own practicum projects and have presented posters at research conferences. Many are Cal graduates who are interested in pursuing grad degrees in biology and/or careers in biotech. 

Please see the below FAQs and don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Regards,
Gisele Giorgi, Ph.D.
Director, Merritt Microscopy Program
Merritt College, D217
12500 Campus Drive
Oakland, CA 94619

[hidden email]

MERRITT MICROSCOPY PROGRAM

INTERNSHIP FAQ

Do they have to be paid?
A stipend is gratefully accepted, but not required.  They will also get course credit for their work.

I'm not in the Bay Area, will an intern travel to work with me?
Yes, many of our students have traveled to do short-term (1-2 weeks to 1 month) or summer-long internships. In particular, one of our students is looking for an internship in a research lab in D.C.!

I don't use microscopes, could I still host an intern?
Yes, many of our students are interested in learning new techniques, or simply in working in a lab in certain fields.  Several of them are, in particular, interested in genomics, transcription, protein trafficking, biophysics, herpetology.

Can they work part-time?
Yes, most are available to work a few hours each day, or a few full days a week.  Some are also available full-time.  You and the intern work out an agreement that works best for your mutual schedules and needs.

Are they available nights and weekends?
Yes, some of our students even prefer that schedule, since they also have full-time employment elsewhere.

When can they start?
As soon as early June. 

Can they continue on in the Fall?
Yes, many students opt to continue working at their internship placement throughout the rest of the year. 

Is it worth it if I don't have much time to oversee them?
Yes, for instance, you can assign them a data analysis project and just check in with them occasionally.  If possible, it's good to have them attend lab meetings and journal clubs.

I wish I had access to a confocal, can the intern help with this?
Yes, they can perform their work on our scopes, not just at your lab.  This way, you gain access to top-of-the-line scopes and software.

I wish I knew how to use a confocal, can the intern show me how?
Yes, they are great at training people in the theory and practice of scopes. There's a lot of time available on our scopes during the summer, and they are glad to train you on them.

What about confidentiality?

Many of our interns have successfully worked on confidential projects.  They don't need to report about their work to anyone other than yourself.

What can they do?
All things microscopy, including morphometry, sophisticated data analysis, and slide prep, plus standard mobi and cell bio lab work.  They are motivated, hard working, quick learners.  Several of them have a grad student level background in biology.

What is the background of the interns?
Our students are diverse in every way possible, including their ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.  Most are career-change students.  Many have advanced degrees in computer programming, graphic arts, and other fields.  A high number of them are Cal graduates.

What are their career goals?
Many of our students are headed towards graduate school in biology fields.  Several are currently looking for jobs in academic, biotech or government labs.


What are my responsibilities towards the intern?
To expose them to real science, mentor them, train them when possible, help them network, and evaluate them at the end of the summer.

Can I get more information about the available students?
They are glad to send you their resume' and to come for a visit or interview.

Can I talk to other people who have hosted your interns?
Yes, we're glad to put you in contact with other intern supervisors.

What is Merritt College?
Merritt College is a Community College located in Oakland.  We are known for our leadership in science education.  The Merritt Microscopy Program is a relatively new program.

How can I get more information about the Merritt Microscopy Program?
www.merritt.edu/microscopy

How do I obtain an intern?
Contact Dr. Gisèle Giorgi, [hidden email], 510-409-4837.

Complete that long-delayed project, whittle down your "to-do" list and help train the next generation of scientists!