Name:

Tess Clayville

Pronouns:

She/Her

Semester of Internship:

Summer 2024

Major:

Psychology

Current Class Level:

Senior

This semester I completed a(n):

Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):

Kennedy Krieger Institute - Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit

Location of the Organization (City, State):

Baltimore, Maryland

Title of Position:

Behavioral Data Specialist

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my time in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary clinical team to oversee the care of four pediatric patients, managing their progress from admission to discharge over the eight-week program. My main role included recording data during meal sessions, tracking up to 15+ variables at once using BData Pro software. I then entered and analyzed data into Excel sheets and graphs, collaborating with supervisors to refine individualized treatment plans based on patient progress. I also had supervised meetings with psychologists two to three times per week to apply creative problem-solving strategies to address feeding challenges, enhancing patient engagement and outcomes for up to three children daily during therapeutic meal sessions.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
After struggling to find a summer internship, I reached out to my advisor for extra help. She recommended a small list of internships to her students. After reading through the list, I directly contacted the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute with my resume, cover letter, and additional information about myself. I heard back within the same week about scheduling an interview!

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Faculty Connections

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I enjoyed most about my position at the Kennedy Krieger Institute was the opportunity to work directly with children and adolescents facing unique challenges. Being part of their treatment process and witnessing their progress was incredibly fulfilling. I also appreciated the collaborative environment, where I gained different perspectives on patient care and received invaluable mentorship from the professionals in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I made an impact in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit by contributing to the care and treatment of children and adolescents with feeding disorders. My role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data during meal sessions supported the creation of individualized treatment plans, which were crucial to each patient’s progress. Additionally, my efforts in reinforcing behavioral strategies during treatment sessions helped patients overcome their challenges and achieve important milestones in therapy.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice to another student would be to step outside of your comfort zone. You may discover a new area of interest or develop new skills. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from positions that challenge your expectations. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to UMBC faculty for guidance! Advisors, professors, and the Career Center are all great resources for finding opportunities and preparing for the application process.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
What I liked most about my position was the hands-on experience of working directly with patients and being part of a collaborative team focused on meaningful work. The Career Center helped me develop my resume and prepare for interviews, guiding me toward opportunities that aligned with my career goals.