Name: Shannon Jackson

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: U.S. Geological Survey MD-DE-DC Water Science Center

Position Title: GIS and Data Analysis Student Contractor

Major(s)/Minor(s): B.S. Environmental Science, Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Expected Graduation Year: May 2016 

Briefly describe your internship, co-op,  or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

I am a paid student contracted employee at the USGS Water Science Center right on campus at BWtech North. I work alongside two Geographic Information Systems analysts working under the National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). I utilize programs such as ArcMap, SAS, R, Excel and Python to analyze and process water quality data used by researchers at the USGS and other agencies. Our data is used to understand whether water conditions are getting better or worse over time and how natural features and human activities affect those conditions. 

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

One of my professors, Joseph School, who manages the GIS and cartography labs at UMBC and teaches two GIS courses (GES 286 and GES 386) recommended I apply for the position. On the same day I emailed the coordinator a copy of my resume, unofficial transcripts, and a portfolio of GIS work. The following day I had an interview, and by the end of the week I was hired! It was a quick process.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I really enjoy learning hands-on. My Dad has always told me that college is about "learning how to learn." While your grades are a reflection of your capabilities in the classroom, the real test comes when you must translate this knowledge in the workplace. Internships allow you to acquire skills and real-world experience before you are overwhelmed by the expectations of a full time position.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

My work allows researchers across the country to access up to date, reliable data for their projects. This data allows for stakeholders to design and implement strategies for managing, protecting, and monitoring water resources in many different hydrologic and land-use settings across the Nation.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Start forming relationships with faculty in your department from day one. They are the ones who watch you learn, grow, and improve. They have forged long careers and have connections with employers all over the Baltimore-DC area and even across the country. Don't be afraid to ask them for recommendations or opportunities, because they are here to help. I also recommend signing up for your department's listserv. Professors are constantly sending updates on available positions in our area. Don't be afraid to apply for positions even if you feel under qualified. 

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

CDC Media Statement (Jan. 26, 2016):

"CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus‎ transmission. Today, CDC added the following destinations to the Zika virus travel alerts: United States Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.  Previously, CDC issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory; Barbados; Bolivia; Brazil; Cape Verde; Colombia; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guadeloupe; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Martinique; Mexico; Panama; Paraguay; Saint Martin; Samoa; Suriname; and Venezuela.  Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time.

As more information becomes available, CDC travel alerts will be updated. Travelers to areas where cases of Zika virus infection have been recently confirmed are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus. Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. There is no vaccine or medicine available for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Some travelers to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission will become infected while traveling but will not become sick until they return home. Some people who are infected do not have any symptoms. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other commonly reported symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and case fatality is low. Travelers to these areas should monitor for symptoms or illness upon return. If they become ill, they should tell their healthcare professional where they have traveled and when."

UMBC Resources:

University Health Services
410-455-2542
uhs@umbc.edu
www.umbc.edu/uhs

Study Abroad Office
410-455-2624
sao@umbc.edu
www.studyabroad.umbc.edu

International Education Services
(410)-455-2624
ies@umbc.edu
ies.umbc.edu

The 10-week summer program introduces students to the nature of research-oriented careers in physics & astronomy, and fosters development of research-related skills and knowledge. Students are matched with faculty mentors based on interests. Students will engage in weekly seminars, field trips and workshops that will provide additional skills development, professional development topics such as ethics and patents/intellectual property, and an introduction to common research resources. 

View sample projects here.

ELIGIBILITY

• You must be an undergraduate student in any academic year (freshman through senior) at the time of the summer program.
• You don't need to have a declared major, but you must have already completed the introductory physics sequence at your school.
• Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

PROGRAM CALENDAR - SUMMER 2016

• February 15  →  complete applications are due by this date (late applications will be accepted as space permits).
• March 1  →  acceptance notifications will be sent around this date.
• May 1  →  matching of participants to mentors will be finalized; travel arrangements should be completed.
• May 23  →  first day of Summer 2016 Program.
• July 29 →  Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), poster presentations from all students in the LSU's STEM summer research programs.
• July 30 →  last day of Summer 2016 Program.

International Students who are interested in a summer research program may refer to this document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14-Gu0u8aTdq3AplVtVuaeur0OYjRdTVdrjXWGjzP1fI/edit?rm=full#gid=0

Nine to twelve positions are available for this 8-week summer program for students who are interested in conducting research under the guidance of faculty from Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering department at Auburn University. Research assistants will collaborate with advisers to contribute to unmanned flight! Students will also help to autonomously fly six to twelve UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in a limited air space to fulfill different kinds of missions.

Benefits:

1. Up to $7,200 in compensation
2. Opportunity to interact with an experienced research faculty
3. Gain real-world experience in a high-tech field
4. Be able to work with high-caliber information technology, science and engineering professionals
5. Housing and food arrangements are covered by the program

Eligibility:

1. U.S Citizens or permanent residents
2. Undergraduate student with a good academic standing
3. Applicant must plan to complete a degree program
4. Minimum of 36 hours per week of commitment 

More information on eligibility and requirements here.

If you have more questions about the program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

PROGRAM DATE- MAY 23 2016 (tentative)

APPLICATION DEADLINE- LAST FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY OR UNTIL ALL POSITIONS ARE FILLED

International Students who are interested in a summer research program may refer to this document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14-Gu0u8aTdq3AplVtVuaeur0OYjRdTVdrjXWGjzP1fI/edit?rm=full#gid=0

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