Meet Our 2023 Summer Interns

Hello! I’m currently a rising senior at Brookfield High School in Connecticut. I’m interested in medicine, art, and human rights, and aspire to pursue a career in the field of medicine. I have interned at a medical facility in the Bronx, New York, where I had the opportunity to shadow physicians from a variety of specialties, including endocrinology, cardiology, orthopedics, and gynecology. I have also received the honor of being selected as a first place winner for The American Red Cross & U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield 2022 National IHL Art Competition in the 9-10th grade category, as well as a finalist in the Next Vista For Learning Creative Storm 2022 Video Contest. I hope to use my education and skills learned from various leadership positions in my school’s extracurriculars to help those around me. I also draw in my free time! About my YCCI Internship I really enjoyed participating in the 2023 YCCI Summer Exposures Internship. Learning about clinical research opened up my eyes to more career opportunities that relate to my interest in medicine. This was a great learning experience that helped me realize the current scope of medicine and clinical research, as well as how the innovation of current and future generations can lead to a higher quality of life for all. Between learning from our speakers and participating in group projects, I was also able to develop my skills in leadership and collaboration. This has been such an important part of my educational journey towards my career, and words alone cannot describe how much I appreciate being able to have this opportunity. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship To students considering applying to a YCCI internship, I would like to say that there are only benefits to participating in this program. This is a great opportunity to improve your talents in collaboration with other ambitious students and learn about a variety of career paths and opportunities in the field of clinical research. If you have the opportunity to participate in one of these internships, make sure you take notes on what you learn or find interesting- they will be great to look back to during your group projects!

Fatih Alam is a senior at the Waterbury Career Academy. Growing up in Waterbury, he witnessed how health care disparities affect vulnerable and underserved populations. He has experience interning at the Waterbury Public Health Department where he studied substance use and food deserts. Fatih also interned for the UCONN Natural Resources Conservation Academy, where he created a website about food insecurity and its impact on health. Fatih was drawn to YCCI because he is passionate to understand ways in which we can use clinical research to alleviate health inequalities. He understands that to better health outcomes and address barriers to health equity, clinical and translational research must aim to include all communities. About my YCCI Internship My experience as a YCCI student intern was very insightful and the lessons I learned will carry into the future. I learned from esteemed professionals and experts about a variety of topics. I was especially inspired when learning about the progress of research regarding pediatric growth plate abnormalities and the development of a monoclonal antibody drug called Teplizumab, that delays the onset of type 1 diabetes. The project I worked on was a podcast to educate teens and young adults about clinical trials. The episode I hosted examined the ethics of placebo use in research involving pediatric patients. Overall I learned how research is the foundation of medicine and how to convey the importance of clinical trials to the general public. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship As high school students, many of us are not exposed to the field of clinical and translational research. YCCI provides a gateway to gaining knowledge about this field and the opportunities within it. In this program you will learn about a variety of research topics from renowned experts and you will be able to collaborate with like minded peers on your very own project about clinical and translational research.

Hi! My name is Leen Alawneh. After my YCCI internship I was able to really reflect and grasp everything I learned. A little about me, I am an avid fencer, I love to paint, draw, and hike. I love art, and can’t wait to take AP Art in my senior year. I actually had another internship with my YCCI Internship. I interned for an undergraduate research journal. I was also part of the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leadership conference. I am a an ambassador/representative for the Loudoun County Superintendent Committee. In this committee I was able to present data/ research on why my school's entrance was unsafe. I also advocated for many equity issues. I am also an ambassador for Mentor Virginia and I am involved in many clubs at my school. Lastly I have been a Girl Scout for over 12 years and I am on my journey to receiving my Gold Award. About my YCCI Internship I loved this opportunity! It really opened my eyes to clinical research and debunked all the stigma I’ve always heard about clinical trials. I learned from many accomplished individuals and I truly with all my heart recommend this program! For Students Considering a YCCI Internship It’s truly an amazing opportunity! I learned a lot and was presented with so many opportunities and connections and made many good friends. 10/10

Hello! My name is Kawthar Benarouch and I am a rising senior at Edina High school. I play clarinet and saxophone, am a black belt in karate, and enjoy volunteering. I participated in the 2022 AFS Global STEM Academies in India, and enjoy learning about biology and psychology. I am a student senator at my school, as well as mental health co-chair at my school's education fund. This coming school year, I look forward to participating in dual enrollment at the University of Minnesota, spending my senior year with friends, and diving deeper into my passion of psychology and learning more about the brain! About my YCCI Internship My time with YCCI as an intern was the most enriching experience I’ve had. I was able to hear the backstories of many accomplished professors and researchers, and work alongside other incredibly talented interns. My group worked on the Help Us Discover project, in which we created a board game, podcasts, brochures, and other activities to include in a package to help promote clinical trials to children and adolescents. It was very fulfilling to work on this project and apply what we learned from many hardworking medical professionals into our research projects. We presented at the end of the four weeks, and were able to showcase all the work we put in. My internship experience was one that I am incredibly grateful for as it has helped sparked my interest in research and clinical studies. Thank you YCCI! For Students Considering a YCCI Internship If you are considering participating in YCCI, ask yourself a few things. Am I passionate about learning more about the field? Am I excited to make change and a positive impact in the world? If so, then YCCI would be an amazing program for you. It requires unique and creative thinkers, along with highly driven and motivated individuals. If this sounds like you, consider applying!

Alvina Bilal is a junior at Brookfield High School in Connecticut. She has a strong interest in the field of medicine and research. Alvina is involved in many STEM extracurriculars, such as HOSA, SNHS, American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association. She has also engaged in prior research opportunities and internships. Alvina loves volunteering in her community and is a part of several community service organizations, as well as being a peer tutor. In addition, she enjoys running track and field and playing basketball. About my YCCI Internship The YCCI internship was an amazing experience, and I am so glad I decided to participate this summer. I feel fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to learn from world-renowned investigators and some of the top leaders in the field of research. I also got to witness a wide range of presentations, covering topics from sickle cell disease and autism to data analytics and medical informatics. I loved working with my fellow interns to develop a project aimed at explaining research to children and adolescents. This program has also opened my eyes to many issues in clinical research, from patient recruitment for clinical trials to disparities in healthcare. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship With the diverse range of presentations and interactions with people, I believe the YCCI internship offers something for everyone. Through this internship program, I had the opportunity to explore various career options and gain exposure to so many fields, all while sharing this experience with my exceptional mentors and fellow interns from all over the world. If you're thinking of applying to this program, I highly encourage you to go for it.

I am a rising high school Senior from Wilmington, Delaware. I am extremely passionate about the medical field and have been able to explore it by shadowing local physicians, amassing over 30 hours of experience. Additionally, I have an ongoing research internship with the Delaware Academy of Medicine and have interned with my school nurse this past academic year. Other than medicine, I love to lead in my community. I have done so by being a key member in my libraries Teen Leadership Council, while also cofounding Pioneer Pathways; a shadowing network for first-generation low-income students in my area. Within my school, I lead by taking the role of Spanish and Writing tutor for the NHS, while also stepping up as co-president of Knitting and Environmental Club. About my YCCI Internship My experience with the Yale Center of Clinical Investigation quite literally changed my life. As a first-generation low-income student, opportunities do not come easy. Thus, when I got my acceptance from YCCI, I was beyond excited to embark on my journey with them. Through the internship, I gained a whole new perspective on a field I never thought I would get the privilege of exploring. Coming from my background, I do not have any connections to professional industry, especially the medical field. While I have been able to gain experience by shadowing doctors, I had NO IDEA about the world of clinical research when it comes to medicine. YCCI changed this, sparking my growing interest in clinical research. In fact, YCCI has inspired me to become an advocate for growing minority participation in clinical trials, which is something I hope to act on as I begin to learn more about its effects in my local area. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship If you are undecided about whether to participate in YCCI, I 100% encourage you to take the chance. The internship is extremely educational, with talks from countless influential figures in the world of medicine that will without a doubt inspire you in your future endeavors. Other than being an incredible learning experience, YCCI has shown me despite being such a competitive field, the world of medicine can be a welcoming community. Not only were my peers extremely collaborative throughout the process of completing the project, but the speakers themselves were always kind and took the time to thoughtfully answer every question that came their way.

Josiah Chen is a rising junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California. Josiah is deeply passionate about medicine and technology, and how the two could overlap. Josiah is currently a Shift Supervisor at John Muir Hospital, where he leads a team of volunteers in order to assist doctors and nurses. Josiah also loves problem-solving, and he competes in various STEM olympiads consisting of biology, physics, math, and computer science. He is currently a member of his school's pole vault team and loves achieving new heights. About my YCCI Internship This internship was amazing! Being able to meet and learn from people who shape our world motivated me to further pursue my aspirations in life. Working with such passionate interns in a project that helps advance healthcare brings such satisfaction. Something that I will never forget is how rewarding it is to be able to present our project to medical professionals and actually making a difference. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship Definitely apply! You never know what will happen and the people you meet will be invaluable. Everyone there is extremely motivated and you will be motivated with them! This is an amazing opportunity and you won't regret it.

Andrew Chung is a rising senior at Los Osos High School, California, in which he is grounded in the fields of medicine and artificial intelligence with a particular focus in computational neuroscience. Stemming from his fascination with the intersection of neurobiology and programming, he finds joy in exploring how computational models and mathematical algorithms can be applied to better understand the neural network and intricacies of the brain. As a result of this, Andrew has interned with the surgical neuroscience department of his local hospital in which he has researched the implications of brain disorders while assisting practiced physicians. He has since founded his own medical-based initiative, Project AND, championing an equitable system of healthcare services to low-income individuals and marginalized groups through the implementation of a pop-up clinic event, educational workshops, and distribution of aid kits. About my YCCI Internship My time at the YCCI internship was an opportunity that completely changed my life. To have the chance to listen to numerous doctors and clinical researchers that were part of the Yale faculty was a feature of the program that I will never forget. All of the presenters were extremely informative, and I learned so much within a span of just 4 weeks, playing a significant role in impacting my career choice. Additionally, I had an amazing time working on a project that focused on educating children and adolescents about research. From creating a story book to reaching out to teenagers through social media posts, I was able to learn a lot by contributing to this incredible project that would inspire our future generations. Not only this, but I was able to meet so many amazing people and make connections that would last a lifetime; I am truly so grateful and blessed to have been part of this YCCI internship. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship Participating in a YCCI internship will open so many doors that you never even knew existed beforehand. The accomplished individuals that come to present, the connections you will make with other interns, and the time that you will have working on meaningful projects are opportunities that don’t come easy. It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in clinical research or not, YCCI will impact you and will inspire you to do more than you could’ve ever imagined. My time here is something I will never forget, and so I encourage you to feel exactly what I felt by applying to a YCCI internship.

I am a senior at Francis Lewis High School in Queens, New York. I am interested in ways to improve the field of healthcare with technology as well as diversifying the field. At school, I am involved in the Science Research Academy, where I have completed projects including The Effect of Fish Oil on Planarian Regeneration and The Effect of Fish Oil on Planarian Memory, Learning, and Regenerative Abilities on Navigation through a Maze. I have also worked on coding courses through Girls Who Code to delve deeper in my interest of developing technology and how it can be involved in healthcare by working on coding projects with real-world implications. Along with my strong passion for STEM, I deeply enjoy my hobbies of dancing and listening to music to increase Asian representation in the arts. Going forward, I hope to gain more exposure to various areas of the field of healthcare while addressing gaps in diversity and equity. About my YCCI Internship The YCCI Internship is an unforgettable experience. I was able to learn from an inspirational multidisciplinary team of amazing scientists on the topics of clinical research, equity in healthcare, the rise of technology in healthcare, and recruitment in clinical trials. All of the seminars we received positively altered my outlook on the field of healthcare and most definitely increased my motivations to become more involved in the field. Being engaged in a project with fellow interns and Yale faculty is a part of the program that I will forever take away, and I will never forget the rush of excitement I got when my group and I presented our proposal on recruitment in clinical trials. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship You should most certainly apply to this program! Even if you have a slight, or no interest at all in the healthcare field, it is a great way to gain insight on different areas of healthcare, and it is inspiring to see how others are making a change in our community. You also get to bring your ideas to the table and pursue it with other interns that are just as ambitious and enthusiastic as you. Don't wait for this opportunity to pass you by, apply now! :)

Karo Doro is an undergraduate from Alberta, Canada, double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. As a research assistant, she conducts research across various specialties for Harvard University, the University of Toronto, and her home institution (the University of Lethbridge), with a specialized focus on Neuroimaging & Immunohistochemistry, and Alzheimer’s preclinical testing on transgenic mice, earning her twenty thousand dollars in research grants this summer. As an advocate for the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM related fields, she has had the opportunity to present at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where her solutions on Gender Equality placed 2nd overall and has competed in the iGEM synthetic biology Grand Jamboree in Paris. As an activist, her research and advocacy maintain synonymity through her work as Working Group Chair for the Federation of Black Canadians, her non-profit which provides an educational tool aimed to eliminate the ostracization of women in relation to menstrual stigmatization, and influences in the research labs of Dr. Louise Barrett and Dr. Robbin Gibb that continue to have a significant impact in her pursuits for a medical career while addressing health, gender, and racial inequity. About my YCCI Internship This internship was an immersive experience beyond words. There were so many aspects from the speakers to former interns which played a pivotal role in grasping the goal of the internship to its full extent. Through over forty speakers and experts within their fields, each day was seamless and built upon each other in a way that exposed the extensive career paths within clinical research from informatics to clinical trials, and much more. There was something for everybody. Most pertinently, a large aspect within this internship spoke in part to the tremendous work the Cultural Ambassadors do within the YCCI, not only highlighting the importance of community involvement within research, but the significance in closing the gap in health disparities of minorities. It was such a privilege to share a space with individuals at the forefront of many globally impacted medical research, and even more so ones who saw healthcare beyond a one-dimensional scope. This has most definitely changed the trajectory of my career, and I am beyond ecstatic for what will come next through this experience. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship Regardless of where you are academically, professionally, or geographically, do not discount yourself from opportunities such as these. Take that plunge and continue working for the career you want and the impact you want to make, you will be glad you did. I know I was. Remain deliberate in your passions and others will see it too. Good luck!

Hello, my name is Oluwafehintimi Dottin and I'm a rising senior at Columbia High School in New Jersey.Before starting this internship, I had done research in biotechnology which led to a publication, while also doing research in computational neuroscience. About my YCCI Internship This was my first time ever doing an internship in clinical research and I absolutely loved it. I learned so much and will forever treasure all of the knowledge I gained during this program. All of the presenters were absolutely amazing and I have never been more inspired in my life to go into healthcare.I also got to work with an excellent group of interns to explain clinical trials in a simplistic way to young children with cancer. We designed a storybook! I'm so excited about the storybook and all it has to offer in the future and I can't wait to see it reach its full potential! This was an amazing opportunity and I would do it over and over again. I now can't wait to take my next steps with the knowledge that I gained from this program! For Students Considering a YCCI Internship This program is an amazing program! Half of the time you will get to listen to presenters who are drenched in accomplishments but yet they are all so humble and kind! You can ask any questions and they are so happy to answer them! You learn so much from just hearing them speak and sharing their experiences!! You also will get to work on a group project with several other interns and get to build lifetime bonds while creating projects that will have a big impact in the future. This program is what you make of it. If you listen and do the work you will get all of the reward and you will love it. Participate and most importantly have fun with it because this internship only lasts for so long. I hope you have a great journey and wherever it takes you just try and apply to YCCI.

I am a junior at Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School in Nashville, Tennessee. I am currently the Tennessee Technology Student Association State Reporter, and I will be taking part in many health and technology-based programs and extracurriculars this year. I am also researching opportunities to strengthen my passion for healthcare, neuroscience, and technology, and I will be carrying out a lab-based research project through The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt. About my YCCI Internship I was happy to take part in the internship, as I believe it gave me opportunities that I would not obtain anywhere else. I was happy to work with bright minds from across the world and to hear from many esteemed professionals working in areas relating to clinical research. The program allowed me to combine my love for healthcare and technology through the development of a project proposal regarding improving MyChart messages relating to research study recruitment. The program also taught me more about the world of clinical research and how interdisciplinary it is. It strengthened my passion for mitigating health disparities through learning of the misrepresentation in research studies and its effect on certain populations. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship I feel like this program is very beneficial, and it will open up people’s eyes when it comes to how critical clinical research is for the world we live in today. I have gained the ability to make a positive impact in the field by carrying out an interdisciplinary project that related to my interests of healthcare and technology. There are many other projects available to those who are interested in other fields, and they all also have the ability to make a strong impact on the people that those projects reach. The program has given unique opportunities and has definitely strengthened my passion for healthcare and technology, and it has given me a strong network of bright people that I can always reach out to. I am honestly very grateful for this amazing opportunity.

Neal Fernandes is a Junior at Lambert High School in Suwanee, GA. He is currently enrolled in the healthcare phlebotomy pathway. Outside of school, Neal serves as a Georgia HOSA State Officer and medical intern. He enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering at blood drives, local events, and senior living facilities. Additionally, Neal is the co-president of a local organization that provides educational opportunities to students with special needs. He plans to pursue a career in neuroscience where he hopes to advance treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases. About my YCCI Internship I had a wonderful experience as a YCCI intern. The YCCI internship was extremely beneficial and helped me learn more about clinical trials, a field of medicine I previously knew very little about. I gained valuable knowledge about the medical field by interacting with leaders in various careers. Furthermore, I had a great time working with other interns on our group project and final presentation. Overall, the internship was very beneficial and allowed me to work with determined individuals from around the world. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship I highly recommend applying for the YCCI internship. Regardless of what field you want to pursue, you will gain so much valuable experience from this internship. You will be able to ask questions and discuss your interests with leaders in the medical field. The internship is packed with exciting and informational activities from start to finish!

Kendyll is a junior at Raymore-Peculiar High School in Missouri. Kendyll has an interest in Clinical Research and Public Health. She wants to make a difference in the world by helping others from underrepresented backgrounds reach health equity across the country and beyond. She also wants to uplift African American Researchers in the country to show how they are important to the research industry. Kendyll is a part of her school's Drumline as a snare drum player. She is also part of her school's National Honor Society and Student Leadership Team. She has been a volunteer for Special Olympics for 3+ years. She is part of her local hospital's Advisory Board and Youth Research Advisory Board. About my YCCI Internship YCCI has impacted me in so many ways, such as my knowledge about the field of Clinical Research. This knowledge allowed me to dig deeper into my interests. My favorite days were when I met Dr.Nunez-Smith and Dr.Calhoun. I was really inspired by their work and how their accomplishments led to positive impacts on the healthcare industry. Their accomplishments were the ones that I wanted to make in the future and I connected with them showing how they are my inspiration. This program also helped me with my social anxiety and meeting other people from different places around the world. This program also gives me more self-confidence in myself and my future endeavors. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship APPLY! I didn't have high hopes of getting accepted into the program because Yale is one of the best schools in the country. When I got the letter saying I was accepted I was freaking out because of how proud I was of myself. The results will surprise you when you apply. Also, don't be afraid to speak up when you want to say something. When I would ask a question I felt like I was getting judged, but I was actually seen as someone who is passionate about their interests. No one is going to judge you for a question or comment that you make.

I'm currently a rising senior at Model Laboratory School in Richmond, Kentucky. At school, I founded and am currently the president of the first medical-related club. There, I sought to create student collaboration and creation, and increase the exposure of club members to the various fields in medicine. Alongside my passion for medicine, I have a passion for writing and literature, which I have incorporated in my academics through being a member of my school's newspaper as the Head of Graphic Design and having my personal column. I have also won an NCTE First Class Achievement Award in Writing, and hope to continue bridging the gap in my two passions of medicine and writing throughout my academic journey. About my YCCI Internship The YCCI internship changed my point of view on research as a whole, and exposed me to the various aspects of research, such as the data associated with it, drug development, trials, the recruiting of subjects, bioinformatics, data science, etc. The internship allowed me to realize that research is multifaceted. Not only did the speakers throughout the program teach us interns through the lens of science--they advised us on our careers and lives, which added a great deal of value to the internship. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship Regardless of how you think of yourself, give yourself the chance by applying. Be yourself, be unique, and let your passion speak for you. Enter the sessions eager to learn, and keep your ears open for the advice given to you from people who are leaders in their fields.

My name is Aryan Jeena and I am a rising senior from Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey. I am interested in data science and statistics, and in the future I am looking to work with Artificial Intelligence and become a pioneer in the field. Currently, I am specifically interested in the interactions and correlations between data science and healthcare. I have been involved in research at an internship with an aviation company where I identified gaps and process improvement opportunities in parts of the inventory management system. I also designed and developed an extension to the inventory management system using Python, which calculated the miscellaneous cost and produced a report detailing the total cost of a project using data analytics. In school, I have developed my leadership skills through being the Founder of the ACSL Team as President of the Computer Club, Captain of the Math League team, President of Spanish Club, President of Astronomy Club, and Vice President of Investment Club. Some of my awards and accolades include placing 1st out of 719 students nationally in a math league competition, the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy, the Rensselaer Medal, the University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology, finals qualification for the ACSL, and AP Scholar with Distinction. In my free time I like to swim for my schools varsity team and take part in choir for which I have sung in the All Regional, All State, and All Eastern Choirs. About my YCCI Internship My YCCI internship experience was one that I will treasure throughout my life and never truly forget. Throughout the four weeks, my eyes were opened to the field of clinical research, an area I had not really considered or dove into before. From deeply experienced professionals to focused and reliable peers, I was able to meet a lot of people who have made an impact on my life. The extensive knowledge I gained was astounding and I was able to successfully integrate it into my group's project, which I hope will continue to be worked on and hopefully implemented in the future. Overall, the experience was life-changing and I am glad I was able to make an impact with the YCCI. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship The program offers interns an excellent chance to engage with mentors and peers from diverse backgrounds, while also providing a variety of opportunities aligned with their individual interests. This experience is one to remember, so make sure to make the most out of it! Make connections, stay focused, and enjoy! Even if you have no prior experience in research or the medical field, don't hesitate to apply, you definitely won't regret it.

I am a rising Junior who is looking to pursue a career in the medical field. I have recently started my own Red Cross Club at my school and have taken lead as President of Amnesty International, an advocacy club at my school. I have also earned the position as Vice President of HOSA, a club for pre-med students, to deepen my interest in the medical field. I volunteer at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut to serve the healthcare workers in my community. In the next year, I plan to become a certified nursing assistant through my school and work as a CNA in my community. About my YCCI Internship The YCCI internship was one of the most interesting opportunities I have pursued. I truly value the opportunity to meet and talk with such inspirational and successful individuals. Through this internship, I was introduced to the clinical aspect of the medical field. I really enjoyed learning about the clinical trial process and hearing from experts in the field. I hope to continue my relationship with YCCI and pursue other internships like this! For Students Considering a YCCI Internship For new interns, I suggest that you take notes on every presenter you hear from and fully take in the valuable information. Additionally, be sure to make friends and create strong connections within the Yale community.

Irene Jung is a rising junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL and has aspirations in pursuing an impactful career in the medical field, particularly within women's health. Irene’s passion for conducting research stems from her curiosity in medicine and gender studies, allowing her to grow in knowledge of and respect for women whose medical accomplishments are often overlooked. Her research experience ranges from competing in state science fairs to writing articles on underrepresented and unknown women for exposure organizations. Irene strives for communal impact through her work in substance use prevention as a member of the Illinois Prevention First Student Advisory Board and as the Member Engagement director at her school’s Catalyst Club (a youth substance prevention group). She is also an active leader, holding positions in clubs such as Future Doctors of America. As a violinist, a paramount aspect of Irene’s life is music. She is a part of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and accompanies local church choirs weekly. About my YCCI Internship Throughout my time as a YCCI intern, I was able to immerse myself in a learning experience that guided students towards the world of clinical research and its lasting impact. Alongside renowned professionals, nurturing leaders, and motivated peers, I was able to understand the significance of clinical trials and how it has changed the course of medicine throughout history. Having the opportunity to hear the personal testimonies of various community leaders and professionals in research, I was able to understand how "it takes a village to..." make medical breakthroughs possible! With this newfound wisdom, fellow interns and I were able to delve into various group projects. For me, I was assigned to the "Help Us Discover" project, where our group strived to stimulate participation in clinical trials with an all-in-one resource called, the Big Brown Box of Clinical Creations. We hoped to target a diverse demographic with a plethora of activities and resources such as social media outreach, board games, podcast, and brochure. Working with my group was a pleasure and I enjoyed getting to know my leaders and group members better. YCCI refined my abilities in critical and creative thinking, leadership, collaboration, and hard work. This internship truly was a supplemental experience towards connecting myself closer to medicine. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship For those of you who are on the edge about being part of this internship, apply! You never know what opportunities lie ahead for you, so without a doubt, try it out. If you are a driven and motivated student, you will meet like-minded peers and leaders through this program. One of my favorite parts about this internship was meeting students from all over the world and being part of such a diverse, yet connected community. I highly recommend taking notes for each speaker and asking any (and every) question you have. Vocalize and clearly express your understanding, confusion, excitement, gratitude, etc. and don't hold yourself back because of doubt. YCCI offers a welcoming environment and allows you to present your ideas and thoughts openly! I also strongly suggest you to make an effort in building a relationship with peers and leaders. The community that YCCI provides is something you don't want to miss! Overall, just put yourself out there, from when your applying until your an official YCCI intern. Embrace the opportunities that come your way!

Kamya Keerthivasan is a rising junior at Pomperaug High School in Southbury, CT. Kamya has a strong interest in medicine and science. Additionally, she is the Co-Captain of her school's debate team and is the founder of the school club - "Supporting Senior Citizens". Kamya is passionate about giving back to her community through various volunteer events conducted through her School, Scouting Troop, and Religious Worship. Recently, Kamya achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by completing the Girls for Girls project, helping 250 girls and women in poverty-stricken countries by making reusable feminine hygiene pads. Kamya is also an executive at Teens Tutor Teens, a non-profit organization that offers free online tutoring for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. She also loves dancing and music, as she has been learning the Indian Classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, since the age of 4. About my YCCI Internship My experience as a YCCI intern was something I will always cherish. There were various informative presentations that I learned valuable information from. Meeting various professionals and asking them questions taught me about their lives and the different career options ahead of us. Working with my fellow interns on a research project was certainly a highlight of the summer. By collaborating and interacting with each other, we were able to come up with detailed proposals for the MyChart messaging system that will hopefully become something bigger in the future. During this internship, I met like-minded individuals that I still keep in touch with. I also loved interacting with all the staff members as they brought energy into the meetings every morning and treated us all with generosity and respect. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship If you're thinking of applying to the YCCI Internship, I would say do it! This internship opens up various pathways to different fields that you may have never known existed. The experience is so interactive and engaging that every day, you will leave with something new. You will also get to interact with various professionals from different fields and ask them questions about anything that interests you. So, if you are considering applying, see it through as it will give you an experience that you will never forget.

I am a rising junior at Farmington High School in Connecticut, and my passion lies in STEM research. Currently, I hold roles as a blog writer and intern manager at STEM-E, a non-profit organization, where I received the gold-level President’s Volunteer Service Award for my dedicated contributions. Beyond research, I strongly believe that making knowledge accessible is paramount for everyone. In my role as Manager & Outreach head at For Every Child an Education, I am dedicated to creating educational resources for underprivileged students, fostering connections with teacher trainees, and tailoring curricula to meet their specific needs. Moreover, I am fueling my enthusiasm for learning and teaching by working on my first picture book, aiming to nurture children's mental health and break the stigma surrounding it. I am committed to making education and research inclusive and impactful for all. About my YCCI Internship My experience at YCCI was truly incredible and unlike any other! The wealth of new knowledge I gained during those four weeks was unparalleled. Engaging in conversations with world-renowned experts from various fields gave me a profound insight into the world of clinical and translational research.this YCCI internship provided more than just an opportunity to learn from experts in medicine, informatics, and pharmaceuticals; it allowed me to become a part of a community that is actively shaping healthcare and research. Additionally, working alongside fellow interns and the incredibly kind YCCI team we contributed our unique perspectives and innovative solutions to make research more accessible and engaging for adolescents and children. I enjoyed every day of it. For Students Considering a YCCI Internship Make sure to enter the program open-minded and ready to take notes! I continue to refer back to my notes even today. An opportunity like YCCI is an invaluable experience. You will not regret it.