Name: Heather Pressler

Where did you do your F/ASIP internship?

Lankenau Institute for Medical Research in Wynnewood, PA.

Created a genetherapy method to kill ovarian cancer.

What different search strategies did you use to find your internship?

I used Monstertrak, emailed professors, and eventually found this internship in a monthly F/ASIP email.

What made you decide to work there?

The project was interesting and, since it was my first biology research experience, I thought I would gain many new and useful skills from this opportunity.

What was the "coolest" thing tabout your internship?

The research project and learning to live on my own. It was the first time I had to figure out how to rent an apartment and live in a new city (Philadelphia). In addition, my project was very rewarding.

Unlike many starting summer student positions, I worked from start to finish and created an ovarian cancer genetherapy vector while learning essential biology research skills.

Do you have any advice for future F/ASIP students?

Definitely look for good project descriptions and interview with your potential boss. Ideally you want a position that will let you learn lots of new skills while working on a project with aims that can be completed in a short time. Its also important to feel like you would fit with that boss or working environment.

In my own words...

"Currently, I'm a graduate student at NCI and Johns Hopkins doing prostate cancer research for my thesis. My first internship helped shaped what I expected from future research mentors and projects. With a little luck and lots of hard work, I've had nothing but amazing research experiences since. A good foundation is necessary for a long, rewarding career!"