1 program; 14 summers; 114 lives forever enriched
The summer of 2014 turned the 14th class of SPS interns from strangers into fast friends, from students into working professionals, and from DC tourists into local experts. As their internships drew to a close, they presented to an audience of 75 colleagues their summer’s work from a wide range of positions at NIST, NASA Goddard, AIP’s Center for History of Physics, APS, AAPT, SPS, and in two offices on Capitol Hill. More importantly, several noted how their experiences impacted them in their journey to become scientists. Here are some excerpts of their final reflections, available on the SPS website.
“Before this summer, my study of physics was defined solely by classes and research. I now understand more than ever the formative and binding relationships that drive the science I so dearly enjoy.” -Simon Patane
“My work renewed my passion for experimental physics, and the skills I’ve learned this summer will empower me throughout my career.” -Kirsten Randle
“Looking back on the summer, I still can’t believe it’s over. Honestly, I’m still amazed it happened in the first place. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, and the things I’ve done are unlike everything I’ve ever encountered in my life before.” -Nick Durofchalk
After 14 summers, 114 students now wear the badge of Former SPS Intern proudly. Two prior interns are current AIP employees, SPS programs assistant Courtney Lemon (intern class of 2011; BS Cal Poly Pomona), and physics programs associate Joe York (intern class of 2004; BS Wittenberg University, PhD Georgetown University).
