Name: Danielle Haskin

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: McNair Scholars Fellowship

Position Title: Primary Investigator/ Researcher

Major(s)/Minor(s): Emergency Health Services/ Sociology 

Expected Graduation Year: May 2016

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

Since this is the first research project I have done, I am learning everything from scratch. Being the primary investigator, I am in charge of the entire study with the support of my mentor, Dr. Rick Bissell. I was required to secure an avenue to disperse my surveys, maintain contact with people to find events to meet patients, write an extensive research report, and present my findings at multiple research conferences among other tasks that were required to ensure a well executed study. 

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

I was walking through the halls and noticed a signup sheet for the McNair Scholars program.  I had decided to attend UMBC because of its highlight on undergraduate research but was not sure on how to begin the process, so when I read up on the program, I thought McNair may be a good starting point. I was later contacted to complete the application process by the graduate research assistant and statistician for the McNair program. The program requires for you to develop a research proposal and submit it for a competitive position in the summer research institute.   

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

Being a first generation college student there were academic questions I had and no ideas where to get answers. The McNair Scholars program has allowed me to develop a research proposal, conduct the research, and write a publishable paper all with the support of those who have previously gone through the same process. I was awarded a Fellowship through the Summer Research Institute, SRI, that mimicked a graduate fellowship process. This SRI provided room and board along with a stipend to conduct my research over the summer. I also received graduate school preparation and incentives such as a GRE prep course, GRE exam waivers, and application fee waivers when I apply to graduate schools. Having preparation for the next step in my education has been wonderful!

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

I am conducting research in order to gauge the receptiveness of an adult diabetic population to a community paramedicine, or similar community based healthcare service. The information I gather should support the research that has been ongoing by various community based health care personnel. I am filling gaps that are currently in the literature since this is still an emerging topic. This program aims to help populations that are underserved by traditional health care programs. I have worked in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association throughout this project and hope to continue to help the community through education and support. 

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

Get involved early! If you have the slightest idea you may want to work on a project talk with your adviser or a professor that may be able to help you find a project. You don’t have to begin by developing your own research either. There are constantly projects that professors or graduate students are working on that may need your help. If you determine that you like it, joining a program such as McNair Scholars really is the best route because they allow you to fully develop, plan and conduct your research. Also looking into the Undergraduate Research Award or presenting at URCAD is something you should keep in your mind. The experience really is priceless!

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

This research project has required that I get out of my comfort zone and move onto the next step in both my education and career. I am involved in projects that I didn't previously think I had the experience for all because of the connections I have made through my research. 

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