Name: Amanpreet Aujla

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: John Hopkins Center for Learning and Health

Position Title: Research Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences

Expected Graduation Year: 2017

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

I worked at the Johns Hopkins Center for Learning and Health. It is a treatment research unit dedicated to providing and evaluating behavioral interventions that address problems of drug addiction, poverty, and unemployment. My fellow team members and I looked for participants in drug detox facilities who have had drug addiction problems. We provided these participants with medication to help block the effects of drugs but more specifically heroin. Additionally, I gave them jobs skills training including mathematical and reading skills and in addition provided them with income. However, if it is seen that they are using drugs while on the medication, the income is taken away. Therefore, these incentives are used to help participants stay abstinent. I recorded assessments of the participants to see progress. Furthermore, I looked at urine results and saw how many times drugs are used and additionally, blood tests are taken. I also made a video to showcase our research study  in order to gain more participants to join our study.

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

I found this internship through UMBC. I got my resume reviewed through an adviser and started applying on the jobs page. I got called into an interview in a couple weeks after sending in my resume. 

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

I enjoyed making a difference in people's lives. Working with people who come from difficult backgrounds and have drug addictions, my ultimate goal was to help them get jobs and stay drug free. Getting to know each of my participants and working with a great team of researchers, I learned a lot about research and how everyone is so diverse. Seeing the participants grow as people, and noting how they worked so hard to get jobs made me happy and helped me realize that anyone has the potential to go forward. 

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

I believe I made an impact by creating a video that will now be used every time the researchers go out and look for participants rather than the staff presenting with a piece of paper. I also learned a lot about the participants and helped them obtain jobs. Furthermore, I helped with projects and assisted researchers with various tasks that helped me get a better understanding of how complicated research can be. 

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

I would say that UMBC is a great portal to obtain a job. Getting my resume reviewed helped me the most when it came to getting this internship. If it wasn't for the Umbcworks page, I would have never had this amazing opportunity. I also recommend that other students get in contact with faculty and try to get research with them. Every step counts and it is important to get started early so you are always ahead of the game. 

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