| To read about the 2002 interns and their internships, please scroll down.
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Nubrya Chowdhury (’03) is a Psychology major who is also pre-med. Nubrya spent her summer interning at the Office of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. Nubrya conducted research, sat in on focus groups, and gained insight into health issues and their impact on women. The Office of Women’s Health coordinates women’s health issues across the agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and works to rectify inequities in research, healthcare services and education that have traditionally placed the health of women at risk. Among its current priorities, the Office of Women’s Health is committed to issues such as eating disorders, obesity, violence among the elderly, and safe motherhood. |
The Office of Women’s Health coordinates women’s health issues across the agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and works to rectify inequities in research, healthcare services and education that have traditionally placed the health of women at risk. Among its current priorities, the Office of Women’s Health is committed to issues such as eating disorders, obesity, violence among the elderly, and safe motherhood. During her internship, Nubrya worked closely with one of her supervisors, a pediatrician, to gather information on obesity. She then helped to create a tool kit on healthy lifestyles, with an obesity folder geared towards teens. She also conducted surveys with women 40 and older in the African American community to learn more about what information should be made available to them about Heart Disease. |
Nubrya explained: “From these small projects I have learned that
it is very important for young teens to learn how to live healthy because
this will shape their future lifestyle.Working on a prevention method
rather than treatment, is a great way to educate others about health
issues.” In addition to office projects, Nubrya visited school
nurses in the DC area and sat in on focus groups regarding obesity.
She also visited a free clinic and saw first hand how the economically
disadvantaged receive poor healthcare. One of the things that Nubrya
enjoyed most about her internship was the opportunity to work on different
projects and the experience and knowledge she gained from working on
them directly with both health care professionals and the general population.
The internship gave Nubrya the opportunity to witness various aspects
of the health system as well as the medical profession and served as
a great introduction. We look forward to seeing the full effects of
these experiences down the line when Dr. Nubrya Chowdhury emerges. |
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Joy Kang (’04) is a pre-med and Honors Student majoring in Biology. This past summer, Joy interned at the People for the American Way, a non-for-profit organization founded in 1980, to promote democracy and the rights of the Unites States Constitution. People for the American Way is committed to issues such as voting rights; equal rights for gay and lesbians, and issues related to public schools. |
During
her internship, Joy worked closely with the head of the education department
and the vice president of the organization. She assisted on projects
that examined the education budgets for California, Illinois and Iowa
and helped to organize a conference on the voucher decision. Joy conducted
educational research specifically on virtual charter and community schools.
Joy and her supervisor used the information she gathered to revise an
outline for cyber charter schools. Joy explained: “Research requires
focus, patience, and perseverance.” Through both her research
and attendance at a variety of focused meetings, she gained a broader
understanding of educational research and it’s relationship to
politics. Joy added: “ The main rewards of doing research are
first when you finally get all of your research together; then when
your information is used to impact major issues. |
I
felt proud of myself for conquering such a large amount of material.”
One of the things that Joy enjoyed most about her experience was the
opportunity to overcome her fear of doing new things. Joy worked on
issues that were not related to her science major. She also got to meet
new people and encounter dorm life in Washington, D.C. Joy said: “
The world is much bigger and more complicated than I used to think.
I realize now that I need to know more!” Joy was truly grateful
for the chance to grow experience and feels that this experience will
ultimately assist her in accomplishing her goals and setting new ones.
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Kris Riddle (’03) is a Political Science major who plans to pursue an advanced degree in domestic, urban or foreign policy. Kris Prior to the internship, Kris admitted to not being interested in the day-to-day operations of government and somewhat hesitant about working in Congress. Early on, however, Kris found himself delighted with the outcome and very involved in the work of Major Owens’ office. He states, “ I was given substantive assignments that tested responsibility and the ability to meet deadlines.” Kris compiled research on foreign affairs, defense and on environmental issues. |
One of Kris’ most memorable experiences was being asked to write an introduction to the Congressman’s speech regarding the importance of education within the war against terrorism. With very little time to spare, Kris put together a two-page introduction, which the Congressmen read from the House Floor on C-Span. Kris also drafted a bill on behalf of the Bureau of Prisons’ officers. This bill gave federal prison guards the right to carry arms off duty. Another highlight of the summer for Kris was attending a speech given by Secretary of State and CCNY alumni, Colin Powell. Kris’ other responsibilities included watching the news, reading The New York Times and taking constituents on tours of the White House. In reviewing his summer experience, Kris has commented “I am considering spending some time in Congress after graduation. I am thinking about some options that I did not think would interest me before such as graduate or law school.” Kris is maintaining his contacts with staff as well as fellow interns. |
interned at the Washington office of New York Congressmen Major Owens’s. The topics he worked on were foreign policy, immigration and homeland security. Kris’s assignments ranged from attending hearings, to research, to writing briefs, and drafting resolutions. He even assisted with writing floor statements for Congressman Owens. |
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Tamara Toles (’03) is a Political Science major with interests in environmental activism and law. Tamara who aspires to become an environmental lawyer, interned at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, where she helped develop an education module for federal agencies on the history of government-to-government relations between the U.S. and Indian Nations. |
The Advisory Council is an independent federal agency that advises Congress and the President on historical properties and cultural resource management and serves as a liaison between the public and government on issues regarding protection. Tamara worked primarily with the Native American coordinator who works closely with Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. Tamara learned how to negotiate a middle ground between developers and Indigenous people who are opposed to development of their sacred land. Tamara attended a hearing in which the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs challenged various branches of the government regarding their failure to protect Native American resources. These opportunities, Tamara explained “ made me particularly knowledgeable about our government’s policy.” |
She
later presented the material gathered during this hearing, to an inter-governmental
task force, headed by the Department of Environmental Justice. Tamara
was a woman in demand this summer. She was asked by several supervisors
to assist on a variety of different projects. This gave her the chance
to network and meet with people with whom she could discuss her career
goals as well as policy issues. In reviewing her summer, Tamara said,
“I gained much insight into my future career as well as a better
understanding of environmental law. I learned that there are many ways
to get to the career you want and not to be afraid to take detours.
I also learned to trust my instincts and remain flexible.” |
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Kabir Amir (’04) had his first experience with a governmental agency this past summer at the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency. Kabir is an Economics major who is interested in financial economics and international trade. Kabir interned in the Biological and Economic Analysis Division where he gained insight in the process of policy making. |
Kabir
worked closely with a senior biologist and economist in the Office of
Pesticides and assisted on a project known as “ The Phase Out
of Methyl Bromide 2005”. Methyl Bromide is a pesticide used by
farmers that invades the atmosphere and eventually has harmful effects
on the ozone layer. Kabir reviewed the cost and benefit analysis of
farmers that use this chemical and other alternatives that are less
harmful. Kabir states, |
In
addition to attending workshops and office assignments, Kabir enjoyed
the social aspects of Washington, D.C. He highlights his visits to the
museums, National Mall, and free concerts at the MCI center. Kabir said
“By interacting with different individuals throughout the summer,
discussing their accomplishments and their passion for their work, I
better understand what I would like to do in the future.” |
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Rafael
San is a Computer Science major and very interested in the role
technology plays in politics. Rafael was given the opportunity to experience
this firsthand through his internship at the National Urban League.
The National Urban League was established in 1910 with
the mission of enabling African-Americans to secure economic self-reliance,
to achieve parity and power, and to protect civil rights.
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Rafael’s computer science background was very useful in understanding statistical software, which he later used to assist senior researchers find data to write their reports. Rafael assisted on gathering data for a report on Prison Re-entry. The report was used to show how the government could help inmates to re-enter society and survive on their own. This project was very interesting to Rafael and will be the topic of his semester research paper. Rafael admits that prior to going to Washington he was very shy. Recognizing his own personal growth during the summer, Rafael said: “From this experience, I learned to become more social and to not be afraid of speaking my mind. |
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Starting his academic career at CCNY as an Engineering major, Ye Zhou (’03) soon decided that his real interest layed elsewhere. Ye is currently an Honors Student pursuing a degree in International Studies and/or Economics, and he interned this past summer at New York Congressman Elliot Engel’s office. |
Ye started his internship one week before Congress was in session. This gave Ye the opportunity to familiarize himself with the office and get a head start on summer projects. Along with office assignments, Ye attended congressional hearings on nuclear proliferation by Russia and China and on refugee policy. Ye worked with legislative assistants to write summaries of these hearings. He admits: “It was quite a challenge to summarize the hearings into a one page report but, with the support of the assistants, I eventually learned how to write a concise summary.” |
During the summer, Ye had the pleasure of meeting Secretary of State, Colin Powell. Ye said, “ I was so proud of him and the fact that he was a CCNY alum.” Another highlight was meeting Senator Hillary Clinton. Ye enjoyed the special benefits that came with being a congressional intern such as receiving “free stuff” and attending the many day-to-day events specifically for interns. Ye also commented: “ I learned a lot about the political system works. Not only did I witness democracy at work, but I actually took part in making it happen.” |
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Christina Spain (’03) is a Geology major interested in pursuing an advanced degree in environmental studies. Christina interned at the Environmental Protection Agency in the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. This division of the EPA protects public health by ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water. It oversees the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the national law safeguarding tap water in the U.S. ” |
Christina spent her first few weeks learning about drinking water, The Ground Water Rule, and various federal, state and local programs that manage potential health risks. Christina was responsible for drafting a pocket-sized version of the Comprehensive Performance Evaluation Guide, used for inspecting water treatment plants. Christina stated, “Although, formulating this draft was a tedious job and required a lot of reading, I understood the importance of the project. My work was going to be submitted to the federal government! |
In addition to working on her CPE project, Christina attended various meetings and gave weekly progress reports to her supervisors. Christina highlights the time when Kevin Foster, CCNY professor, came to D.C. and attended one of her weekly meetings with her supervisor. Christina admits, “I had anxiety about the meeting and was relieved when it was over. I explained my topic well enough for Professor Foster to understand the technical work I was doing.” Through this internship, Christina has also learned about career opportunities at the EPA for postgraduates. In reviewing her summer, Christina said, “ I had a wonderful time working for the EPA and I was sad when I had to leave.” |
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Assyatou Sow (’03) is an International Studies major who plans to pursue an advanced degree in International Relations. Assyatou interned with the Constituency of Africa. The Constituency for Africa focuses on mobilizing cooperation among a broad-based coalition of American, African, and International organizations committed to the progress and empowerment of Africa. During the summer, the CFA was preparing a conference to be held in Senegal and Ghana regarding the revision of the African Growth Opportunity Act. |
During her internship, Assyatou worked closely with CFA’s trade coordinator to gather data on CFA’s African Trade and Investment Policy. With this information they were able to put together packages on trade information design. She also worked with her co-workers to coordinate CFA meetings with African ambassadors and economic counselors. Assyatou said, “ I was able to gain insight on the significant challenges impacting the United States/ and African foreign policy.” In addition to research, Assyatou visited embassies, attended meetings and various governmental agencies in Washington. Because of her French background, Assyatou was asked to translate materials and contact French speaking officials. Assyatou enjoyed her internship immensely. Admitting that it was challenging to work closely with interns from a variety of backgrounds, she states, “ I learned how to be a diplomat and that everyone has the right to have different opinions. I also need to listen to other points of view because I might learn something new.” |
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