Because Reading Is Fundamental

Welcome back to the Student Success Center Newsletter! In this edition, we are excited to revive the Student Spotlight feature, to give you a peek at some of the amazing things our Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences majors are doing in their undergraduate programs. We hope you are as inspired as we are by undergraduate researcher and McNair Scholar Noelia Rodriguez. Notice that Noelia says she got involved in her research program by “reading all the mass emails.” If you are interested in an opportunity, follow that click–you never know where it will lead!

For questions or to submit material for the next SSC newsletter, please contact us at ssc@ou.edu. We love to hear from you!

Student Spotlight

~ Meet Noelia Rodriguez ~

Noelia is a junior communication major, minoring in human relations and expected to graduate in spring of 2023. She is looking forward to attending graduate school and working with underrepresented minority students in higher education. She is from Ardmore, Oklahoma and the proud daughter of immigrant parents. Along with being involved with the McNair Scholars program, she is also a DFCAS Withrow Leadership Scholar, a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. and she works in the OU Office of Student Life. At the 2022 University of Maryland McNair Research Conference, she was able to preview ongoing research: How Cultural Upbringing Affects the College Experience: The Case of First-Generation, Mexican American Students. Under the guidance of Ioana Cionea, Ph.D., she has been able to further examine and understand the influences that culture have on the collegiate experience.

How did you learn about these undergraduate research opportunities?

By reading all of the mass emails, word of mouth and the support of Scott Cady at the Project Threshold office, I was able to learn about the amazing opportunities that the Ronald E. McNair Scholars program has to offer. Having no prior research knowledge, Sophia Bolin-Dills, Ph.D., the program director, allowed me to ask any and all questions before accepting my place within the cohort and talk through the research ideas I had already formulated.

You are a member of the McNair Scholars Program at OU. Can you explain a little bit about what that is and what it has meant for you?

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRiO program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies. McNair provides guidance and mentorship to students who come from underrepresented backgrounds (first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential.)

As a first-generation student and daughter of immigrant parents, obtaining a bachelor's degree is statistically not very common. McNair has allowed me to create a different narrative and dream bigger about what I would like to do post-undergrad. For example, the unwavering support I receive daily from my research mentor, Ioana Cionea, Ph.D., McNair director Sophia Bolin-Dills, Ph.D., and McNair graduate assistant Karis Wilson, M.A. They have provided me with invaluable guidance, constant support throughout my current project and encourage me to continue making professional connections wherever I go.

Right now, my research interests are centered around cultural upbringing, inequality, collectivistic cultures and interpersonal relationships – I am very excited to finish up what I am working on now and look forward to what is next!

What advice do you have for other students who are interested in doing undergraduate research?

It can be so scary to put yourself out there and do something as intimidating as research– all of the terms, data collection and (the worst) writing an annotated bibliography... But it is so worth it! I think the best thing about beginning research at an undergraduate level is that your mentors understand that this is probably the first project you have ever worked on and are genuinely excited to walk you through the process. This is the time to try and ask questions! Who knows, you might discover something amazing, learn more about yourself, or decide that research is not for you – but you will never know until you try it.

Updates and Information

Opportunities

Remember, most images can be clicked for further information. For up-to-the-minute internship listings, career workshops, and undergraduate research opportunities, follow the Student Success Center on Twitter!

Cytovance Biologics is a global leader in the clinical and commercial biomanufacturing of therapeutic proteins and antibodies. Their Oklahoma City facility is seeking to fill an internship over the summer in the department of quality assurance. The position will require the student to interact with technical/scientific information, participate in clinical problem-solving and document information through Microsoft Office.

Paid, unspecified.

Schlumberger is one of the world's largest offshore drilling companies, and they have a location in Oklahoma City hiring over the summer! They are looking for a student with interest in human resources and a desire to join the oilfield services industry. This opportunity promises to provide hands-on experience in human resources, professional correspondences and administration at the level of an international cooperation.

Paid, unspecified.

Sherwin-Williams, the iconic paint company, seeks to fill a summer internship in their management and sales department. Over 10-12 weeks, the intern will gain administrative, clerical and retail experience by working within a single paint store, engaging with other franchises and also traveling with a sales representative to deal in the colorful business of paint!

Paid, unspecified.

The Oklahoma City Innovation District is a research and technology hub looking for a part-time marketing intern to help their team increase brand awareness and their overall digital marketing presence. This is a part-time summer position: 10-15 hr per week, beginning the 2022 spring semester.

Paid, $10hr.

Application Deadline: May 1.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a 10-week internship under their Diversity Summer Research Program. The program seeks to mentor aspiring new scientists, practitioners and advocates who reflect the diversity of communities we serve. The VA is looking for undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and experience in allied health and sciences, research methods or statistics.

Paid ($7,920 stipend).

Application Deadline: April 13.

Based in Virginia, the Nature Conservancy is extending a remote internship opportunity to all students interested in joining the increasingly popular world of podcasts. Their department of internal communications needs a student to assist in the broadcasting of the company podcast. This summer internship is perfect for dedicated researchers, entertainers, audio technicians, authors and more!

Paid, $15 per hour.

Application Deadline: April 13.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency protects people and the environment from significant health risks, sponsors and conducts research, and develops and enforces environmental regulations. They often host paid internships for students and recent graduates willing to relocate, offering various opportunities for adventure and first-hand experience. Click the logo for more.

American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) Education Foundation

The AAPC Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, nonprofit organization founded in 2006 who support the American political system and the body of students that will inherit it. This foundation hosts internships for a list of different consultation firms, for both Republicans and Democrats, which offer paid opportunities and valuable experience into a career in politics. Click the logo for more!

Partner workshops and job postings distributed by the Student Success Center do not imply the college’s endorsement of the mission of any individual organization external to the university. Students are encouraged to learn for themselves about individual opportunities and organizations and to contact ssc@ou.edu with questions.

EARN COURSE CREDIT FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP!

For information about how to receive academic credit for your internship, please see your advisor or email us at ssc@ou.edu

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The Student Success Center E-News|https://www.ou.edu/cas/students/SSC

Remember, most images can be clicked for further information. For up-to-the-minute internship listings, career workshops, and undergraduate research opportunities, follow the Student Success Center on Twitter!﻿

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) Education Foundation

EARN COURSE CREDIT FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP!

Remember, most images can be clicked for further information. For up-to-the-minute internship listings, career workshops, and undergraduate research opportunities, follow the Student Success Center on Twitter!