Described as a rising star in the field of nanotechnology, Kaitlyn Hardy has completed her third summer in the Department of the Navy’s U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (DoN-NRL) Summer Internship program.
Tell us a little about yourself and your academic interests.
I’m a graduating senior at Xavier University of Louisiana, majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology. For the past two years, I’ve been a research assistant in the biology department studying Glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer that affects the central nervous system.
What inspired you to pursue the DoN-NRL Summer Internship?
I have had the absolute pleasure of participating in this internship program for the past three years. In my first year of college, I was fascinated by and fell in love with research, particularly in chemistry and biology. I was determined to land a research summer internship my first summer, despite having no prior experience outside of lab courses. I remember being extremely nervous when everyone first arrived. To be around such a high caliber of scientists and experienced students was both exhilarating and nerve-racking!
Were there any surprises about this internship?
The biggest surprise for me was the kindness and welcoming spirit that the NRL Program Directors and mentors, The Washington Center (TWC) staff, internship administrative staff, and students showed throughout all three summers.
Not to sound too dramatic or cliché, but this internship changed everything for me."
Kaitlyn Hardy
Senior at Xavier University of Louisiana
Coming from a highly competitive STEM school environment where individual achievement is prioritized, I didn’t expect to make many friends or lasting relationships. To my absolute delight, my expectations couldn’t have been further from reality. Every year, including my first year, the interns truly became a family. We helped one another, organized our own outings, offered advice to each other, and cultivated true friendships outside of work. The relationships I have formed over the past three years have been a blessing. The activities facilitated by the program were filled with fun, good memories that brought each cohort closer together.
How has the NRL internship affected your life, either personally or professionally?
Not to sound too dramatic or cliché, but this internship changed everything for me. In my second summer internship, I had come out of an especially challenging sophomore year of college. I failed a lot, but my most prominent and memorable failure was my first-ever physics course. I wasn’t even sure if I was cut out for STEM or research at all.
One can imagine my shock (and a little bit of horror!) when I found out that the mentor who selected me for my second summer internship was a Research Physicist! For the past two years, I have worked in the field of soft condensed matter physics, and I have absolutely loved it. My mentor was and is amazing; patiently answering my endless questions, letting me explore my interests, and just being an encouraging and kind presence that made me fall in love with science all over again (and physics, to my surprise!).
That second summer, my research presentation won first place, which remains one of my proudest moments. I returned to school in the fall and absolutely nailed my retake in physics! I’ve since changed my major, and plan to pursue a PhD in Soft Condensed Matter Physics/Chemical Physics.
Tell us about your experience with TWC – did having your internship through TWC add value to your summer experience?
This internship would not have been the same without TWC. The numerous questions and concerns (probably mostly from me) that their team handled did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. From help with pay and housing, to planning fun and engaging events for the interns, I am so grateful for all the work done behind the scenes by TWC. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of my time at NRL. It is truly a unique experience I would encourage any aspiring scientist/researcher to pursue!
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