#nmuintern

[northernstories]

Students from Northern Michigan University are completing awesome internships!

Don Barr is a post-baccalaureate senior, majoring in computer science with a minor in mathematics. Barr is originally from Negaunee, Mich. He is completing a 12-month internship with Intel Corporation in Folsom, Calif.

“I have limited experience working with computer hardware, so I’m excited to learn more about the SSD lifecycle and better understand how my teams’ efforts affect Intel’s product release dates. I’ll be completing a 12 month internship, so I’m expecting my mental framework to be challenged through a variety of software and hardware contexts.”

Barr said he is currently working on a piece of software that will automate a series of third-party software testing suites. Intel uses these to produce performance benchmark numbers requested by customers like Lenovo, Microsoft, HP, etc. Once complete, Barr says a user will be able to simply tell the software which tests they would like to be run, how many iterations and with what parameters.

In addition, Barr said he’s been writing software exclusively in a language that he’s had no previous experience in (Python).

“It has been a neat experience for me to take concepts I’ve learned in courses at NMU in other languages (i.e. Java, Smalltalk, C++, JavaScript) and apply them to real-world software projects at Intel that will impact my team members directly.”

In his experience at NMU thus far, Barr said his favorite part about the university is the fact that the courses are challenging and thought provoking.

“The professors are always willing to give extra help when you need. I love the fact that a professor, not a graduate student, is teaching the class. I don’t think you’re going to find that at a Big Ten school.

“All in all, in my time at NMU I’ve met a lot of amazing people and made some really great friends along the way. Although I’ve only been at Intel for five weeks or so, I’ve already met some pretty awesome people, and I can imagine I’ll have great things to say when my internship ends!”

Way to go Don!

[northernstories]

Students from Northern Michigan University are completing awesome internships!

Tristan Ruiz, a biochemistry major from Richmond Hill, Ga., is working as a student participant in the University of Louisville’s Medical and Dental Education Program this summer.

At this program, Ruiz will be taking a three credit hour course called Intro to the Foundations of Biomedical Sciences, participating in physician shadowing opportunities, attending events and seminars and exploring the medical profession. He’ll have homework, quizzes and exams throughout the summer.

“I am looking forward to participating in this program because it will be a great opportunity to experience the medical profession very intimately and give me insight that I would not be able to get at other places. It’s even more amazing because I get to stay in the dorms at the University of Louisville for free and get paid a stipend for participating. It is an overall great program, and I am expecting an awesome yet challenging six weeks there!”

Ruiz decided to come to NMU for a couple of reasons, including the affordable cost of tuition, as well as the Honors program, the Freshman Fellows program and the many student organizations on campus, including the Superior Edge program and Student Leader Fellowship Program. In addition, Ruiz will serve as the 2016-17 president of Associated Students of Northern Michigan University, the student body government here at NMU.

“My favorite thing about my major at NMU is the research opportunities this school offers for undergraduates. I have had to actually choose who I wanted to do research with because I was offered a choice between two labs on campus. The classes are very interesting, and the faculty are amazing. I know a lot of the faculty in the chemistry department, and they help me grow as a student.”

As a first year student, Ruiz had the opportunity to conduct research with Professor Brandon Canfield, Ph.D. He studied the antioxidant content of thimble berry leaves and presented a poster at a local American Chemical Society symposium, as well as at the annual Celebration of Students Works, Research and Service Learning Projects.

Way to go Tristan!