Celebrating Our Inaugural SHIRE Program's Impact on Students and Communities
The Ayin Project (TAP) is thrilled to share the success of SHIRE - our inaugural Summer High-School Internships in Research Experiences program this summer. The SHIRE internship was a collaborative effort between Vanderbilt University's Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO), PowerYouth, and Metro Nashville Public Schools. This program provided high school students with a unique opportunity to earn school credits, gain practical skills, and participate in a paid internship - all while working on meaningful projects that address global and local challenges.
...our interns have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in research lab environments. This achievement, made possible by the internship, is a testament to the interns' dedication and hard work.
A Diverse Team of Interns
This summer, the SHIRE program welcomed 21 interns, all of whom were rising high school juniors and seniors. This diverse group represented three Nashville public high schools: Overton, Hillsboro, and Hume-Fogg. Among the participants were ten females and eleven males, and the team included 20 research interns and 1 media intern. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with this group, as each intern displayed kindness, respect, and a sense of drive and curiosity.
Developing Practical Skills
At the end of the internship, our team of facilitators and administrators reviewed the summer experience and determined that our interns had gained the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in research lab environments. This achievement, made possible by the internship, is a testament to the interns' dedication and hard work.
Hands-On Water Quality Testing for Rising Senior Students
Rising seniors immersed themselves in environmental science, learning to test water quality in both Richland and Seven Mile Creek. They also analyzed the water quality of a spring-fed homestead water system in eastern Tennessee. Interns conducted macroinvertebrate analysis, coliform bacteria cultures, chemical tests, and microplastics testing. This hands-on experience provided rising seniors with valuable real-world applications.
Engineering and Cancer Biology for Rising Juniors
Rising juniors delved into engineering concepts, not just theoretically, but by designing and implementing their own engineering projects. They also explored cancer biology, working with CRISPR technology to understand and manipulate cancer cells in a lab setting. These experiences have given the rising juniors a solid foundation in both engineering and biotechnology.
Professional Development Opportunities
"Engineering professionals shared their non-linear career journeys, emphasizing pivotal moments that shaped their paths."
The SHIRE internship was a highly educational and hands-on experience, enriched by insights from professionals in the field. Our guest speakers included Michael Cochrane and Lillian Furlow from TTL USA, Erica Adair from Bridgestone USA, Ryan Jackwood from Harpeth Conservancy, Emily Fairbank from Clearloop, and Josh Kurtz from The Ayin Project.
Interns also visited the Gresham Smith Design Firm, where they heard from Bill Bennecker (Associate Plumbing Senior Designer), Brandon Salas (Talent Acquisitions Manager), Ben Luke (Senior Project Engineer), and Ellen Fuson (Architect, LEED Green Associate). Engineering professionals shared their non-linear career journeys, emphasizing pivotal moments that shaped their paths.
Hearing from the Gresham Smith team was a highlight for the interns, inspiring them to consider various ways they might use their gifts in the future. We are grateful to all contributors for sharing their stories and inspiring our future leaders!
ISR Olympics: A Fun and Educational Challenge
The ISR (Interdisciplinary Science & Research) Olympics was a highlight of our summer program as well. Interns had the opportunity to work with drones, circuits, eggs, and graduated cylinders - testing the skills they honed throughout the internship. This event provided a fun, competitive platform for students to apply their training in real-world scenarios.
The Vanderbilt Symposium: Engaging with Experts
At the Vanderbilt Symposium, interns had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals and other students at Vanderbilt University. This experience allowed them to network, gain insights into various STEM fields, and further their understanding of the professional and academic landscapes they may soon enter.
Music City: Community Service and Environmental Impact
In collaboration with the Cumberland River Compact, our interns participated in a creek clean-up, covering a 1-mile stretch of Richland Creek. Interns removed approximately 600 pounds of trash from the stream, positively impacting the cleanliness of Nashville's waterways. Many students expressed their appreciation for this community service experience, where they could make a direct and positive impact on their community's environment.
Interns removed approximately 600 pounds of trash from the stream, positively impacting the cleanliness of Nashville's waterways.
Building Global Awareness: Connecting with Uganda Team
A key objective of The Ayin Project (TAP) is to enhance student global awareness, particularly regarding sustainability and water accessibility. A standout feature of the SHIRE program was the weekly Speaker Series, where professionals came into the classroom, to share their career journeys. The highlight of this series was a video call with our Water Research and Development Team from Uganda. This cultural exchange gave interns the opportunity to discuss water quality and accessibility issues with Ugandan professionals dedicated to making a difference in their country. It was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression on the interns.
The Impact: Here's What Our Interns Had To Say
We are proud to report that 100% of our student interns would recommend this summer internship experience to their peers. Here are some of their testimonials:
Follow their journey on Instagram, shared by our Summer Media Intern, HERE.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled about our future engagement with the SHIRE Program and are already exploring ways to expand and enhance the experience for next year.
To stay updated on TAP activities and future internship opportunities, we invite you to follow us on social media or subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for our mission. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders to address global challenges with knowledge, creativity, and compassion.
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