Nasir Nuriddin, COL ’25, Philadelphia, PA
This summer, I had the privilege of working with the Franklin Institute as part of their STEM Scholars Program. This program is dedicated to a select group of Philadelphia-area students in grades 9 through 12 who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The STEM Scholars Program is a comprehensive four-year initiative designed to prepare students for college and careers, recruiting 20 freshmen annually from communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields. As a summer aide, I collaborated closely with high school juniors during a four-week workshop that aimed to explore various STEM disciplines and career opportunities. Our goal was to inspire and motivate these students, revealing to them the diverse possibilities within science, engineering, and medicine. The students undertook projects designed to tackle real-world problems, and my role was to assist them in organizing and executing their experiments based on their chosen topics.
In my capacity as a summer aide, I led small lessons that included simple dissections and small-scale experiments to introduce the students to fundamental lab techniques. I drew on knowledge from my own classroom experiences to impart valuable information to the juniors. Beyond the hands-on project work, the program featured excursions to esteemed labs and research facilities, such as Wistar and Braskom. These visits offered the students a broader perspective, giving them a valuable glimpse into professional lab environments and the everyday work of scientists and researchers. This immersive experience was not only educational for the students but also deeply enriching for me, as it allowed me to observe the practical applications of various STEM fields and deepen my understanding of scientific and research processes.
I am profoundly grateful for my time at the Franklin Institute and the opportunity to work with their students. It was fulfilling to contribute to the development of the STEM scholars and to give back to the community. This experience was remarkably memorable and pivotal in my personal growth. Assuming a leadership role and guiding high school students through their projects taught me a great deal about myself. It significantly enhanced my communication skills, as I learned to effectively convey complex ideas and engage with diverse audiences. Additionally, this opportunity strengthened my abilities in leadership and mentorship, skills that I am confident will be valuable in my future endeavors.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
