Overview

The USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Internship in Sustainability provides local students with hands-on experience in scientific research. Alejandro Hernandez, a student at Cerritos Community College, is one of the participants in this program, which aims to foster interest in STEM fields.

Founded in 2010, the internship pairs undergraduate students from Cerritos with graduate mentors from USC Dornsife, enhancing their educational journey through practical research opportunities.

Key details

  • Alejandro Hernandez is the first in his family to attend college, majoring in chemistry and computer science.
  • The USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Internship in Sustainability is based at USC Dornsife College.
  • The program was established in 2010 by Richard Brutchey and Jeff Bradbury.
  • It aims to encourage community college students to pursue degrees in STEM fields.
  • Michael Page, an instructional dean at Cerritos, highlights the program's benefits for students.
  • During the eight-week internship, students conduct laboratory research under the guidance of doctoral candidates and USC faculty mentors.
  • Hernandez expressed enthusiasm for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in the lab.
  • The program is partially funded by federal grants and contributions from supporters like Steve and Cathy Gagliardi.
  • Agilent Technologies Inc. has also provided support for the program.
  • The internship has trained 47 students since its inception.
  • All past interns have transitioned to four-year institutions, with several pursuing graduate degrees.
  • Notable alumni have secured positions at organizations such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, SpaceX, and Meta.

Context

The USC-Cerritos Sustainability Internship represents a collaborative effort between local educational institutions to enhance the academic and professional prospects of community college students, particularly in the sciences.

What happens next

The program is expected to continue its mission of training students and providing them with valuable research experience, potentially expanding its reach and impact in the future.

What we don't know yet

Details about the specific number of students applying for the program this year and the exact future plans for its expansion are not confirmed.