GEMS Undergraduate Summer Internship
With support from the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) hosts the Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program. WRAIR GEMS invites college-aged interns to mentor middle and high school students in a professional laboratory environment. During nine single-week sessions, GEMS students participate in a hands-on learning experience and gain exposure to the diversity of STEM fields and careers.
The mission of GEMS is:
● To increase interest, engagement, and performance in STEM for student participants.
● To support undergraduates and recent graduates in a STEM education internship.
● To bring experiential learning and mentorship to middle and high school students from underrepresented populations in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
WRAIR GEMS is seeking STEM undergraduates to participate in our 2021 summer program as “near-peer mentors.” As we adjust to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the GEMS program will be implemented as a virtual STEM enrichment program or a mix of virtual and in-person programing (decision pending). Mentors will have access to our teaching lab facility and technology to develop, prepare, and implement learning materials. We provide competitive monthly stipends commensurate with education and experience.
As a near-peer mentor, you will:
● Serve as a lab instructor, subject matter expert, role model for academic success, curriculum developer, and lab safety officer.
● Design, facilitate, and evaluate original STEM modules, which draw from topics in your area(s) of interest.
● Collaborate with a team of fellow near-peer mentors to implement additional modules throughout the summer.
● Prepare and submit formally written lesson plan(s) for all implemented modules.
● Prepare a poster to present at an in-house symposium for peers, guests, and WRAIR scientists.
The ideal near-peer mentor is/has:
● Currently majoring in, and passionate about a STEM field.
● Interested in teaching, mentoring, and communicating science to the community.
● Previous experience in a research laboratory (preferred).
● Previous experience as a teaching assistant, mentor, and/or volunteer (preferred).
● Positive attitude, willingness to work in a fast-paced environment, and a sense of humor.
● Flexible and able to work well within a team.
Former near-peer mentors have developed modules challenging students to engineer balloon catheters, design water purification systems, examine insects involved in decomposition and forensic science, model brain tumor diagnosis and surgery, etc. Our mentors have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in STEM, medical school, and have accepted positions as teaching and research assistants in their fields, in addition to other STEM-focused careers.
Requirements:
● Available 1 June through 14 August 2021 (dates negotiable to accommodate school schedules).
● United States citizen or permanent resident.
● Able to complete military background checks (Public Trust security clearance and a Child-Youth Services security clearance).
● Able to arrange housing and transportation for the duration of the internship.
How to Apply:
Register and apply online at https://www.usaeop.com/program/silverspring/ and select “Apply Today” under the “Additional Details” heading (near-peer mentor applications open 15 November 2020* and close 15 January 2021*).
● Select “Near-Peer Mentor” when registering
● Registration requires the following, in addition to basic information about you:
○ Current resume
○ Unofficial transcript
○ Completion of a brief essay question (may provide cover letter here)
○ Contact information for TWO (2) references (Note: we will contact references 1-2 weeks after confirming your application submission; we do NOT need a formal letter from them but will instead have a short questionnaire for them to complete)
You may also choose to email your resume to the primary contacts listed below to confirm your application and registration. They are also available to discuss any inquiries regarding the application or to provide guidance during the application process.
Kevin J. Morris, Ph.D.
kevin.j.morris46.ctr@mail.mil | (301) 319-3022
Holly K. M. Brown, Ph.D.
holly.k.brown7.ctr@mail.mil | (301) 319-9986
Brittany C. Clawson, Ph.D.
brittany.c.clawson.ctr@mail.mil | (810) 599-0358
We will begin reviewing application materials beginning December 2020. Applications will officially close 15 January 2021* and positions will be filled on a rolling basis.
Interviews will be held virtually over Zoom.
Additional Information:
WRAIR: https://www.wrair.army.mil/science-education-and-professional-development
AEOP: https://www.usaeop.com/
GEMS: https://www.usaeop.com/program/gems/
WRAIR GEMS: https://www.usaeop.com/program/silverspring/
*dates subject to change