How Students Spent Their UAlbany Summer 2022

ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2022) – Even when classes are not in session, University at Albany students find ways to gain valuable experience through a variety of summer internships, research, volunteer, and other applied learning opportunities.

A few months ago, we asked our students to share how they are spending their UAlbany Summer 2022.

Here’s a small sample of the experiences shared with us:

  • Brian McCorkle, a senior computer science and applied mathematics major, supported artificial intelligence research for open-source communities as part of Google Summer of Code, an annual program in which Google awards stipends to students around the globe for software coding projects. 
  • Sarah Palmieri, a junior biology major, interned at the Long Island Aquarium, working in the Mammal Department. The internship focused on the daily care and training of mammals at the aquarium, including sea lions, seals, coatis, otters, porcupines and monkeys.
Elena Neimeyer enjoys the scenery at the Central Grasslands Research Center at North Dakota State.
Elena Neimeyer, a senior environmental science major seen here in the Badlands, worked as a pollinator research tech at the Central Grasslands Research Center in North Dakota.
  • Milexy Campos, a senior political science major, traveled to Quintana Roo, Mexico, to chat with locals, explore the history of the Mayan ruins, and gain a broader understanding of her own family history.
  • Melissa Toback, MSW/MPH graduate student, interned at Brightside Up, working on the Farm to Preschool/Veggie Kids Club program which connects preschoolers and their families to fresh, local produce and provides weekly cooking classes for fast, healthy, and affordable meals.
  • Sam Mayers, a senior digital forensics major, interned at Gemini, a regulated cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, and custodian. Her summer position focused on cybersecurity and threat detection.
  • Naishaly Vélez Galán, a senior theater and sociology major, interned at New York Stage and Film through a paid apprenticeship. She was a stage manager for the company’s summer season, which included performances at Vassar and Marist College.
  • Kristina Persaud, a part-time MBA student, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help organize its Capitol Build Day. More than 200 volunteers came together at the steps of the Albany Capitol building to help build a two-story house for a local family and raise awareness about affordable housing challenges facing everyday New Yorkers.

Interested in finding your next experiential learning experience? Connect with UAlbany Career and Professional Development and Study Abroad.