For inquiries relating to this internship program described below
please visit the program's web site at:
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pd/nrc-ip.nsf
THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
Why is an internship program needed? Scientists and engineers with Ph.D.s
and other advanced degrees play a central and growing role in American
industrial and commercial life. We increasingly depend on people with
advanced scientific and technological knowledge in our collective efforts in
developing new technologies and industries, reducing environmental
pollution, combating disease and hunger, developing new sources of energy,
and maintaining the competitiveness of industry. The traditional process of
graduate education to the doctoral level, organized around an intensive
research experience, has served as a world model for the advanced training
of scientists and engineers.
However, the majority of Ph.D.s will not enter academic life and many will
not become researchers. Thus, graduate students in science and engineering
as well as in related professions need additional experiences to broaden
their horizons.
What is the purpose of the internship program? The Christine Mirzayan
Internship Program of the National Academies is designed to engage science,
engineering, medical, veterinary, business, and law students in the analysis
and creation of science and technology policy and to familiarize them with
the interactions of science, technology, and government. As a result,
students develop essential skills different from those attained in academia
and make the transition from being a graduate student to a professional.
TIME FRAME
For the year 2000, the internship program will take place in both January
(for 12 weeks) and June (for 10 weeks). The January program will take place
from January 18, 2000 until April 7, 2000. The June 2000 program will take
place from June 5, 2000 until August 11, 2000.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, candidates should submit the application available on-line at
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pd/nrc-ip.nsf and submit one letter of
reference (also on-line) meeting the requirements described at the web site.
The deadline for receipt of materials is December 1 for the January program
and March 1 for the June program.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
During the program, interns work on studies and activities throughout the
National Academies. Some examples of activities that past interns have
conducted include developing
* an outline of themes of leading research in remote sensing applications
* a workshop on how scientists in developing countries can take better
advantage of the new wireless communication networks to gain access to
the Internet
* a background paper on the current state of knowledge about the demography
of street-children, and on what is known about the cost and effectiveness
of existing programs to help street-children and orphans in the U.S. and
abroad.
Each intern is assigned to a senior staff member who acts as his or her
mentor. The mentor provides guidance and ensures that the intern's time is
focused on substantive work and activities. In addition, the interns select
topics, plan, and organize sessions for a seminar series whose audience
includes not only NRC interns but also other interns throughout the
Washington area.
Illustrative comments on the program from past interns directed to future
interns:
"The National Academies Internship has been one of the most valuable life
experiences I have had thus far. In the ten weeks of this internship, I have
not only been exposed to the exciting work done at the Academies, but also
to policy making related to research undertaken by the National Academies,
within the unique setting of Washington D.C., where "it all happens." The
scope of the influence of the Academies in helping shape science, medical
and engineering related policy is amazing to witness. Through this
internship, I have learned more about my work as a social scientist than I
imagined, and I have a better sense of how my research can relate to public
policy."
"The NRC Internship program provides an exceptional opportunity for
scientists to explore various facets of scholarly research and policy
making. As an intern, you will work with an eclectic mix of highly educated,
diverse intellectuals who help advance the future of science. You will leave
not only armed with important and influential contacts but also with
invaluable skills and experiences."
"This program will open your mind to a world rarely envisioned from the
confines of laboratory bench work. I learned an immeasurable amount about
the policy and politics behind science-and after the internship opens your
mind, it opens career doors."
For inquiries relating to this internship program
please visit the program's web site at:
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pd/nrc-ip.nsf