Support from the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs MSI Co-op Program and the Alabama Power Foundation is helping students gain experience in the STEM workforce

The key to strengthening and diversifying tomorrow’s STEM workforce is investing in today’s students. 

HudsonAlpha’s HBCU Co-Op internships address this need by providing students enrolled in minority serving institutions with invaluable hands-on experience in STEM. Offered in partnership with Alabama’s minority-serving institutions and the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs (AOMA), this program is made possible by support from the Alabama Power Foundation.

The program’s interns spend up to 12 months working at HudsonAlpha under the mentorship and guidance of the Institute’s STEM professionals. From cancer genomics to information technology, students have an opportunity to work in a mission area that aligns with their studies and goals – an experience that will open doors to exciting career opportunities down the line. 

As the program enters its second year, the Alabama Power Foundation renewed its generous donation, ensuring this year’s students will have a transformative experience. 

“The Alabama Power Foundation’s support of our HBCU Co-Op initiative allowed us to welcome a growing number of minority students who will one day play a leading role in STEM,” said Darell Ezell, PhD, HudsonAlpha Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “By coupling their academic background in science with the expertise of our researchers, these students are gaining critical lab experience to support their future careers while strengthening Alabama’s diverse STEM workforce.”

Keep reading to meet some of this year’s interns!

Keyana Lewis

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Alabama A&M University

Placement: Harkess Lab / Plant Genomics

Why did you decide to apply for the HudsonAlpha HBCU Co-Op AOMA program?

I applied because I knew it would be a great opportunity to become more fluent in a lab setting. I was in the second HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy class, and I knew that this would be a great opportunity to focus on my lab skills.

What do you enjoy most about this internship?

My favorite part about this internship is that I work with a very diverse group of scientists. I learn something new every day from each of them. If I am ever stumped on something, I can ask questions, and I am met with a plethora of options. HudsonAlpha is a very welcoming community. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

When I am met with a question, I seek results. I knew my career path would always lead me in the STEM direction. However, I chose the path of biotechnology because of the recent outbreak of COVID-19. I had many questions during that time, and I took a deep dive into the biotechnology world and never left. 

What are your plans after this internship?

After this internship, I hope to further my education by pursuing a PhD in biotechnology.

Terriron Renald Fields, Jr.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cybersecurity – Alabama A&M University

Placement: HudsonAlpha Information Technology

Why did you decide to apply for the HudsonAlpha HBCU Co-Op AOMA program?

As a computer science student, having hands-on experience with projects and tools will help me develop the technology mindset, creativity, and skills that the technology industry is looking for. This opportunity was a great way to get everything I needed all in one place with exposure to Information Technology in the real world.

What do you enjoy most about this internship?

This is a great experience that you can’t find in the classroom. It’s a great opportunity for me to develop, grow, and learn skills I can add to my resume while getting experience around IT professionals.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

Growing up, I was always fascinated with technology and how it works. Technology is very challenging, but I enjoy how interactive it is to create and brainstorm with. It is amazingly astonishing and intriguing when you see how much of a difference technology can make in today’s world.

What are your plans after this internship?

I plan on getting the CompTIA Security+ certification, a global certification that validates you as a professional qualified to work in security IT.

Jherni Fisher

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Alabama A&M University

Placement: S. Cooper Lab / Cancer Genomics

Why did you decide to apply for the HudsonAlpha HBCU Co-Op AOMA program?

I decided to apply to gain more research experience and strengthen my lab skills. This internship is also a way of identifying my career goals, which will ultimately help form the next few years of my life.

What do you enjoy most about this internship?

I enjoy being around individuals who push me to do more each day while also conducting cutting-edge research. It’s exciting to be on the edge of your seat to find out what discoveries you will make each day.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

STEM is a promising career as it is ever-evolving. It’s a career in which you never stop learning. I love to learn, and I love helping others, so it is the perfect combination.

What are your plans after this internship?

After this internship, I plan on graduating with my bachelor of science in Chemistry and then obtaining either a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Ellen Konadu

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Oakwood University

Placement: Swaminathan Lab / Plant Genomics

Why did you decide to apply for the HudsonAlpha HBCU Co-Op AOMA program?

I wanted to gain more research experience in genetics and see if I’d be interested in pursuing an MD/PhD program.

What do you enjoy most about this internship?

I’m currently interning in the Swaminathan Lab, where we research the genetics of plants. What I like most about this lab is its mission to find ways of making plants more available to use as biofuels.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I’ve always been interested in the biological sciences, I’ve specifically found an interest in genetics. I love learning about how genes play a role in the body.

What are your plans after this internship?

I hope to attend medical school and do more research on genetics.

Ambreal White

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Alabama A&M University

Placement: Clevenger Lab / Plant Genomics

Why did you decide to apply for the HudsonAlpha HBCU Co-Op program?

I decided to apply to gain more experience in biological research. Being an intern in the Clevenger Lab is helping me enhance my scientific skills while helping me to decide on my future career in biological sciences.

What do you enjoy most about this internship?

In the Clevenger Lab, I am performing molecular biology tasks in the wet laboratory and in the Kathy L. Chan Greenhouse. What I am enjoying the most about this internship is being in the greenhouse performing tasks because I love being surrounded by plants.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I developed a love for science and plants in my early childhood and I want to pursue a career doing something that I love.

What are your plans after this internship?

My plans after this internship is to continue pursuing my bachelor’s degree in biology at Alabama A&M University and further my education by attending graduate school.