ABE-LA Student Interview

Evelyn Vazquez is a junior attending Fullerton College who recently completed the ABE-LA internship program. Evelyn worked alongside Gladys Rodriguez OC-Fullerton College distribution center lab technician to prepare reagents and materials for ABE participating schools. Evelyn also trained in the ABE labs and learned hands-on laboratory skills during her time as an ABE intern.

ABE: How did you learn about the ABE internship program?

Evelyn: I first heard about the ABE internship though Dr. Rosales. She had sent me an email in the summer about an internship opportunity and as soon as I read more about the Amgen biotech experience I became really interested in being part of this program.

ABE: Do you remember when your interest in science first started?

Evelyn: Yes, my interest in science first began when I was in elementary school. We had a Boeing volunteer that would come to our elementary school and teach us about science. His name was Dale and he was an engineer. He would have fun science activities for us like making volcanoes or slime and he would bring animals to class as well. For Christmas he would gift us science related gifts. As a girl that grew up in a low income neighborhood, this man was doing something exciting and magical to us, I wanted to be just like him. I Always looked forward to learning about science because of him.

ABE: Can you briefly describe your biotech and/or lab experience before you started the internship?

Evelyn: Before this internship my biotech lab experience was very minimal. I started the program the year the coronavirus outbreak started. All my classes went online and our labs became virtual. It wasn't until the college allowed students taking science classes to come back for in person instruction that I began to practice the skills I had only read about. After finishing the program I began to worry that I wasn't going to be able to continue practicing the skills I learned. So I'm grateful for this internship.

ABE: What are some things you learned (or are learning about) through this internship that you find interesting?

Evelyn: What i've learned in this internship so far that I find interesting is how to use new equipment that I had only ever read about and how amazing the ABE program is by providing access to scientific tools and labs to students in high schools. I wish I would have had this type of program when I was in high school.

ABE: What major or career are you interested in pursuing?

Evelyn

Evelyn: Thanks to the biotech program here at Fullerton college my major changed from environmental biology to biotechnology. I am now interested in pursuing bio-manufacturing.

ABE: How will the skills and experiences you gained through the internship help you achieve your goals?

Evelyn: This internship has now given me the opportunity to look and experience the workflow process on how a professional lab operates. I have gained interpersonal skills that will with no doubt help me achieve my goals. I have learned so much by doing lab work and shadowing my supervisor Gladys.

ABE: Is there anything that surprised you about working in a lab?

Evelyn: What has surprised me about working in a lab is how much has to be prepared behind the scenes for students. It gave me a better appreciation for the lab technicians at Fullerton college. I also loved learning how to use new equipment.

ABE: Would you recommend the ABE internship program to other students interested in STEM careers?

Evelyn: Yes! 100%. The ABE internship will help you gain lab experience by actively engaging you in hands-on training.

ABE: Do you have a favorite book, podcast, movie, or hobby you’d like to share with the ABE community?

Evelyn: My favorite book is called A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams. Even though it's a children's book it remains one of my favorite books. It reminds me so much of my family's strength, perseverance, and how goal oriented I am. I have many favorite movies but my top favorite movie is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. One of my favorite hobbies is gardening. I have lots of plants and herbs at home that I have planted and grown with my dad.