


NAMRU-Dayton’s involvement in the ORISE program has benefitted our laboratory tremendously, and I’ve seen it benefit the participants greatly as well. I would definitely recommend this program to others. This experience has been eye-opening, seeing everything that goes into designing a system from start to finish, whether it’s for an environment of motion or for virtual simulations. Kevin Hauns, Ph.D., Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Witnessing the participants mature and become their own person, not just scientifically, but also as productive members of society that want to make this world a better place, was extremely gratifying. My favorite part of being a mentor was watching one of my fellows become a mentor. Heidi Hoard-Fruchey, Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense To watch a student come in and progress through their time there, and get ready for the next step of their career, there's nothing more exciting to watch and see. I love our mission at the institute, but the mentoring, by far, is the most rewarding part of my job. Each of the individuals I met made me feel welcome, encouraged me to ask questions, and talked to me about their research or other ways to conduct research that I had not been exposed to before. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the research at USARIEM. I think this program is great for students exploring different pathways in STEM-related careers. My first summer internship with ORISE changed the trajectory of my career. I cannot think of a better opportunity to research and grow alike. You are encouraged, applauded, cared for, mentored and provided with the tools to succeed. My favorite part of this time at USARIEM was absolutely the opportunity to learn in such a warm and welcoming environment. It was the ideal stepping stone between my undergraduate studies and, in my case, medical school, and I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this one-of-a-kind opportunity. The ORISE program has allowed me an opportunity to experience different facets of research, grow both personally and professionally, and learn new skills that I otherwise would not have learned had I not had this fellowship.
