from the October 2013 issue
Peter Michaud
Gemini Interns:
A Glimpse to the Future
Figure 1.
Interns Emily Berkson,
Mikeala Leners, and
Andrew McNichols (left
to right) are part of this
year’s “Intern Explosion”
at Gemini North!
Gemini’s intern program has never been more active — especially
this year at Gemini North, where, already in 2013, 14 students have
participated in diverse projects in science, engineering, and operations.
A critical role for an observatory like Gemini is to inspire and help prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and others who want to play a part in our exploration of the
universe. We achieve this in many ways — from reaching out to K-12 students to providing
in-depth experiences at the observatory, which help prepare university students for successful careers in science.
It is the latter approach that brings a diverse collection of students to both the Gemini South and
North offices, every year. Intern programs like Research Experiences for Undergraduates, INSPIRE,
and the Akamai Observatory, as well as programs
like the one at the University of Victoria in British
Columbia, are representative of the opportunities
available. Gemini Senior Scientist (and frequent intern mentor) Tom Geballe knows how important
it is to have these “future scientists” involved in
the “nitty-gritty” of our work. He notes that, “Their
freshness and eagerness cannot help but inject
excitement into our work and renew enthusiasm.”
Indeed, 2013 was a banner year for interns at Gemini. Specifically, at Gemini North, no fewer than 14
budding scientists filled the rather “communal”
intern’s office in Hilo (see Figure 2). Here, interns
shared ideas, life in Hawai‘i, and even bicycles as they were challenged with projects and
problems that are only found in a working observatory.
54
GeminiFocus 2013 Year in Review
January2014