"My internship project focused on atmospheric chemistry; I assisted with laboratory experiments aimed at measuring the HO2 uptake on aerosols in the atmosphere. The experiments were conducted under different relative humidity conditions and with different kinds of aerosols (various ratios of organics and inorganics). Understanding the HO2 uptake of aerosols is important because it plays a role in tropospheric ozone formation. In total, I helped with 10 laboratory experiments, made figures for the instrument data, and created a summary of the experimental conditions."
Sheila's story
After Sheila Nguyen's '27 internship experience at the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIERS) over the summer of 2025, she's leaning towards a career path in academia. She got to tour the labs and hear about projects from the researchers she had met, which expanded her knowledge of different environmental science fields available. She is also considering studying abroad for grad school.
"I can say confidently that this was the best summer I have ever had. Before coming to Japan, I was very nervous about navigating another country. I had never been abroad before, and I had also never worked a summer-long internship before. I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of, and I also found new sides to myself I would otherwise never have discovered. I also experienced the beauty of community, whether it was with my MISTI cohort or with my colleagues. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity; it has truly opened new doors for me, and I hope to make the most of what I have learned."Sheila Nguyen '27
Major and Class Year
Civil and Environmental Engineering (1), Class of 2027
MISTI program
Internship
Location
Japan
Host
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)