Mitchell Braun is an upcoming sophomore Biology student in the Honors program at Loyola Marymount University. He is completing pre-medical requirements in the hope of going to medical school to become a doctor. Open to different career paths as well, Mitchell is looking for experiences that will give him a taste of future careers in the sciences. Mitchell enjoys getting involved in his community through organizations and service. He is a member of the service organization Sursum Corda and has been actively involved in the American Cancer Society since sophomore year of high school, mainly helping to plan annual fundraising events. In addition to this, Mitchell enjoys running, learning new things, and spending time with friends and family.
John Waggoner is a rising Sophomore biology major who comes from a long line of biology educators. He is from Los Angeles, California. John hopes to earn a PhD and/or an MD so as to work for the military or the CDC. Infectious disease is John's passion but he hopes to one day educate youths to increase understanding and interest in science among adolescents.
Shannon McCarty is a rising sophomore majoring in Health and Human Sciences. She grew up in the Los Angeles area and is currently interning at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. She is the Vice President of the LMU Swing Club and wishes to extend a welcome to anyone interested in learning how to swing dance. In her free time she enjoys ballroom dancing, baking, and recreational photography. One of her favorite things to do is to have a nice hot cup of tea when it is paired with a good book and a warm blanket. After this summer Shannon will join the Tower Yearbook as the Assistant Business Director for her second year on staff. She looks forward to what can only be a very exciting year.
Nicole Orban - "My name is Nicole and I am a rising sophomore at LMU with a double major in Biochemistry and Theology. I want to go to medical school to eventually be a pediatric oncologist. I am from Redlands, California and I was interested in the NOYCE internship because I want to work with kids in the future, and I have considered teaching and would like to explore it further."
Luis Mendez - "My name is Luis from Huntington Park, California and I am an Electrical Engineer major. Some of my hobbies include swimming, rollerblading, eating, and playing soccer and video games. In the future, I hope to be able to work for a nonprofit organization that allows me to benefit my community. I would also like to start engineering programs at schools that are not fortunate enough to be exposed to the engineering field. I hope NOYCE will help me pursue my goals by learning how to develop and carry out programs for schools, similar to the one found at the California Science Center, where I intern."
Sylvana Santos - "My name is Sylvana. I am a sophomore, engineering major from Los Angeles. After school, I hope to work with renewable energy, putting to use the knowledge and experience I gain at LMU. I also want to share my passion for math and science with the youth. Eventually, I would like to become a middle school teacher, or work as an educator for a non profit organization. I know that NOYCE will be an important stepping stone toward this goal, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me."
Jessica Ann P. Aquino is a rising sophomore at LMU majoring in biology and minoring in English. She is from Sun Valley, CA. After graduating, she plans on attending a school of dentistry, and then pursuing a career as a dentist. She also wishes to go to underprivileged countries and provide nonprofit service for those who cannot afford dental care. She hopes this wonderful NOYCE internship will be able to help her form skills in educating youth about the importance of dental hygiene.
Katelynn Barkley - "Hello, I am Katelynn, a rising junior Biology and Sociology student from Los Angeles, California, interested in working with children. Although unsure about whether I desire to be an elementary school educator or a pediatrician, I will pursue my interest in child development. I am a UCLA Care Extender intern, a history teaching assistant and I have participated as a HHMI pancreatic cancer cell researcher at UCLA. Through gaining experience in the medical field and education field as a LMU Noyce intern, I will be better directed on my career path."
Kelly Hunter - "My name is Kelly, and I am from Canoga Park, California. I am an incoming sophomore Biochemistry Major at Loyola Marymount University. I love the field of science, problem solving, and interacting with others, specifically kids. I hope to be able to continue both of these activities in a future career. At LMU, I am involved with Campus Ministry as a sacristan as well as in Christian Life Community. I am also a member of Sursum Corda Service Organization. I love giving my time to others and helping them in any way possible. My other activities include reading, playing soccer, and spending time with my family. I love science and cannot wait to continue learning about it for the rest of my life!"
Rulla Al-khayat is a sophomore from Orange County, CA. She is majoring in Biology and minoring in Business. Her hobbies include listening to music, yoga, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her "biggest support system", her family. She plans on attending medical school after LMU and eventually specializing in dermatology. Her ultimate life goals are to own a skin care line and to travel the world with the love of her life during retirement.