Incoming Concerns
|
Lack of hands on experience
|
“I am a hands-on learner, so I am not sure how well I will understand new material if it is all just listening to others virtually.”
|
Difficulty connecting with mentor
|
“My concern is not being able to connect with my mentor as well this summer because she will be busy and we won’t see each other every day like the in-person program”
|
Experience with vSREC Mentors
|
Created supportive environment
|
“My mentor was always available for questions via email or if, necessary, Zoom… Dr. --- was also very supportive by taking the time out of her schedule to meet with me 1:1 to discuss my progress.”
|
Career advisors
|
“She supported me beyond the summer program. She helped guide me for future research in college.”
|
Providing feedback
|
“During the Zoom call he always gave constructive feedback and told us how proud he was of us.”
|
Enjoyable aspects of vSREC
|
Guest speakers
|
“The most enjoyable aspects for me was listening to guest speakers and learning the range of paths in the field of science and research”
|
Learning digital skills
|
“I learned how to use Zoom efficiently which will be important for the coming school year. I liked the professional tips we learned, like having a virtual background and having a profile picture or staying muted in meetings but being on camera.”
|
Improving the vSREC Experience
|
Match peers in labs
|
“Working with my mentor was nice but I would have liked being able to connect with another student in my lab. The others were just older than me and not really doing the same kind of summer experience.”
|
Reducing screen time
|
“It was difficulty having back-to-back meetings and sitting in the chair all day.”
|
Increased interactions and networking
|
“I suggest having more opportunities for the interns to network with one another.”
|