SEE Welcomes First Aspire Intern Sponsored by Sunrise Labs

March 2021 –  The Aspire Internship is a one semester opportunity hosted by the SEE Science Center for a student of color who is interested in pursuing a career in science or education.  This internship is part of an ongoing effort by the SEE Science Center to increase participation and interest in the sciences throughout the diverse community of Manchester.

The first Aspire Intern, David Chestnut, will join SEE for the spring semester.  Chestnut is a junior at West High School.  He moved to the United States with his family from the Philippines when he was five years old.  Chestnut is actively planning for his future and says that the “SEE Science Center is one big and important step I’m taking.”   When asked what he is looking forward to during the internship, he answered “practicing my social skills, improving my applied knowledge, and learning more about who I am and who I want to be.”

Through the course of his internship Chestnut will work with SEE staff to assist with the development of a new program.  He will also deliver existing programs to visitors and develop basic job skills.  During the process, “I hope to learn more about physics, chemistry, and math” and “about the companies that are participating in science locally” said Chestnut.

Throughout the semester, Chestnut will have the opportunity to work with each of the SEE Science Center’s full-time staff helping him build his network and learn more about multiple types of jobs and working styles.  He will also have the opportunity to act as a role model for the Science Center’s younger visitors.  He says “I want to be able to understand what I’m comfortable with, what engages me, and what I gravitate towards, I think SEE Science Center can help me with that.”

“We are thrilled to be working with David and helping him to begin his career journey,” said SEE’s Executive Director Shana Hawrylchak.  “This is a great chance for SEE to not only to provide an opportunity for a local student, but also to learn from David and utilize his input during this experience.  We are very grateful to Sunrise Labs for their support of this initiative.”

“This is one small step that Sunrise can take to support the racial equity movement by helping a minority student excel in the sciences and hopefully work with us or another R&D firm down the road. Thank you SEE, for providing this opportunity!” said Eric Soederberg, President, Sunrise Labs.

About Sunrise Labs
For almost 30 years, Sunrise has been producing robust, reliable, and cost-effective designs for medical device and life science instrumentation.  Sunrise is known for solving tough engineering problems and turning novel ideas into commercially viable products.  Learn more about Sunrise Labs

Learn more about SEE’s Inclusion Initiatives.