May 21 2003 University of the Virgin Islands chemistry major Valicia Burke, who recently spent three days at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) exploring career opportunities in allergy, immunology and infectious diseases, will be an intern this summer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Burke was selected for the 2003 Intramural NIAID Research Opportunities program that was held April 7-9 at the NIH Bethesda campus in Maryland. She was one of 11 students selected from a nationwide pool of applicants. During the INRO program in April, Burke attended various research symposiums hosted by NIH researchers and scientists, toured laboratories, networked with other students, and learned about career opportunities at the NIH.
"It exposed me to the many opportunities that are available," Burke said. "I knew of some opportunities, but I didnt know that so much more was available to me," the UVI senior said. "It helped me to look at different options."
As a member of the INRO program, Burke will return to Maryland to intern for eight weeks at the NIAID Laboratory of Immunogenetics. Burke is excited about her internship, which begins June 2.
Burke, who will graduate from UVI in 2004, plans to obtain a doctorate degree. She is considering the fields of chemistry, biochemistry or bio/physical chemistry.
Burke is a recipient of the NIH Minority Access to Research Careers scholarship.
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