“It Was a Life-Changing Experience”: What Past Interns Are Saying about the PUMAS Program

Samantha Calvillo
Student, Los Medanos College
2022 Intern

PUMAS has impacted my abilities as a STEM major and opened my eyes to the many career routes in science!

Vanessa Nava
Research Assistant and Student, Stanford University School of Medicine
2017 Intern

My summer with PUMAS was one of the best summers! From scientific writing experience, to learning new lab techniques and having the opportunity to work independently as well as with a team, my PUMAS mentors prepared me well to excel in future research positions, and opened many doors.

My PUMAS mentors prepared me well to excel in future research positions, and opened many doors.

It is amazing to see my PUMAS cohort continuing their research aspirations in incredible and prestigious research positions now! It all started with PUMAS providing us the experience and skills needed to excel.

Samali Namaganda
Research Associate, Gladstone Institutes
2019 Intern

Being part of PUMAS was incredible. I learned about the various careers in biomedical research, had opportunities to connect with many incredible scientists, and made strong bonds with my cohort. The research experience was a big advantage when I was looking for labs and applying to organizations after transferring to a 4-year university.

I had opportunities to connect with many incredible scientists, and made strong bonds with my cohort.

Daniela Lopez
Tutor and Student, Los Medanos College
2022 Intern

From the PUMAS program, I was able to gain insight into what it's like to work in a lab and conduct research with scientists. Being able to work with my mentors and learn different virology techniques has helped advance my skills and confidence in the lab. I had the opportunity to connect with many incredible scientists who guided and supported me during and after this internship.

I had the opportunity to connect with many incredible scientists who guided and supported me during and after this internship.

Trinidad Arceo
Development Sciences Rotation Program (DSRP) Scientific Researcher, Genentech
2017 Intern

Without a doubt, PUMAS was a life changing experience that opened my eyes to the world of research. The experience that I gained and the connections that I have made are invaluable assets that I still utilize to this day.

Without a doubt, PUMAS was a life changing experience that opened my eyes to the world of research.

Esther Anyona
Student, UC Davis
2021 Intern

Not only did PUMAS help me realize my potential, it equipped me with the skills necessary to become a more confident scientist. From the bootcamp, to the amazing program coordinators and exceptional mentors, not once did I feel like my questions were left unanswered.

PUMAS awakened a zeal in me to continue pursuing STEM—especially as a woman of color.

PUMAS awakened a zeal in me to continue pursuing STEM—especially as a woman of color. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about applying for the program to do so, because they will be steered in the right direction.

Amy Wong
Medical Laboratory Technologist and Student, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
2014 Intern

Interning at Gladstone showed me a side of science that most teachers don’t talk about. It gave me a glimpse into what scientists do every day to find cures for diseases.

Ernst Pulido
Student, Stanford University
2017 and 2018 Intern

I believe the PUMAS program gave me the tools to succeed in an ever stacked field of academic science, where underrepresented minorities have historically not thrived. The program led the way to unlocked doors that I would not have opened on my own.

It helped me find my passion for science and for inspiring future underrepresented minorities to find joy in doing research.

It also helped me find my passion for science and for inspiring future underrepresented minorities to find joy in doing research. It is the first program I recommend to budding scientists in community college.

Cyrus Hajian
Student, Stanford University
2019 Intern  

Put simply: the PUMAS program changed my life. I had dreams of pursuing a career in medical research, but I had no resources to pursue that dream. I didn't know anyone in the research field, and had no prior experience working in a research lab. PUMAS and the Greene Lab helped me overcome these obstacles.

My mentors guided me and taught me skills that have allowed me to succeed tremendously in my academic and research-based endeavors.

During PUMAS, my mentors guided me and taught me skills that have allowed me to succeed tremendously in my academic and research-based endeavors, which eventually led me to transfer from my community college to Stanford University. I will be forever thankful for the opportunity the PUMAS program granted me.

Jenny Granera
Student, UC Berkeley
2021 Intern

The PUMAS internship was an incredible opportunity for my academic and personal development. The skills and knowledge I took with me are unmeasurable. I could not have asked for a better way to be introduced to research!

The skills and knowledge I took with me are unmeasurable.

Damon Williams
Life Science Research Professional, Stanford University School of Medicine
2014 and 2015 Intern

Gladstone broadened my knowledge of biology and gave me a jump start on my college classes. More importantly, it solidified my desire to work as a research associate in a lab studying immunology, stem cells, or neurological disease.

Gladstone broadened my knowledge of biology and gave me a jump start on my college classes.