Summer Internship Opportunity

At TechWeek Chicago's Opening Party.

 

As part of my summer internship, which was at a design/entrepreneurship firm in Chicago called “Doejo,” one of the many projects that I was working on was a start-up called "ScienceBox" (www.sciencebox.co). ScienceBox is a start-up that provides online drug screening software that includes a prediction tool for pharmaceutical companies to use prior to the drug screening process. It is an intelligent system that gives companies the ability to perform drug screening efficiently before running any clinical evaluation. Pharmaceuticals are a $100 billion market and inventing a new drug costs around $5 billion alone, with most of that money being spent on drug screening. Our solution is fast, cheap and more comprehensive compared to current existing methods used in drug development.

At the ScienceBox Booth at TechWeek Chicago

 

By using our solution, drug invention costs are expected to be reduced for pharmaceutical companies. The concept of the start-up is brilliant and people were impressed by the idea and hopefully we will be able to launch the service sometime in 2015 with the help of the company’s advisory board. I have been helping them develop a business plan, the investor's deck, financial models and representing the company in TechWeek Chicago. 

Representing Syracuse at the MBA tour in Chicago.

TechWeek Chicago was a great opportunity to network and build relationships throughout the world especially in the booming tech industry. I have participated in the opening party, the booths competition and other seminars and workshops that were available at the event.

Nour Taher is a Palestinian Fulbright grantee from West Bank who is pursuing an MBA at Syracuse University.

An Experience of a Lifetime

I would like to share an incredible experience that was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. As part of the Tumor Biology Master’s program at Georgetown University, I signed up for a Breast Cancer Conference class where top-notch oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons meet once a week to discuss a current case and determine which protocols to follow with the patient. During the course, I got the chance to observe my first breast cancer lumpectomy at the Georgetown University Hospital. It was breathtaking! I was shocked as the surgeon, Dr. Oppong, looked at me and said, “Have you seen a surgery before? This can’t be your first time observing a surgery. You haven’t fainted yet!” To her surprise, it was the first time I ever wore scrubs.

 

Nataly Naser Al Deen is a Lebanese Fulbrighter who is pursuing a Master’s in Tumor Biology at Georgetown University.

Niagara Falls& Statue of Liberty Adventures

 

Being in the U.S. as a Fulbright student is like a dream come true; as I always wanted to travel abroad to experience a different life, set of beliefs, norms, and behavior. It is tremendously incredible living your dream. Sometimes, I do not believe myself that this is happening to me at the moment. Ultimately, I am speechless to describe my life experience in the U.S. so far. I am enjoying every moment of my time in the U.S. besides my studies.

The most adventurous trip that I have had so far was to Niagara Falls. We were two Fulbright students and six classmates, and we decided to make this visit happen. It was such a long drive--almost half a day from New Jersey. However, it turned out to be worth it after all. 

It was such a lovely adventure. I had so much fun watching the falls that border the U.S. and Canada. Both the U.S. and Canada have a boat trip on their respective sides to see the falls from a closer distance. After that, I rode the chopper (helicopter) to see the falls from above, and I took some photos as well. It was an extremely spectacular trip.

The view from above.

Another place I visited was the Statue of Liberty. It was a legendary day for me to see one of the most important symbols that represents the United States. I used to see the statue in Hollywood movies, and I was always wondering if I could make it one day to see it in reality. I booked the ticket to see it from the very top (from the Statue’s crown). Due to the high demand of admission tickets, I had to book one three months in advance.

To get to the statue, I rode a boat from Manhattan to the island. It took about 15 minutes to get there. There was an elevator that took us to the fifth floor, and then I had to climb 180 steps to the crown. If you have claustrophobia don’t go for it. The steps were very rounded, scary, dark, and compact. I had to take a rest halfway and take a deep breath. If I had decided to go back, I would not have been able to because there were a so many people behind me, and there was no space to pass by them. After it all, I reached the top. I felt that I did something courageous that I will always remember. I admire visiting places that represent a country’s history. I like adventure and taking risks along the way. 

Salim Al Mashani is an Omani Fulbrighter pursuing an MA in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) at Fairleigh Dickinson University.