College interns at ARL take home the gold

By KRISTIN KERLEY, ARLAugust 7, 2009

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory hosted dozens of student interns from universities across the nation at its Aberdeen Proving Ground locations.

For two seniors from Winona State University, in Winona, Minn., ARL provided a break from day-to-day classroom activities and gave them an opportunity to experience science and technology in state-of-the-art facilities.

Sam Pederson and Bill Tertin, both composite materials engineering majors, came to ARL from the small, Midwest university to work in the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate.

College roommates since their freshman year, they said they've enjoyed living and working together in Maryland this summer.

"Living in this area has been a lot of fun," Pederson said. "It's definitely been an exciting summer."

Pederson and Tertin made their move to Maryland in May, before knowing their start date at ARL and even what they'd be paid.

"It was a little bit of a risk, but we figured if we were able to make enough money just to pay the rent, then we would be fine," Tertin said. "The experience was the most important thing to us."

With connections to the laboratory through a professor at school, they said they knew it was a good opportunity, even though they weren't familiar with ARL's research.

"I didn't really know what to expect before I got here, but it didn't take me long to realize that this is a big deal -- this is the research laboratory of the United States Army," Pederson said. "That's a big deal!"

Pederson spent his summer in the chemistry lab at WMRD where he said he was able to see a different side of engineering.

"I've learned that knowing the information is one thing, but going into a lab and realizing that you are actually able to do the things that you've learned in school is another," he said. "You get to build that confidence."

Tertin worked for his mentor in the polymers lab at WMRD, performing rubber-toughening research for armor.

"My knowledge has definitely been tested, but help is always available to me," he said. "I've been challenged."

"This has been a really good experience," he added. "My mentor has been great about keeping me busy in the lab."

Pederson and Tertin said that working alongside some of the nation's top scientists and engineers encouraged them to continue their involvement in scientific research and convinced them of the importance of advanced degrees.

"It's incredible being around people who are not afraid to be intellectual, who are not afraid to take chances and try new things," Tertin said about the scientists at WMRD.

"Sharing your ideas with mentors and peers is something that you wouldn't be able to do anywhere else," he added. "It's motivating."

Both interns had numerous activities and projects to keep them busy, but they said the papers they submitted for the research symposium proved to be a highlight of their summer internship experience. Both said it was an exceptional learning opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students.

"To have the opportunity to put your name on a report of publishable quality is something that most undergrad students aren't able to say that they've done," Pederson said.

"Learning how to structure a scientific technical report has been one of the most valuable things that I've learned this summer," agreed Tertin.

The interns also said that they were surprised about the great social aspect in the WMRD lab environment. Tertin and his mentor not only had a professional relationship, but they developed a friendship as well and went golfing together on the weekends.

Pederson and Tertin said that an internship at ARL is an opportunity that students should take advantage of.

"We're going to go back to Winona and tell other students that if ARL comes back next year [to recruit for summer intern positions,] jump on that," said Pederson. "It's gold!"

"We will benefit from this experience for a long time," Tertin said.