Sarah Wyss

Exploring the Cosmos with Sarah Wyss

Like many of her fellow college students, last year Sarah Wyss felt unsure of her major…and wanted an internship. With a little help from Professor Joe Shields, Sarah was able to secure both.

“Last year I was a double major in astrophysics and molecular biology,” she said. “I knew I had to pick between them and choose one or the other, because 20 hours a quarter is just not that fun.”

During her internship at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Sarah studied the carbon monoxide isotope of the large magellanic cloud. Although she said she enjoyed the internship, she would prefer to focus on molecular biology. She said that she’s interested in potentially doing biological engineering to accomplish a medical goal in the future.

When it comes to exploring opportunities that can enhance your education and career goals, Sarah advised seizing them whenever possible.

“If professors approach you about research experience, like working in their lab or something like that, take it,” she said.

Sarah also added that these kinds of opportunities could really add to your focus of study, as student interns are actually required to do “real work.”

“It’s not just going to be like washing test tubes,” she said.