Engineering intern, Madeline W. (MHS), takes pride in her work
with supervisor and independent researcher Li Li at the University
of Texas at Arlington’s Life Sciences Department.

Opportunities Abound at AISD: An Engineering Intern’s Reflection

At the end of my junior year, I underwent an
interview process in order to be one of the students
selected for the Arlington ISD Engineering Internship
Program. From over 100 applicants, only 37
students were chosen. While I indicated an interest
in biomedical engineering, I would have been happy
with whatever internships were available. It was because
of our STEM coordinator Mrs. Motsenbocker’s
hard work that I was able to obtain a position
working with the Shimadzu Institute.
Shimadzu is a Japanese company that manufactures
innovative technology to make lab research
easier for scientists. Its machines allow scientists to
bypass tedious tasks needed to prep experiments
and focus on the main objective. One of these labs
is featured at the University of Texas at Arlington.
I am interning at UTA’s life sciences and analytical
chemistry departments working with the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization
imager. The MALDI imager is one of
the most advanced and expensive pieces
of equipment throughout the lab.
I am working on a research project to
determine how pesticides affect a plant’s
longevity. Over the course of this project,
I will use the MALDI imager to examine
the particles that lie on the surfaces
of the leaf/stem samples collected and
determine how the applied pesticides
alter the makeup of the plant. At the
conclusion of the research, I hope to
predict whether or not these pesticides
will harm humans upon consumption.
Although this is considered a small project,
I am getting valuable experience with
a complex machine used to find terminal
diseases and other ground breaking
advancements in healthcare.
This experience is truly eye opening
because I am able to collaborate with
scientists and machines that work toward
improving our healthcare. Working with
specialized equipment that is used to detect
and cure diseases provides a learning
experience that exceeds the capabilities of
the classroom.
Although the lab doesn’t produce its
own independent research, many companies
depend on it to ensure the safety of
their products. For example, when I was
first shadowing my supervisor, we had to
trace the amount of calcium in samples
sent from a dentistry organization. These
samples were part of a serum used to
strengthen tooth enamel, and if there was
too much calcium it would be harmful.
Likewise, if there was not enough calcium
then the serum would be ineffective. Like
the dentistry project, many companies
rely on this lab’s research to be reliable.
Working with the MALDI imager has
created opportunities I would have never
imagined before. It distinguishes me
from other students and will become an
asset in my college education. It has not
only provided an inside look to what my
future may be, it has made me more appreciative
of the smallest things because I
understand the tedious research behind it.
For more information on the Engineering
Internship Program please visit http://
aisdintern.weebly.com/. Applications are
being accepted until February 26.
By: Madeline W. (MHS)
Visiting Columnist

6 district goals allowed to date through first three district seasons, playoffs entered every year with two area championships and a region semifinalist

at end of Freshman year.

Made "All Region" Honors for French Horn

One of 3 Freshmen to make the Varsity Soccer team at Arlington Martin HS

Madeline was inducted into NJHS in the Spring of 2011 and was "pinned" in the Spring of 2012

Arlington Masonic Award of Exemplary Personal Achievement 

Given to most Outstanding Enduring Athlete in school.

Math, English, Social Studies and Science

Made "All City" Honors for French Horn Play

Voted Vice President of Student Council for 2011-2012

Outstanding Student athlete and citizenship award 

Math, English, Social Studies and Science.

Made "All City" Honors for French Horn play

Top award for student at this school.

For outstanding leadership qualities as demonstrated through school spirit, participation in activities, service and caring for others, and striving to always put forth the best of endeavors.

Voted in President of Student council 2009-2010

Top honors for all around student award.

Award of Honor-All Around Citizenship, Scholarship and Attendance