This summer the Mass General Research Institute is thrilled to continue our summer internship program for the second year in a row.
Please join us in welcoming Catherine Iannucci and Shika Lakshman, both undergrads at Emerson College. Be sure to check back here for weekly updates on what they’re working on!
Name: Catherine Iannucci
Where do you attend school and what’s your major, and year?
I go to Emerson College, I am a senior Journalism major and a Marketing Communications minor.
Where are you from?
America’s Hometown, Plymouth Massachusetts.
Why are you interning at the Mass General Research Institute?
This internship opportunity married my two passions, writing and marketing, perfectly. Here I will have the opportunity to do internal and external marketing while learning, and writing, about the groundbreaking health research being done at Mass General.
What do you hope to gain or learn while interning here?
I want to expand professionally, by honing my writing and marketing techniques but I also hope to expand my understanding of medical issues and research happening right beyond my office doors.
Why are you interested in health communications?
Health communication is extremely important, it allows people with no health or medical background to be informed on the advancements going on in the medical world that could affect them or a loved one.
What are your goals for the future?
I would love to go into non-profit Public Relations, in my opinion, the general lack of funding funneled into non-profit marketing and PR prevents people that need help from even being aware of the resources available to them.
What do you like to do when you’re not being an intern?
I love being outside, everything from camping to sunbathing on a beach. Especially this time of year, I live on sunlight and swimming.
Favorite food?
My favorite food is homemade pasta, no contest.
Name: Shika Lakshman
Where do you attend school and what’s your major, and year?
I’m a senior Marketing Communications student at Emerson College.
Where are you from?
I currently live in Jamaica Plain, but my family is from New Jersey.
Why are you interning at the Mass General Research Institute?
I’m hoping to make the research being done at MGH accessible to the public. People should know about the discoveries made everyday, in a way they understand, even without a medical degree.
What do you hope to gain or learn while interning here?
I’d like to strengthen my writing skills; health communications is a new field for me, and it would be great to have experience in different fields. Most of the time you can catch me on Twitter, so writing longer form pieces will be interesting.
Why are you interested in health communications?
When I was 10 years old, I decided I was going to medical school, and up until my junior year of high school, that was still the plan. I switched career plans, and although I’m not in a medical field, my love of science is still a big part of my life.
What are your goals for the future/career goals?
I’m planning on opening my own restaurant one day, but until then, I plan on working with nonprofits.
What do you like to do when you’re not being an intern?
I’m a bit of a foodie, so either cooking or trying somewhere new to eat. If I’m not eating, then I’m probably playing with dogs in the Common or binge watching The West Wing for the umpteenth time.
Favorite food?
My favorite food is probably macaroni and cheese. Despite my motto of “try anything once”, nothing tastes quite as good as a big bowl of mac and cheese!
About the Mass General Research Institute
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital is interwoven through more than 30 different departments, centers and institutes. Our research includes fundamental, lab-based science; clinical trials to test new drugs, devices and diagnostic tools; and community and population-based research to improve health outcomes across populations and eliminate disparities in care.
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Shika
I’m very impressed with your profile. Very interesting n enterprising. Good luck on your future