Camilla Kemppainen
CGS/SAR ‘18 | Human Physiology
Research Assistant
During the summer of 2015, Camilla Kemppainen was a Research Assistant at Boston Medical Center (BMC), which she found through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Project (UROP). After emailing the doctor overseeing the internship, Camilla secured an interview and was offered the position.
CCD: What did you do in that position? What were your responsibilities?
Camilla: As a Research Assistant for BMC’s research project, I transcribed audio tapes, coded interviews to find major themes, and wrote analysis paragraphs to bring all of the data together. Finally, we crafted a report. I am still working there throughout the year as well.
CCD: What was the best thing about the experience? What was the worst?
Camilla: The best thing was knowing that I have definitely picked the right career path to pursue. This internship helped validate my love for medicine. In my experience at BMC, there were no bad/worst parts. I really enjoyed this internship.
CCD: What advice would you give to another student about making the most of a summer experience?
Camilla: Don’t ever be afraid to pick up an internship, even if you think you’re not old enough or that you don’t have enough or any experience. I was a freshman when I got this position, and I had never done any type of research before I got the position. Sure, I was nervous, but this summer was one of the best I have ever had and working at Boston Medical Center has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
CCD: What are the benefits of the type of summer experience you did?
Camilla: I met so many amazing people, who I was able to share stories with and who I know will be there if I ever needed any sort of assistance. I also was able to be immersed into the world of healthcare in a different way than a classroom ever could. Healthcare is much more than just patient care, since it extends to also the caregiver and the experience beyond the hospital.
BU + Beyond 