While some college students are using the summer months to relax, UALR student Jeannie Kuang-Nguyen is serving as the primary communications intern at the Pan American Health Foundation in Washington, D.C.

The organization works closely with the Pan American Health Organization to mobilize resources for public health projects in the Americas.

Kuang-Nguyen, a sophomore chemistry major, is one of six UALR students selected to participate in summer internships through Aug. 8, at The Washington Center, an independent nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C.

She is helping to manage the organization’s social media content and creating and disseminating public information about the organization. Aside from communication projects, she also helps review concept notes and papers that become project proposals.

Kuang-Nguyen said she originally wanted to find a position in a lab but has since decided that she is content with the internship she ended up with.

“It allows me to gain insight on public health and the current health issues in the Americas, mainly, Latin America and the Caribbean,” Kuang-Nguyen said. “I am gaining skills that is applicable to a number of professions, not just a lab position.”

At UALR, Kuang-Nguyen is a Donaghey Scholar and a University Science Scholar.

The other UALR students interning through the Washington Center are: Abigail Marshall, a mass communication major from Searcy; Mackenzie Bolt, an anthropology and international studies double major from North Little Rock; KenDrell Collins, an economics and professional/technical writing major from Osceola; Mehr Shah, an undeclared major from Little Rock; and Hayley Chronister, an art major from Hot Springs.

UALR students who are interested in a Washington Center experience are encouraged to review the website: twc.edu. All students must be approved by UALR to attend, as there are internal selection criteria and the process is competitive.

For further information after reviewing the Washington Center’s website, contact Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, campus liaison, at ebsherwin@ualr.edu.