Meet the New Orleans BioInnovation Center’s YouthForce Intern, Xiomara

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center has partnered with YouthForce NOLA, a program dedicated to preparing New Orleans public school students for the successful pursuit of high-wage, high-demand careers.

 

 

Tell us a little about yourself, Xiomara.

I was born and raised in New Orleans, and I am a rising senior at The New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School. At school, I’m the co-captain of the cheer team as well as a member of the robotics team.

Why did you decide to do an internship with YouthForce NOLA? What do you hope to get out of your internship experience?

I decided to do an internship with YouthForce because this program opens doors and will help me build a professional network. I really like that YouthForce allows everyone to participate.

Why did you choose to work at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center?

I want to be a biomedical engineer and I thought that NOBIC would be the perfect place to explore career options.

What do you like about working at NOBIC?

So far everyone has been very welcoming and willing to help. I also really like that we work in the same building as a lot of scientists.

What are you excited to learn more about at NOBIC? 

I am looking forward to learning about the real-world applications of biomedical science. I’m especially excited to interview the scientists working in the NOBIC building to learn more about what they do.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Where would you like to be working?

In five years I hope to be a senior in college studying biomedical engineering. I hope to have more professional experience, including lab work, and be looking for jobs in biomedical science.

Do you have any advice for people your age who are looking to get an internship?

Go out and explore a career, even if you don’t want to. You have to put yourself out there so you know what you enjoy and what you don’t.