April 2018: Heaton Oakes

Heaton Oakes is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology at Idaho State University. Oakes’ internship focused on biomedical research using zebrafish. His contribution to the zebrafish project includes scoring recorded behavioral videos of juvenile zebrafish that had been previously exposed to psychoactive drugs during their early developmental stages.

Under the supervision of Verona Nicolae and Dr. Mark Austin, Oakes has been able to gain valuable knowledge relating to experimental design.

“I have been allowed to have input on critical design decisions, such as developing a scoring protocol using JWatcher software,” stated Oakes. “Verona has been excellent at listening to my input and allowing me to help make decisions that will positively benefit the outcome of the project.”

“At all times working on this project, I have found Heaton to be reliable, hard-working, conscientious and honest,Ph.D. candidate and Oakes’ supervisor, Verona Nicolae commented. “Besides widening his knowledge across different disciplines, Heaton has been proved to be a very active student and a great team member.”

Originally from Boise, Oakes intends to apply to medical school after he graduates in May. He hopes one day pursue a career in internal medicine such as endocrinology or cardiology. In his spare time, Oakes enjoys watching movies and in another life would have been an action/drama movie director.

March 2018: Paula Arinze

Paula Arinze has been interning with Idaho State University’s Sports Science and Physical Education department since the beginning of the 2017 Fall semester. Arinze, currently a junior, is majoring in Health Care Administration and minoring in Business Administration. Her current duties at the SSPE department consist of reconciling and developing budgets and executing the department's marketing efforts.  Highlights of her experience include learning ISU’s finance system and coordinating events for SSPE, Past events have included Bring a Friend Day, Celebrate Idaho State, ISU Tail Gate, and LDS Institute Firesides.

“Paula is a true leader in the department,” states Dr. Karen Appleby, Interim Dean for the College of Education and Professor of SSPE. “She represents SSPE daily with a professional attitude and is a go-getter when it comes to completing and creating new ideas for the department. Paula is always professional, is open to guidance and mentoring, takes initiative, and is a pleasure to work with in a number of ways.”

Paula, a native of the Delta state, in South Nigeria, plans to return home after completing her masters through the College of Business.

“I hope to return home where I can help reform the healthcare structure.”  Arinze explained.

In Paula’s free time, she likes to read and write fan fictions, watch Korean TV series, and try new things.

February 2018: Saroj Lamichhane

Saroj Lamichhane has been interning with Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) for the two semesters. During his tenure, Lamchhane, a sophomore Communications, Media, and Persuasion major, has become a vital part of CEWT. He had worked on projects ranging from marketing videos, instructor presentations and outside organization filmings such as a project with Clif Bar.

“Saroj is so passionate about video production and it has been a pleasure to see his creative side shine,” stated Paul Dickey, Video Instruction Manager for the College of Technology and Lamichhane’s supervisor. “We feel grateful that he is working with us and contributing to our department in so many great ways.”

Lamichhane, a native of the Nuwakot region of Nepal, has found great value in his experience as a CPI.

“My internship experience helped me decide to change my major to focus on multi-platform journalism.” Laminchhane explained. “I hope to use my skills and degree to work in the TV industry in the U.S. and eventually back home.”

January 2018: Joe Hughes

Hughes has been a CPI with the Veteran Student Services Center for a year and a half. After being a peer advisor in Central Academic Advising, he joined the team at the center to provide academic support and guidance to student veterans.

With great attention to detail and Military Education Benefits requirements, Hughes is able to assist student veterans in the transition from military to academic life with admission support, academic advising and scheduling, tutoring and mentoring.

Hughes, who’s unable to serve in the military himself, supports ISU veteran and military-connected students as an officer in the Armed Forces Club-Student Veterans of America. He is also a participant in all activities of the Veteran Student Services Center, such as the homecoming parade and Veteran and Military Appreciation Week.

"Working at the Veteran Student Services Center is my way to give back to the men and women in the armed forces," Hughes said. "I work with some of the best individuals and am so glad to help support such an amazing group of people."

As a business major, Hughes has been able to assist the center with the budget and financial planning. He has also played a role in fundraising for activities such as the annual military ball. In addition, Hughes is an exciting drummer. In spring 2017, he and his band played at the Kappa Sigma Ride for the Troops event.

Hughes will graduate in May and is looking forward to exploring the opportunities his finance degree will provide.

2017 Interns of the Month