2015 NEON Intern Wins Second Place in AGU’s Virtual Poster Showcase

Congratulations are in order for Hitomi Okada, who interned with NEON this past summer, for winning second place in the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Virtual Poster Showcase.  This is the second year AGU has offered the showcase, in cooperation with The Geological Society of America, American Geosciences Institute and the Council on Undergraduate Research. The showcase allows undergraduate and graduate students to present their research virtually while also gaining valuable experience judging the research of their peers. Each submission is judged by student peers as well as an expert panel of scientists and faculty. The posters are judged on both scientific merit and visual appeal. 

Hitomi, currently a junior at Colorado State University majoring in Environmental Engineering, had the benefit of having several mentors during her time at NEON, one of the many benefits of a NEON internship.  All played a key role in Hitomi’s success. She states, “I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without their help. I brag about my internship experience to everyone I meet, even during interviews for future internships!”

Besides adding to her already impressive resume, the experience will bring Hitomi widespread publicity. Her poster and the associated video she submitted are currently featured on the awards page of the AGU website and will also be featured in the AGU Publication, EOS. 

We are currently recruiting for the 2016 NEON summer internship program which is open to undergraduate students enrolled in STEM disciplines.  The deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2015.