Did you ever have a product idea or insight that never got beyond the imagination stage? Many people do, but few people have experience with entrepreneurial startup companies that take the big leaps necessary to develop ideas into new services or technologies that create a market or meet customer needs. This may seem like a daunting idea to start your own company, but UConn has developed the Technology Incubation Program which provides facilities and services to support start-up companies and to promote technology development in the state of Connecticut. There are facilities at the UConn Storrs, Farmington, and Avery Point campuses which all provide laboratory and office space, access to instruments and equipment, and business and financial planning to startup companies.

Although you may not be ready to jump in and start your own company, you can still learn what it’s like to work for a start-up through the UConn-TIP Bioscience, Entrepreneurship & STEM Internship Program. This program was designed to pair undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduate students in the STEM field with one of the start-up companies in the UConn TIP program. During the ten week internship, the student will work on a project created by their sponsoring TIP mentor, and will attend a variety of workshops focused on career development, networking, preparing for grad/med school, and specific technology based talks.

This past summer, I was paired with a company called ImStem Biotechnology as a TIP intern at the Farmington UConn Health campus. ImStem aims to provide a cell therapy product using human pluripotent stem cells in order to treat a variety of human autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My specific project was to culture the stem cell product with human immune cells from various donors to detect for any activation of the immune cells. This project was important for the company because in order to move a drug onto the market, the FDA requires a series of safety studies to be performed to assure that the drug will not adversely affect the health of the patient. The data that I collected and analyzed was used in the proposal to the FDA for the continuation of ImStem’s drug development. At the end of the internship period, each student is required to Continue reading →

Going to college is an amazing experience both academically and socially, but it can be very expensive, as most students know. Tuition, housing, food, gas, utilities, and school supplies can add up to quite a large amount. On top of that, any additional costs such as season basketball tickets, concert tickets, and daily trips to the Dairy Bar can really put a strain on your budget.

Getting a job while attending school is an excellent way to offset some of the many expenses incurred at college. In addition to this, having a job while attending college can help build your resume while you are earning a degree which can give you an advantage in the job field after graduation. Also, you won’t have to experience the fear of missing out on any once in a lifetime opportunities such as studying abroad or taking a trip with friends for spring break.

A great place to start your job search is by using the employment resources offered by the university through the UConn student employment website. There is a job search engine where you can set your preferences and look at the available jobs and see what qualifications are necessary. Job opportunities range from working at a dining hall, to driving vans for community outreach, to working in a lab, or working at the gym. There are many jobs to choose from and the postings are updated regularly, so check back often if nothing fits your preferences. You can also visit the Student Financial Aid Services office on the first floor of the Wilbur Cross Building which contains student employment services. They can answer any questions and assist with filling out the necessary paperwork for an on-campus job.

Another employment option is working at a privately owned business on or near campus. Storrs center has many businesses including Moe’s, Geno’s Grille, and CVS which all hire students regularly. With all the new construction in Storrs center, new businesses are opening often so keep an eye out for help-wanted flyers. There are also many businesses along North Eagleville Road including Dunkin Donuts and Baja Café that hire students.

I have had an on-campus job working in the serology department at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) for the past two and a half years. I stumbled upon the opportunity when one of my professors mentioned that the lab needed student workers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience because I have received hands on training in diagnostic technique for pathogens such as Salmonella, Equine Infectious Anemia, Avian Influenza, and Lyme disease. In addition to this, I have met some amazing staff members in the Pathobiology department who have given valuable advice on classes, internships, and my future career. The professors and staff from your department can be great resources, so keep an eye out for any opportunities that may come your way. Finding employment opportunities within your field of interest can be a rewarding and valuable experience, and can help pay the bills!