What’s it like to gain experience in the life sciences while helping to protect the lives of medically fragile newborns? That’s the question we had the privilege of exploring this summer at Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast along with three dedicated college interns . . .
Life Sciences Cares . . .
We were fortunate to recruit two incredible interns (Kuukuwa and Maryona) by participating in Project Onramp, a program of Life Sciences Cares. Designed to create specific pathways for Massachusetts college students who are less resourced and often first-generation students, this program reduces opportunity gaps while promoting a well-prepared and diverse workforce in the Commonwealth. The life sciences industry is a key employer in Massachusetts. This program ensures that our most promising young people are introduced to this sector and develop critical skills for later employment – benefitting employers and students alike.
A donor milk pasteurization lab may not have been what students pictured when they applied for the program, which funds interns up to $9,600 for their summer work. However, making certain that human donor milk is safe for vulnerable infants is a critical process. It requires attention to detail, strict adherence to clinical safety standards and regulations, careful documentation for full traceability, and more.
Project Onramp is not just supporting students, it is also supporting our nonprofit mission. The requirements for operating a highly regulated nonprofit milk bank are high. Simultaneously, we are committed to promoting equitable access to this important medical resource. By generously providing us with additional support during our busy summer months and helping to raise awareness about this work, the benefits to maternal and infant health are substantial.
In addition to the two interns we recruited through this visionary program, we were also fortunate enough to attract another talented student. As a food science major, Ava brought her food safety knowledge from the classroom to our lab.
In their words . . .
We asked our interns how they felt about spending the summer contributing to our mission here at the milk bank and how that might apply to their future careers. Here’s what they had to say.
A rising sophomore studying nursing at UMass Dartmouth, Kuukuwa has long had one goal in mind. “I’m hoping to work in the NICU where I can make a difference for some of the most vulnerable babies and their families. As a milk bank intern, I already feel so much more prepared. My time here has been really informative – especially when it comes to better understanding everyday safety standards and just how fragile these babies are.”
Studying biochemistry at Simmons University, Maryona is a senior who might end up working alongside Kuukuwa one day. “Having completed another internship within the NICU, I knew that donor milk existed, but I never gave it much thought beyond that. It’s amazing to see just how much work goes into collecting and making it safe for these babies. It’s been really eye opening.”
Ava, a senior studying nutrition & food science at the University of Vermont found herself unexpectedly enamored with non-profit life. “I’ve loved getting such practical, hands-on experience here at the milk bank. But more than anything, it’s been really rewarding to help such fragile little humans. It feels great to go home knowing I’ve spent my day making a positive impact for those in need. I really love it.”
Huge thanks to our incredible interns, the team at Project Onramp, and Life Science Cares for making this summer one of growth and development for us, our future workforce, and babies in need.
