Interning with intention: Inside CWRU students’ summer internships
This summer, Case Western Reserve University students are stepping far beyond the classroom—into hospitals and research labs, courtrooms and community organizations, corporate offices and conservation labs around the world. What unites their experiences is not ambition alone, but intention.
From studying translational mouse models of head and neck cancer in Switzerland to investigating marine ecosystems in Singapore and caring for critically ill patients in intensive care units, these students are pursuing internships that reflect both their passions and their purpose. They are asking meaningful questions, embracing complex challenges and gaining the skills and confidence to make an impact in their fields.
In celebration of National Intern Day (July 30), we're spotlighting students who reflect the passion, curiosity and drive that define the CWRU community.
Ready to begin your own internship journey? The Center for Career Success can help you explore opportunities, connect with employers and prepare for internships through career coaching, résumé reviews and networking resources.
Suhani Nog
Rising second-year dental student, School of Dental Medicine
Research intern, Lausanne University Hospital
When Suhani Nog (CWR '26, economics and chemistry) first visited Case Western Reserve University, she was inspired by the energy on campus and the abundance of research opportunities. This summer, that interest took her to Lausanne, Switzerland, where she took part in a research internship at the Simon/Tolstonog Lab at Lausanne University Hospital.
Studying translational mouse models of head and neck cancer, Nog conducted wet lab research and bioimage analysis, with a particular focus on comparing HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors.
"I found this research incredibly interesting and highly relevant to dentistry, since many of these cancers occur in or near the oral cavity and dentists are often the first to detect them," Nog said.
Working alongside global researchers, Nog saw firsthand how international collaboration advances cancer research. Through experiments and data analysis, she gained a deeper understanding of how laboratory discoveries can improve patient care.
Prior to the internship, coursework in biology, chemistry and dental school classes on neoplasia prepared Nog with the foundation she needed for her research, particularly in HPV, immunology and tumor progression related to oral cancers. Additional coursework at CWRU School of Dental Medicine familiarized her with head and neck anatomy—the same region where she later studied tumors in mice.
"This summer has been an eye-opening experience in the world of research in Europe, which I've noticed is extremely collaborative between labs," Nog said. "Moreover, being able to live in Switzerland, learn about Swiss culture, make friends from around the world and take in the natural beauty of this country are experiences I am so grateful for and will never forget."
Beyond the lab, Nog explored Lausanne, hiked in the Swiss Alps, swam in Lake Geneva and traveled throughout Switzerland and France, embracing the culture that surrounded her research experience.
The internship also reshaped Nog's career aspirations. After meeting dentists who balance patient care with research and teaching, she left Switzerland with a clearer vision of building a career that combines all three.
Zachary Regas
Rising second-year Master of Nursing student, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Nurse associate extern, Cleveland Clinic’s Avon Intensive Care Unit
After earning a bachelor's degree in business from Ohio State University, Zachary Regas shifted career paths to pursue nursing at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, drawn by CWRU's nationally recognized nursing program and Cleveland's world-class healthcare community.
Beyond the classroom, he gained medical knowledge and developed a foundation in leadership through his roles as director of the Student Run Health Clinic and Master of Nursing representative for the Graduate Student Nurses Association.
These experiences prepared Regas for his 10-week summer position as a nurse associate extern in the Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital—an opportunity that strengthened his clinical skills, reinforced the importance of delivering safe, high-quality patient care and affirmed that he had chosen the right career path.
On the team, Regas participates in morning staff meetings, assists patients with bedside care and collaborates with nurse practitioners and physicians to discuss patient status. He also shadows healthcare professionals during bronchoscopies, intubations and rapid response events, gaining firsthand experience in a fast-paced critical care environment.
“I was surprised by how much nurses support one another, especially on a more critical unit,” said Regas, who aims to graduate spring 2027. “I expected help to be limited because everyone is so busy, but nurses regularly checked in on each other, covering patients for lunch breaks or grabbing supplies when a colleague was tied up in a procedure."
In addition to providing patient care, Regas collaborates with fellow nurse associate externs and Cleveland Clinic educators during biweekly workshops and spent time on another hospital unit, which strengthened his assessment, communication and teamwork skills.
Following graduation, Regas hopes to begin his career as an ICU nurse at Cleveland Clinic before pursuing certified registered nurse anesthetist school.
Alicia Mathew
Rising second-year neuroscience student, School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Intern, Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Before attending CWRU, Alicia Mathew thought research was mostly about following established protocols and generating data. During her summer internship at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she has discovered that scientific research requires just as much creativity as technical skill.
"I learned that experiments rarely go as planned, and that much of science—especially research—involves lots of troubleshooting," Mathew said. "All in all, working in a research environment every day has confirmed that I enjoy asking scientific questions and working through unexpected challenges."
Mathew's interest in research began in high school and continued at CWRU School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience student.
During her first year, she presented research from a previous program at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting. Building on that research experience and coursework in biology and chemistry, she pursued the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
As an REU intern, Mathew studies tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, and its effects on brain cells. Applying concepts and laboratory techniques she learned at CWRU, she gained confidence designing experiments, troubleshooting challenges and contributing new ideas during lab meetings. She also strengthened her communication skills by mentoring others and explaining scientific concepts in accessible ways.
While the research has been rewarding, Mathew said the relationships she has built have made the experience unforgettable—from Sunday dinners and farmers market visits to game nights and weekly coffee runs.
After returning home to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mathew plans to volunteer at a clinical neuroscience research center. This fall, she aims to apply to the neuroscience track of the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program in biotechnology and will present her research findings at Intersections, CWRU's premier undergraduate research poster symposium.
"I knew I enjoyed biology, but now I have a much clearer picture of what day-to-day research looks like," said Mathew, who is expected to graduate in 2029. "This summer reminded me how supportive the scientific community is, and I'm excited to carry my new skills and experiences with me as I continue my education."
Giorgi Svanidze
Rising fourth-year chemical and biomolecular engineering student, Case School of Engineering
Rising second-year Master of Science in Supply Chain Management student, Weatherhead School of Management
Visiting undergraduate researcher, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering
Coming from a traditional chemical engineering background, Giorgi Svanidze had limited prior exposure of marine ecology and conservation when he began his internship.
A native of the country of Georgia, Svanidze knew he wanted to continue his education in a globally minded community that reinforced the importance of staying curious. He found that—and more—at CWRU as a student of Case School of Engineering and Weatherhead School of Management.
Open to discovering new perspectives, Svanidze traveled more than 9,000 miles to the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering at Nanyang Technological University. There, he conducts laboratory research to investigate bacterial attachment on engineered marine surfaces alongside leading experts in the field.
A visiting undergraduate researcher, Svanidze applies molecular biology and engineering skills developed through his studies and research experiences to better understand coral and seagrass microbiomes and marine microbial communities.
He also works with world-class researchers to address real-world challenges by studying the intersection of chemistry, engineering, microbiology and environmental science in coral reefs, seagrass meadows and other marine ecosystems.
Along the way, Svanidze has gotten a glimpse into large-scale ocean research by helping prepare for an expedition aboard the OceanX research vessel.
"CWRU opened doors I didn't expect, allowing me to pursue research across different countries and disciplines," said Svanidze. "Growing up in Georgia, I never imagined that one day I'd be conducting marine fieldwork on Singapore's offshore islands. That journey has been something I'm really proud of."
Nicole Samala
Rising third-year pre-med sociology student, College of Arts and Sciences
SCRC Summer Training Program Intern
Research assistant, Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics, University of Rochester Medical Center
While many pre-med students major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry, Nicole Samala chose sociology instead. That unconventional path led to a summer research experience that broadened her understanding of medicine and reaffirmed her goal of becoming a pediatrician who integrates research with ethics and the humanities.
A Cleveland native, Samala joined the SCRC Summer Training Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she conducted archival research in the Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics. Through her work, Samala examined depictions of physical restraint in pediatric photographs, exploring what they reveal from historical, cultural and ethical perspectives.
Rather than spending her days in a laboratory, Samala combed through century-old medical journals, wrote literary reviews and analyzed data while attending research lectures, journal clubs and scholarship meetings. The experience also gave her opportunities to shadow pediatric specialists and learn from Christine Slobogin, assistant professor of health humanities and bioethics.
“Working with Dr. Slobogin, I truly appreciated how she valued my ideas and gave me the freedom to pursue the topics that interested me most, making the process of developing a project genuinely rewarding,” Samala said. “This experience helped me recognize and carve out my own niche and clarify the kind of researcher and physician I want to become.”
Prior to her internship, research with Rebecca Schut—former assistant professor of sociology at the College of Arts and Sciences—combined with coursework in biology and physiology, prepared Samala to analyze historical medical literature and better understand the conditions she encountered.
"It was a joy working with [Dr. Rebecca Schut] these past two years, and I am forever grateful that she took a chance on a freshman with absolutely zero coding experience," she said. "She gave me confidence in my own abilities and the courage to let my curiosity lead my research, all of which has been crucial to my summer program."
Today, Samala will conclude her internship by presenting a poster on the pediatric restraint project she worked on to the University of Rochester Medical Center community.
"Choosing to major in sociology was an unconventional decision for a pre-med, but one I will never regret," Samala said. "Discovering the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in medicine has taught me that I don't need to give up my seemingly unrelated interests, as they are relevant and valued."
Martin Warren
Rising fourth-year Master of Science in Finance student, Weatherhead School of Management
Business Banking Planning and Analysis summer intern, JPMorganChase
A former athlete, Martin Warren thrives where strategy and competition intersect—a mindset that made his summer as a JPMorganChase intern a natural fit.
Drawn to the opportunity to see how finance drives business decisions, Warren joined the company's Business Banking Planning and Analysis team, where he supported expense and headcount reporting, as well as monthly profit and loss statements. Along the way, he sharpened his financial analysis, Excel and communication skills while learning how to turn data into insights that help teams make informed decisions.
Coursework at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management, including corporate financial analysis and financial modeling, prepared Warren for the role, while retired professor Scott Fine's approach to breaking down complex problems gave him the confidence to tackle new challenges.
One of Warren's proudest moments came early in the internship when he helped lead a team project for a nonprofit client. The group earned positive feedback for its presentation, reinforcing the value of leadership, collaboration and clear communication.
"This internship helped me understand that finance is not just about working with numbers," Warren said. "It is also about explaining what the numbers mean and using them to help teams make better decisions."
The experience also broadened Warren's perspective on the opportunities available in finance.
"After seeing the various opportunities within JPMorganChase and learning from professionals across the firm, I realized I would like to continue growing within the company and eventually pursue a leadership role, such as becoming a CEO or CFO," he said. "The internship helped me see those long-term goals are possible with the right work ethic, curiosity and commitment to growth."
Pema Herr
Rising second-year Master of Social Work student, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Part-time therapeutic behavior specialist, Bellefaire JCB
For Pema Herr, a Master of Social Work student at Case Western Reserve University's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, this summer marked more than another semester of fieldwork—it was a chance to see how far she and her clients had come.
Since beginning her internship at Bellefaire JCB's Child & Adolescent Group Services program in July 2025, Herr has worked with children ages 9 to 12 in a day treatment setting.
Today, Herr continues her work at Bellefaire JCB as a part-time therapeutic behavioral specialist, where she is strengthening the clinical foundation that will support her second-year internship. In this role, she provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families while continuing to deepen her expertise in trauma-informed, evidence-based practice
Building on the clinical skills she developed during her first year, Herr co-facilitates group therapy, implements evidence-based interventions—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy—collaborates with an interdisciplinary team and partners with families to support each child's progress.
Through her experiences, Herr reinforced concepts she learned at the Mandel School while gaining confidence as an emerging clinician and watching others do the same as they eventually “graduate” from the program with coping skills they practiced.
"One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that every client is truly unique, and being an effective social worker means being fully present, remaining flexible and adapting to each individual's needs and circumstances," said Herr, who is also a student of the Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice program.
"Being able to witness that progress firsthand reinforced why I chose to pursue social work," she continued. "Through these experiences, I learned the importance of critical reflection, emotional regulation and recognizing my own needs so that I can continue to provide the best support possible for others.”
Emmalee Clark
Rising third-year Juris Doctor candidate, School of Law
Legal intern, Cuyahoga Land Bank
As a Cleveland native, Emmalee Clark knew she wanted to build her legal career in the city she calls home. That made CWRU School of Law an easy choice and ultimately led her to an internship with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, where she helps return vacant, abandoned and tax-foreclosed properties to productive use.
"Having lived in Cleveland my whole life and being invested in my local community, getting the chance to make a difference is incredibly rewarding," said Clark, a first-generation student and 2026 American College of Real Estate Lawyers Scholar. "Working on meaningful projects has given me confidence in my ability to become an attorney."
Clark credits several CWRU experiences with preparing her for the role and laying the foundation for her internship, where she assists the in-house legal team by conducting legal research, drafting documents and reviewing property files.
Her transactional LLEAP course at the School of Law strengthened her legal writing through regular drafting assignments, while the Urban Development Lab—created by Matthew Rossman, professor of law and director of the Community Development Clinic—challenged her to analyze how tax increment financing could support the redevelopment of Shaker Square, a shopping center in Cleveland, Ohio.
While she once relied on class notes when drafting contracts, Clark now instinctively anticipates potential risks and how to protect her clients—a skill sharpened through hands-on experience.
As she continues her internship throughout the 2026-27 academic year before preparing for the bar exam, Clark encourages fellow law students to start their internship search early and prioritize networking.
"The Cleveland legal community is small, and even if the person you're talking to doesn't have an opening, there's a good chance they know someone who does," she said.
