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"I got to work on some very interesting cases and learned a lot about problem solving and how to use new software applications in the lab," said Samadani. "Internships teach you a lot about what you might want to do, as well as what you don't want to do. My internship gave me a solid direction as I was preparing to transfer to a four-year school." Similarly, Keenan Eldridge credits the Rouse Scholars program with giving him exposure and new perspective in the field of medicine. A social sciences student who anticipates earning his associate degree in spring 2019, he landed an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, working beside Dr. Geetha Jayaram, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Eldridge gained practical, hands-on experience by shadowing Dr. Jayaram and other clinical experts as they cared for patients and participated in hospital grand rounds. Collectively, these experiences allowed Eldridge to observe and reflect on the needs of patients in today's society, and have affirmed his plans to pursue a career path in the field of psychiatry. "I honestly wasn't sure if I was moving in the right direction, and I was trying to figure out if psychiatry was the right fit for me," recalled Eldridge. "I learned what it looks like to be in this field; that it's okay to smile even if you are dealing with serious and challenging work. It really solidified my career path decision. Now I know for sure that this is what I want to do for the next 40 years." S cholarly engagement and re search For STEM Scholar Russell Schwartz, the experience at HCC helped him build new skills in everything from research strategies and presentation skills to teamwork, communication, organizational, technical, and writing skills. He has also found opportunities to present and publish research he has conducted, demonstrating step-by-step solutions to solve puzzles and mathematics problems by applying strategic process and logical thinking skills. "I was always drawn to the culture of presenting research, and having the chance to present my work at a few events reinforced it," said Schwartz. Most recently, Schwartz presented his research at the HCC Honors Conference, which brings honors students and faculty together for a day of case studies and research presentations, demonstrating the connection between academic work and the work being conducted by professionals. Schwartz also presented his project at the Maryland STEM Festival, which unites u Keenan Eldridge (far right) joins his fellow Rouse Scholars (left to right) Arielle Wickstrom, Addison Haynie, and Daniel Adegbesan on campus. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students from community colleges across the state, with the same guiding goals and vision. His work was later published in The Journal of Research in Progress, a collection of research papers written by HCC students whose work is progressing in STEM fields. u Russell Schwartz showcased his mathematics research in a HCC journal featuring student research. Fall 2018 | Pathways 9