UC students recognized for achievement in real-world learning
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies honors students for outstanding achievement in experiential learning.
This year, five students were recognized for taking opportunities to gain relevant work experience outside the traditional co-op majors. Their stories help to illustrate why the University of Cincinnati is a top five university for co-ops and internships, according to U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges rankings.
Laurel DesMarteau, Environmental Studies
Environmental studies major Laurel DesMarteau monitored blister rust with the National Park Service forestry team in July 2023. Photo/National Park Service
Laurel DesMarteau worked for two seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park, first with a conservation corps doing trail work, and then as a science communication assistant at the Continental Divide Research Learning Center (CDRLC). DesMarteau received two AmeriCorps Education Awards for her service terms as well as Direct Hire Authority (DHA) that she can use to get a full-time permanent position for a land management agency upon completing her degree. After graduation, DesMarteau plans to work in Cincinnati for an environmental nonprofit or consulting company.
Linh Dieu, Psychology
Linh Dieu. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
A native of Vietnam, third-year psychology student Linh Dieu did a clinical psychology practicum at Cincinnati Children’s focusing on children with developmental and behavioral health issues. Through this experience, she shadowed professional clinical psychologists for more than 60 hours, learned to use and score patient assessments as diagnostic tools, and participated in multidisciplinary didactic sessions with her supervisors and fellow students. Dieu plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology and hopes to work with children who have developmental disorders.
Mason Hornbeck, Mathematics
Pendleton County, Kentucky native Mason Hornbeck worked at Instant Scalability, which provides application and automation software integration to online business clients. As an operations analyst, Hornbeck managed a fully remote digital technology team. He oversaw more than a dozen projects to successful completion, contributed to monthly revenue growth and developed his leadership skills. After graduation, Hornbeck plans to earn a second degree in computer science at UC and work in finance or financial technology doing data science, engineering and analysis.
Hannah Fry, Pharmacy
Hannah Fry. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
Midway through her program, Hannah Fry was ready to quit because working in retail pharmacy was affecting her mental health. Then, a two-week rotation at the St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Charitable Pharmacy turned into a two-year internship where she demonstrated an extraordinary ability and commitment to serve patients who have no other way to access medications. The internship, funded by UC’s Service-Learning Co-op Program, restored Hannah’s pharmacy career. Upon graduation, she will become a full-time pharmacist with the charitable pharmacy.
Harshi Puram, Biological Sciences
New Albany, Ohio, native Harshi Puram has worked in UC’s Learning Commons since 2021 as an academic coach, academic coach coordinator, front desk assistant, and front desk assistant coordinator. Supervisor Jason Steele says Puram regularly goes above and beyond to make sure student clients get what they need. She often steps up to cover shifts, support trainings or draft material. Her positive attitude and commitment make her a joy to work with. After graduation, Puram plans to take a gap year to gain experience in the medical field and study for the MCAT.
About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
The more than 100 faculty and staff in the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies facilitate real-world work experiences for students, teach students to prepare for their professional lives, and provide career services to University of Cincinnati students and alumni. At the same time, we connect employers and external partners with the talent they seek in a variety of arrangements inside and outside the classroom.
Featured image at top: UC student Laurel DesMarteau takes photos at the Continental Divide Research Learning Center at Rocky Mountain National Park as a science communication assistant in June 2023. Photo/National Park Service
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