Dr. Lindsay Barone conducted a two-year mixed methods evaluation beginning in fall 2020 to measure the impacts of the New York City Virus Hunters internship on students’ self perception as scientists and their overall perception towards science. The aggregate results found that the Virus Hunters program resulted in substantial development of students’ self perception as scientists through close, skills-based mentorship; in-person science activities; and recognition as scientists by external institutions of note. We are particularly pleased to report that the evaluation demonstrated the program’s success during the COVID-19 pandemic when we had to restrict in-person activities.
Among the students who have completed the Virus Hunters internship to date, all students are now attending college. Five students were hired for positions in Dr. Krammer’s lab, and three students were hired for positions at BioBus. Fellow alumni have gone on to study at New York University, Tufts University, Hunter College, John Jay College for Criminal Justice, Binghamton University, Pennsylvania State University, Boston College, University of Rochester and American University. Other students have continued their high school studies. We look forward to helping all of the students achieve their scientific goals!