Neuroscience major Carter Schimke talks about his internship with the Minnesota Memory Project and future plans in medicine
Name and year in school?
My name is Carter Schimke, and I am a senior. I'm excited to graduate in May!
Hometown?
I'm from Argusville, North Dakota. We have about 500 people, 1 bar, 1 church, and a few stop signs.
What is your major? What led you to choose this major?
I'm majoring in Neuroscience. Coming in, I knew I wanted to major in something related to biology. Studying the organ that serves as the bridge between the outside world and our inner realities has served quite interesting.
Outside of academics, what other organizations or activities do you participate in on campus?
I'm a volunteer EMT for UMEMS, the president of a student group called Meals for Minneapolis, a volunteer in Dr. Sylvain Lesne's lab, and I do some volunteer work for the Alzheimer's Association.
Over the summer, you interned with HealthPartners. Can you talk a bit more about your role and experience?
I was an intern for the Minnesota Memory Project at the beautiful HealthPartners Neuroscience Center in St. Paul. The MMP is a longitudinal study that looks at the effects of lifestyle and aging on memory. Participants answer a yearly comprehensive survey about their lifestyle (mood, sleep, exercise, medications, etc.) and then come in for a yearly neurocognitive assessment. That's where I came in! I would administer and score their assessment, give them feedback, and complete data entry and analysis. The chance to work with people while also conducting research was something I really valued.
What advice do you have for other students looking for internships?
Don't try to put a square peg in a round hole. Once you find something you're passionate about, pour all your good intentioned effort into it, and things like internships will find their way to you. It sounds corny, but I believe it's true.
What do you hope to do after finishing your undergraduate degree?
Great question! I'll take the MCAT this spring and apply to medical school this upcoming cycle. The immediate future is a little up in the air, but I'll definitely take some time to relax and travel.
What college course has been your favorite so far? Why?
My favorite course was BIOL 1904: Innovation and Imagination in Ireland. It was a freshman seminar abroad over spring break led by Nikki Letawsky Shultz. Bonding with my classmates and learning about a different culture was an unforgettable experience. I encourage those that don't feel they have the time to spend an entire semester abroad to look into shorter term programs.