This week’s main event was the overnight Campus Residency at the University of Maryland, College Park. Our internship cohort had the opportunity to tour multiple research labs, meet scientists and professionals, and attend several leadership development workshops designed to advance our personal and professional growth.
What inspired me the most was visiting the Bioenergy & Bioprocessing Technology Lab with Dr. Stephanie Lansing. The work being done there was amazing and captivating. Dr. Lansing walked us through the process of converting biomass into energy, showing us how electricity can be harvested from manure while still retaining the nutrient content for use in fertilizing fields. I had no idea that such a thing was possible. It was a new concept to me, and it was fascinating.
Inside the lab, she demonstrated several digestion systems that mimic the environments of a human stomach, the ocean, and other conditions to break down waste. Watching how these systems function felt like witnessing science fiction in real life. Another project that fascinated me was her team’s study on waste sorting. They found that food waste is the most discarded item, especially from universities and restaurants. On top of that, she introduced us to the “quantum nose,” a powerful sensor that detects food spoilage by analyzing the gases emitted. I left the lab with a renewed curiosity and a deep appreciation for how science and sustainability intersect in real-world applications.
Our leadership sessions during the residency really made me reflect on what kind of leader I want to be. One key realization I had was that leadership styles aren’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone brings different values to the table, and those differences are powerful. I found it refreshing and eye-opening to sit in a room full of people who prioritize values I might not naturally think about. It reminded me how important it is to listen and stay open-minded. I believe that our cohort is made up of emerging leaders who all bring something unique and valuable to the group.
Antonio Silas gave us a strong foundational understanding of what leadership looks like in a professional setting. He discussed different leadership types, such as authoritative, participative, and service-based, among others. He also emphasized that no one is locked into just one. Myles Alexander’s workshop was more reflective. It helped us explore what values drive our personal leadership styles. I discovered that my top three values are loyalty, commitment, and honesty. Taking the time to reflect on that helped me better understand why I act the way I do. I also enjoyed hearing others share their values, and why.
The aquaponics lab
I’d describe my leadership style as participative. I don’t want to feel like I’m above anyone else. Instead, I believe in collaboration and working with others, not for them or expecting them to work for me. I value open communication, shared responsibility, and creating space where everyone feels heard. That mindset ties closely to the values I identified during our workshop: loyalty, commitment, and honesty, because those are all qualities that help build trust and cooperation within a group.
During the rest of this internship, one thing I can practice is active listening. Through actively listening to what others are saying. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer, or someone we’re working with, I can strengthen my communication skills and become a more thoughtful, adaptive leader.
2 kids at the campus farm
This residency experience was inspiring on so many levels. I
left with new knowledge, new goals, and a stronger sense of who I am and who I
want to become as a leader.
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