US Students Share Groundbreaking Summer Science Internships

This summer, several Benjamin Upper School students immersed themselves in prestigious science internships and programs, gaining hands-on experience at world-renowned institutions and participating in cutting-edge research. 

From neuroscience labs to military academies, and artificial intelligence to genetic engineering, these Buccaneers spent their summers not just learning about science, but helping shape its future.

Nickie Walsh ‘26 spent six weeks at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, where she worked on optimizing a genetically engineered serotonin biosensor; a key brain chemical linked to mood and cognition. Her project focused on improving fluorescence in a receptor-protein construct that lights up in the presence of serotonin. By engineering targeted mutations, she helped develop more reliable versions of the sensor, offering scientists new tools to visualize brain communication in real-time and advancing research that could one day refine treatments for depression and other neurological conditions.

Cameron Lencheski ‘28 attended the U.S. Military Academy’s prestigious West Point STEM program, which selects just 125 students nationwide each summer. Designed to inspire future innovators, the camp combined engineering coursework with leadership training. Cameron explored fields ranging from artificial intelligence to mechanical and nuclear engineering while experiencing the discipline and camaraderie of military life. She was one of only two students from Florida, and the only female participant from the state, chosen for the program.

Sophia Lapter ‘28 pursued her passion for artificial intelligence through Georgia Tech’s ID Tech program. During the two-week experience, she studied machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, working with Nvidia’s cutting-edge robotics platform. For her final project, Sophia trained an AI model to analyze medical images and distinguish between benign and malignant melanoma tumors, demonstrating the potential for AI to transform medical diagnostics.

Evan Wang ‘27 interned at Scripps Biomedical Research in the lab of Professor Gavin Rumbaugh, a neuroscientist whose work centers on developmental brain disorders, including autism and epilepsy. Evan contributed to research on the gene SYNGAP1, which regulates how brain cells communicate and plays a critical role in learning and memory. His project focused on validating compounds that may restore protein function, a promising avenue for future therapies. The nine-week program culminated in a scientific poster session, where Evan presented his findings alongside peers from across the country.

Aidan McCorkle ‘27 explored the fast-moving field of genome engineering through a Rice University pre-college program. His coursework focused on CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing technology likened to “molecular scissors” for DNA. Aiden examined how gene editing could be used to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, while also considering the ethical challenges of rewriting the human genome.

Elle Derby ‘28 attended Georgetown University’s Neuroscience Academy, an immersive program where she explored how the nervous system functions from neurons to complex brain systems, while gaining exposure to brain imaging treatments and cutting edge research. Her experience also included conversations on neuroethics, what happens when the brain is injured, and the possibilities for recovery.