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Brian Apgar ’10 (Easton, Pa.) handled important challenges and responsibilities in an internship with Surface Chemistry Discoveries Inc. at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.“I was able to take a lead role in three major projects and make significant contributions to other projects as well,” says the chemical engineering major. “The senior scientists relied on me and trusted me — that was my favorite thing. They didn’t view me as an intern, but as a co-worker. I was exposed to a lot of fields and became familiar with many new techniques. I was included on major phone conferences and had opportunities to speak with executives and senior researchers from other large companies. I liked the atmosphere of this small company because I had a meaningful role to play every day.”
He credits Linda Arra ’74, director of career services, with making the internship happen. “She set me up with a contact at Ben Franklin who was able to pass my resume along. Eventually, [company owner] Mr. Shahri Naghshineh contacted me about working with Surface Chemistry Discoveries,” he notes.
Previously, he conducted research with James Ferri, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Apgar has accepted a job offer from pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co.