Laishawn Duncan lets curiosity lead her. When she was curious about Lehman, she spoke with a professor and after learning more about the College’s learning environment, she left that conversation “150% sure” she would attend. A couple of years into her studies, her curiosity about consumer product safety led her to learn more about food & cosmetic science, and an impressive internship.
Last summer, Duncan scored a research internship with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in College Park, Maryland. After three presentations on her work, she returned for her final year at Lehman confident in her abilities, confident about food safety, and confident in her direction. This is her Lehman story.
What motivated you to become a Chemistry major?
There was a recall for some of the aerosol spray products I use, such as sunscreens and deodorants, due to the presence of benzene. I didn't know what that was, but I was concerned. When I read the back of all my other food and cosmetic products, I was intrigued by its ingredient list. This was the start of my scientific curiosity, and I knew chemistry would be the perfect major for me, because food & cosmetic science rely extensively on chemistry to understand ingredients and its interactions.
What were your assignments as an FDA intern, and what did you take away from the experience?
I performed chemical analyses of baby foods for heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury, to develop an internal reference list for the agency. I also maintained the instruments I used, which meant cleaning and calibrating them and exchanging spent components.
With these responsibilities I improved my wet lab skills, and my skills in instrument maintenance. On a personal level, I learned to be more independent. The internship was in Maryland, and it was challenging to move from a walkable city that never sleeps to a city that is quiet all throughout the day, with a different transportation system, but I adapted.
How did your experience at Lehman help you succeed at the FDA?
I was able to apply the skills and knowledge I gained in my lab classes such as quantitative analysis, physics, and physical chemistry directly to my FDA internship, and that gave me great confidence in my ability to carry out the project.
Has Lehman helped you reach your post-graduation goals?
Lehman’s resources have definitely prepared me to enter the professional workforce. The writing center has reviewed many of my personal statements and the career advisors have also been very helpful when it comes to reviewing and editing my resume. The job notices they send helped me find this FDA internship.
What advice do you have for other Lehman students interested in doing something like this?
Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Stay curious and inquisitive: the STEM field is full of great people who take joy in teaching. Ask questions and learn as much as you can.
What are three words you would use to describe Lehman, and why?
Supportive. Reading the motivational posters in the underground tunnels such as “it always seems impossible until it’s done” gave me a boost when heading to classes that I felt were impossible to complete.
Rigorous. Lehman has challenged me academically for the past four years and I am thankful for its rigorous coursework, which has definitely built my character.
Resource-full. Lehman students have access to resources that can really cultivate our personal and professional growth.
After graduating this spring Laishawn plans to apply to medical school.