Spetember Web Con Workshop: RIPE with Opportunity

RIPE with Opportunity: Helping underserved students thrive in your internship program

In the summer of 2022, the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project communications team received a grant from the Institute for Genomic Biology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force to develop an internship/mentorship program for students from underserved communities. The goal of the program was and is to prepare students for the next step in their careers. Developing and implementing the program, now in its second year, has brought valuable insights into the importance of programs like this and how to make it the most effective for students. In this session, we will share our program outline, lessons we learned along the way, and tips for how you can make sure students are set up to thrive in your opportunities.

Speaker bios

Allie Arp, Communications Manager, RIPE Project

Allie Arp is the communications manager for the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) Project at the University of Illinois. She handles all things RIPE communications from web content to interview prep to event planning. Allie has more than a decade of science communications experience and has been with the University of Illinois for six years. She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations/professional writing from the University of Northern Iowa, and her master's degree in mass communications & journalism/agricultural education from Iowa State University. Allie enjoys all types of American football (NFL, college, fantasy) and mediating disputes between her pets Zaboomafoo (cat) and Walker (dog).

Amanda Nguyen, Digital Marketing and Web Specialist, School of Information Sciences

Amanda Nguyen serves as the digital marketing and web specialist for the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois. In her role within the marketing and communications team, she is responsible for the School’s digital marketing, social media, and electronic communications. Prior to joining the iSchool, Amanda first began as a communications intern through her course (CMN 304) and later became a full-time digital media communications specialist for the RIPE project. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from Illinois. In her free time, Amanda enjoys painting watercolors and bopping out to Taylor Swift.