My experience as a CHART intern has been incredibly meaningful and has played a major role in shaping my future career path. Prior to CHART, I worked as a Patient Care Technician at Carle Foundation Hospital, and as a personal assistant supporting students with disabilities through Beckwith at Nugent Hall. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in patient care and inspired my interest in aging, disability, and inclusive health practices.
Throughout the Fall 2025 semester, I had the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, participate in community driven events, and deepen my understanding of aging, disability, and compassionate care.
One of my main projects was updating the CHART website to compile a list of visiting scholars from 2018–2025 and coordinating with the graphic designer on an interactive visual. While website limitations prevented some of the designs I explored, this project taught me the importance of digital accessibility and sharing research effectively with the community. I also wrote a recap article for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which deepened my understanding of the emotional and practical challenges families face when navigating neurodegenerative diseases.
Another key project was developing an outline for the CHART Recruitment Manual, designed to guide future interns in community engaged research. The manual outlines annual outreach events, logistics for recruitment booths, and strategies for engaging underserved populations. Although still in progress, this project emphasized how research participation begins with building trust and consistent community engagement.
Beyond my projects, I attended CHART- and CARD-affiliated events, including the dis(ability) Design Studio workshop, a speaker night with David Egan, the CARD Community Advisory Panel, Human Factors in Aging Lab meetings, and the McKechnie Family LIFE Home Open House. These experiences expanded my understanding of inclusive design, smart-home technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting how research and innovation can make daily life safer and more accessible for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
This internship ultimately confirmed my decision to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. My experiences at CHART strengthened my commitment to serving minority and underserved populations, particularly aging adults and individuals with disabilities, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Carrie Wennerdahl, for her continuous support, positivity, and mentorship, and to Dr. Wendy Rogers for her inspiring leadership and dedication to improving the lives of older adults. I am thankful to every researcher, graduate student, and community partner who welcomed me into their work. I leave this internship with renewed motivation, stronger skill sets, and an even greater commitment to compassionate, inclusive care.