As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Sustainable Horizons, Aissata Diop reflects on the indelible impact the SRP program has had on her undergraduate journey. She joined the SRP-HPC program in 2021 and expresses her gratitude to those who have contributed to its success; she acknowledges the program’s role in reaffirming her passion for science. One highlight that stands out to her is joining a CULTIVATE Conversations session with her SRP cohort. She remembers the stories shared that unearthed our vulnerabilities and resilience as scientists. She shares that she “was encouraged by senior figures in academia within the program who expressed similar experiences that she had gone through before but hadn’t yet found the words to articulate.” This was pivotal for her to no longer feel alone. She gained more confidence as she felt heard, comfortable, and at peace, and encouraged to continue her scientific journey; especially after hearing the stories of those who are now successful in their respective fields. This has always been the goal for the SRP program to create not only enriching internship opportunities but to offer safe spaces for student mentorships that are life-changing.
Aissata shares that her confidence boosted significantly and she is now more comfortable mingling and introducing herself in professional settings. The SRP program helped Aissata academically and socially. Academically because the internship bridged the gap between her physics and computational classwork and real world use of the science and computing techniques and socially, because she built lasting relationships both professionally and personally.
As she nears the completion of her bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics at Smith College, Aissata stands as a testament to the SRP program’s ability to ignite scientific curiosity, broaden knowledge, and foster community.