The CPRC's Bonnies in the Spotlight program recognizes St. Bonaventure students who have developed significant professional skills through a quality experience.
The program serves to recognize these students, but also to motivate other to seek out similar opportunities.
Students apply to the program by completing an application that requires detailed articulation of their experience. Selection of the finalists is very competitive.
Meet Our 2024-2025 Bonnies in the Spotlight
Amanda Albert
Major: Health Science
Organization: Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa
Title: Visiting Scholar
As a Visiting Scholar, Amanda spent her summer researching health issues and complications that Pacific Islanders face due to a lack of adequate resources. While researching an array of health problems, including infectious diseases, cancers, and mental health, Amanda learned research techniques and skills that she can apply as she pursues a career in medicine. Amanda also assisted in hosting a World Health Organization seminar that allowed her to enhance her knowledge and strengthen her compassion for people experiencing health adversity in under-resourced environments.
Maygha Chaudhuri
Major: Biology
Organization: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Title: Student Researcher
During her internship, Maygha researched cancer treatment drugs, focusing on repurposing a treatment used for a less aggressive breast cancer and applying it to a more aggressive breast cancer. At the end of her 10-week experience, she presented her findings to both scientific and general audiences and then fielded questions from
people of a variety of backgrounds. This internship enhanced her professional communication, problem-solving, and networking skills among professionals and Ph.D. students alike.
Jack McCann
Major: Video Production
Organization: Dow Jones
Title: Editorial Video Intern
Jack was tasked with quickly creating and producing long-form videos for various social media platforms. In the fast-paced city and corporate environment, Jack quickly realized what corporate businesses require from interns and employees alike. Honing in on his communication skills helped him understand what was expected of him and his fellow interns. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals under the same pressure and striving to reach the same goals strengthened his passion and solidified his commitment to future video production endeavors.
James Torres
Major: Strategic Communication
Organization: New York Boulders
Title: Promotions and Social Media Intern
James’ internship focused on learning promotional and marketing techniques displayed through social media. He and his peers dedicated their time to updating fans on the happenings of the professional baseball team. James also was able to learn how to do this at an effective speed as everything moves very fast in the sports world. Being hands-on behind the scenes provided niche learning experiences critical to his future success in strategic communication.
Mackenzie Schlee
Major: Marketing
Organization: Optimax Systems Inc.
Title: Marketing Intern
Mackenzie dedicated her summer to improving her marketing skills through an internship at Optimax Systems. She exceeded expectations by managing and completing about 20 projects simultaneously. Her strong time management and communication skills enabled her to thrive in this role. By improving Optimax’s LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms, promoting company events, and overseeing the overall social media presence, Mackenzie was well-equipped to develop products that reflected the company and its values. This internship provided her with valuable insight into working for a large corporation and showcased her readiness to tackle even bigger projects.
Carolyn Schwab
Major: Health Major
Organization: East Town Dental
Title: Dental Assistant
During her experience, Carolyn witnessed and assisted in dental surgeries. She also gained a better understanding of how dentures are made, how to interact with patients, how to present the most suitable path of care, and how to apply surgical protocols. Many of the patients Carolyn worked with were experiencing financial hardships, which opened her eyes to privileges many don’t realize they have (i.e., eating/speaking without pain).