Internship, Fellowship, and Scholarship

mesa/stem center ON-Campus internship

The purpose of the MESA/STEM Center On-Campus Internship Program is to provide STEM students with a research-focused and team-based on-campus STEM internship opportunity that is led by a STEM faculty mentor. All students who participate in this internship MUST ATTEND AND PRESENT at the STEMposium happening during the Spring semester. The application opens up every Fall semester, and students will get notified before the end of the semester.

The application period for this academic year is now open and will close on November 14th, 2025 at 5pm.

Criteria for Evaluation

  • Unofficial College Transcripts
  • Updated Resume

2025-2026 Internship Projects

Internship #1:

Exploring Relative Cross-Linking Activities and Mechanisms of Environmental Pollutants

Led by Dr. Tatiana Reznikova

The purpose of this project is to investigate whether various environmental pollutants could be directly involved in cross-linking reactions that disrupt the function of the skin as a protective barrier. An ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) will be used to test and compare chemical toxicity in inducing protein cross-linking. This project will provide students with hands-on experience in biological laboratory techniques and introduce them to experimental design.

Project Prerequisites:

Completion of at least one semester of biology (BIOL 120/105) AND chemistry (CHEM 110).

Internship #2:

Petrographic Investigation of Igneous and Metamorphic Rock Samples: Textural and Mineralogical Analysis Using Thin Sections

Led by Professor Cari Roughley

This project examines rock samples prepared as thin sections 30 µm thick, allowing light to pass through the samples for observation under a polarizing microscope. This method enables geoscientists to analyze and identify the rocks’ mineral composition and the pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions under which they formed. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience in petrography, microscopy, and an understanding of rock-forming processes and mineral behavior under varying geological conditions.

The study will include the use of an existing collection of thin sections, representative of rock samples from geological settings such as a basaltic lava flow, a granitic intrusion, a regional schist, and/or a contact metamorphosed hornfels. Students will analyze the thin sections to identify mineral assemblages, textural relationships, and microstructures indicative of crystallization or deformation. Quantitative methods, such as modal mineralogy via point counting and image analysis using open-source software like ImageJ will also be used.

Key research questions to be addressed include:

  • What do the mineral assemblages and textures reveal about the pressure-temperature (P-T) history of the rocks?
  • How can textural relationships inform us about the sequence of mineral crystallization or deformation events?
  • What petrogenetic processes (e.g., fractional crystallization, partial melting, metamorphic recrystallization) can be inferred from the thin section evidence?
  • How does thin section analysis enable geologists to reconstruct the history of Earth’s crust?
  • In what ways does thin section analysis enable materials scientists to relate microstructural features to bulk material properties?

No project prerequisites. Just an interest in learning about minerals and microstructures in rocks!

Internship #3

Pure Mathematics Project

Led by Professor Shawna Bynum
In this project, students will experience pure mathematics as real mathematicians do—by exploring an open-ended puzzle or topic such as the art gallery problem, knot theory, or other logic-based challenges. Together, the team will select a focus area, research its background, and determine the appropriate mathematical tools for investigation. Students will collaboratively develop conjectures, explore possible proofs or solutions, and present their findings in a professional research poster at the end of the internship.

Project Prerequisites:

Students must have successfully completed, or are currently enrolled in Calculus 2 (MATH 121).

Internship #4

Smart Programming Algorithms for Numerical Analysis and Data Simulation
 
Led by Professor Antonio Castro
The design of smart programming algorithms is important for efficiency and convergence of numerical analysis and data simulations. Student participants will learn programming methodologies and will implement programming designs with smart programming algorithms. Student will use an open-source programming platform called Scilab.
Project Prerequisites:
Students should have completed Math 120 (Calculus 1) by the end of Fall 2025.

Internship #5

Linear Algebra Research Project

Led by Professor Ksenia Kitaeva
Linear Algebra forms a fundamental part of mathematical theory, with concepts embedded in numerous real-life applications in the sciences and engineering. This research project will provide you with an opportunity to develop and present a comprehensive description of the chosen linear algebra topic applied to your field of study. With guidance from Ksenia Kitaeva, you will select the Linear Algebra topic that aligns with your interests and major and investigate how it applies in your major to gain an in-depth and exhaustive understanding of its significance and use. She will assist you in selecting a research topic, developing it, and presenting your findings.
Project Prerequisites:
Students must have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in MATH 220 (Linear Algebra).

Internship #6

Elliptic Curve Cryptography

Led by Professor Emery Stafford

The purpose of this project is to create a functioning cryptographic system by exploring the modern methods of encryption. One such method, Elliptic Curve cryptography is used in many mainstream encryption algorithms. Students can explore the mathematical background of elliptic curves and will create their own Python-based program that can be used to encrypt and decrypt a message.

Students will learn basic number theory and modular arithmetic, function structure and factoring, elliptic curve cryptography and other methods, and basic python programming.

Suggested Preparation (suggested but not necessary):

Enrolled or completed MATH 120 or higher, and/or enrolled or completed COMS 215 or 218

Click here to apply!

If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Corona by visiting her in Room 1805A, emailing her at vanessa.corona@napavalley.edu or call (707) 256-7282.

 

NVC partner in the following fellowship: 

Article of past Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowhsip Participants

*Please note that Napa Valley College will not be participating in the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship this academic year*

ANNOUNCEMENT

The EISENHOWER COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSPORTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM provides funding for the pursuit of an Associate’s Degree or specialized training in transportation related fields. The program objective is to attract qualified students to the fields of transportation education and research, and advance transportation workforce development. The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program encompasses all modes of transportation. The program is intended to help upgrade the scope of knowledge of the entire transportation community in the United States and encompasses all modes of transportation.

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Scholarships and Resources for DACA and Dream Act students:

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