Joining the World’s Leading Chemical Company to Gain Hands-On Skills – Posted 4/16/15
Building upon the success of previous science students at County College of Morris (CCM) and his own academic achievements, Michael Masino, of East Hanover, will be working at BASF’s Catalysts division in Iselin this coming summer as an intern.
Masino, who is one of two CCM students selected this year for a summer internship at BASF, is majoring in both biology and engineering science at CCM. His plan is to launch a career in biomedical engineering where he can design solutions to help people improve their quality of life.
“For example, I would like to design the next generation bioelectronic medicine that would enable electrical signals to be sent through our nervous systems to help trigger our bodies’ own natural healing functions,” he says. “I also would love to be involved in designing prosthetics that wirelessly connect to neurons, so someone who lost an arm could move their hand and effortlessly pick up a cup of coffee.”
He notes, however, that he anticipates that his career plans will develop both as part of his upcoming internship and as he develops in his profession.
“Ultimately, the work experience I acquire will influence the direction of my career. I have an open mind and I am extremely eager to start my internship,” he adds.
In addition to attending school full-time and working multiple part-time jobs, Masino is president of the Biology and Chemistry Club at CCM and an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
“This is the first time in our three-year internship program with BASF that we have had two students who have been offered and accepted positions as summer interns,” notes Anthony Di Stasio, assistant professor of chemistry, who developed and oversees the Biology and Chemistry Internship Program at CCM.
“We should all celebrate our students’ accomplishments given that these summer internships at BASF are highly competitive and limited in availability.”
Last year, Matt Gole, of Succasunna, was selected as the college’s second summer intern at BASF. In 2013, Tristin DeBona, of Randolph, became the first CCM intern at BASF. Now a student at Rutgers, DeBona was hired back by BASF as a part-time employee.
As BASF interns, students gain experience working in catalysis research at the world’s leading chemical company, obtaining critical hands-on experience and the opportunity to build a professional network.
For more information on the Biology and Chemistry programs at CCM, visit www.ccm.edu/academics/divdep/hns/biochem/.