Domingo Martinez
Class of 2005
Gregorio Luperon high school
Topic: Imidazole Porphyrins as Precursors to Porpyrin Arrays
About:
This summer of 2005 as a junior I was granted the opportunity by the Harlem s’ Children Society of working as an intern at St. Johns University under the direction of Dr. Alison, and Dr Sat Bhattacharya. It was a mind-boggling experience. I was able to work in a laboratory with skilled instructors that helped me learn a great deal about science and about how to work on experiments.
When I was interviewed for admittance into the program I felt uneasy about
the result of the interview, but Dr. Sat Bhattacharya quickly changed
this feeling. He treated me in a way that I felt welcome. Working in the
laboratory
was a phenomenal experience for me. I got to work with high-tech science
materials that were not available to me in my high school and I was very
appreciative about this. I also got to work as I said, with skilled instructors
that guided me along the way. It was difficult at times because I haven’t
taken Chemistry and it was one of the basic requirements in order to
accomplish the projects. This problem was taken care of by my mentor
(Dr. Alison Hyslop)
who helped me every step of the way. She helped me understand the material
and she gave me basic information about it.
My research was interesting to me because we were attempting to connect two molecules with one metal between them in order for the light energy to go through them and create other colors. I found this to be very attractive. During the internship program we had weekly meetings held on Fridays, which many things were discussed. I personally found what was said to be useful in one way or another because even though we couldn’t understand everything that was said we always left with inquisitive minds. They would talk about things such as Cancer and Child Abuse to things that unfortunately are in our world today. I was very interested in these two topics especially and after these two things were discussed I went home thinking about them.
This program I feel will help me in the future in many ways. It has taught me to not give up, and to keep and open mind. It has also taught me not to be afraid to ask for help. It has taught me these things and many more. I am very grateful because I had the chance to experience this opportunity. I would like to thank Dr. Bhattacharya, Dr. Alison and all that made this possible, Thank you all for this opportunity to be in this program.