As part of the thriving collaboration between Duke and North Carolina Central University, three NCCU students recently completed internships facilitated and managed by the Duke-NCCU Bridge Office, housed within Duke CTSI.
The scholars, who made up the fourth cohort of NCCU students to intern with Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, presented on their internship experiences during the program’s closing ceremony in April.
“What stood out most to me during the internship was the hands-on experience I received, along with the consistent guidance and mentorship from professionals in the field,” NCCU junior Gionna Kolb said. “Being able to apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings made the experience both impactful and meaningful. It confirmed my passion for psychiatry and showed me the value of being supported by a team that truly wants to see you succeed.”
The Duke-NCCU Bridge Office Internship Program prioritizes academic and professional development and personal growth, striving to instill professionalism in students and ensuring that each intern leaves with more resources, knowledge, and confidence than when they started.
“It was clear that they truly care about the individual growth of every student they take in, which made the experience both empowering and inspiring,” Kolb said.
Safe and Supported
NCCU senior Ifidon Ikharo said his biggest takeaway from the internship was time management.
“Time runs away from you the minute you let it slip, and you never have as much as you think you do,” Ikharo said. “I have also learned the extent to which I can take on multiple commitments without being overwhelmed.”
Ikharo pointed to the ongoing, consistent interaction with the Bridge Office as a vital source of support during the internship.
“I love that it was a requirement to have monthly meetings with the Bridge Office,” he said. “One of my worries for this internship was being cast into a vast ocean and expected to survive. Having that constant contact being a requirement makes me feel safe and supported. And I know that I have individuals who support and look out for me.”
Deeper Understanding
Jasmine Johnson, an NCCU senior, agreed and said with the Bridge Office’s support, the internship has greatly contributed to her growth academically, personally, and professionally.
“I formed valuable connections and gained confidence in myself. It has helped me overcome imposter syndrome and acknowledge that my hard work is what gets me into the positions that I hold,” Johnson said. “Through mentorship and support from faculty members, I have received great encouragement, which strengthened my belief in my potential.”
As Johnson prepares for graduate school, she said she feels more confident in her abilities as a researcher, with improved time management skills and a deeper understanding of the field she plans to pursue, speech language pathology.
“In addition to enhancing my research skills, I appreciate the professional development series offered to us interns, the supportive and welcoming environment, and the volunteering opportunity offered through Duke’s autism center,” Johnson said. “This experience has shown me the type of work environment I hope to be part of in the future, and it has demonstrated the importance of taking advantage of available opportunities.”
Highest Priority
The Duke-NCCU Bridge Office collaborates with various partners to provide NCCU students and underrepresented students from other universities with work experiences in Duke offices and clinical research spaces, connections to professional development resources, matchmaking with mentors, and individualized coaching expertise. Since the program’s initiation, 37 students have completed internships.
“Our internship program is one of our highest priorities,” said Bryan Batch, MD, MHS, faculty director of the Duke-NCCU Bridge Office. “Witnessing the collaboration between Duke mentors and NCCU students, as well as the personal growth of the scholars over the course of the internship, is immensely gratifying.”
Duke Psychiatry and NCCU Psychology have consistently been supportive, dedicated partners for the internship experience, Batch said.
“What started out as a conversation has blossomed into a strong multi-year partnership,” said Lisa Davis, PhD, MSPH, director of operations for the Duke-NCCU Bridge Office. “The Bridge Office is delighted to see the interns grow their clinical research and professional development skills while exploring new career and training opportunities. The support and commitment of the mentors, faculty, and leadership at both institutions is fantastic, and the Bridge Office is so excited to continue our work together.”
The internship program is one of many ways the Bridge Office creates bidirectional pathways between NCCU and Duke. The office encourages people to reach out with questions or ideas about creating opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaborations at all career levels. Request a consultation.