For Genesis Rodriguez DRC’20, participating in the Douglass externship program was an enlightening experience. As a public health major, Rodriguez always knew she was interested in learning more about careers in the healthcare industry. Yet after completing her tenure at Merck, a leading global healthcare company, she realized just how well-suited she is for the field.
From learning about laboratories and manufacturing to attending meetings, Rodriguez gained first-hand knowledge of what it is like to work at a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. She even conducted an individual project, analyzing a study on risk factors in clinical manifestations of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and later presented her findings to Merck staff. Through the project, Rodriguez had a chance to further engage with her passion for epidemiology, the study of how and why diseases develop.
“My experience at Merck & Co. further drew me into the field of epidemiology as I was introduced to the multiple levels of impact the company makes toward human and animal health,” said Rodriguez. “Epidemiology was ever-present and I was able to experience just how versatile and significant the field really is first-hand. In light of COVID-19, epidemiologists and public health professionals are working around the clock to help mitigate the impact of the novel virus. Knowing that in the near future my career can help save lives is gratifying.”
Through the Reilly Program at the BOLD Center for Advancing Women’s Professional Development, Douglass students can participate in externships, an immersive workplace experience for a one or two-week period where students are paired with a mentor in a field that interests them. For Rodriguez, this mentor was Tasmiah Choudhury DC’11, a study manager at Merck. Rodriguez met Choudhury at the Christiana Foglio DC’84 Douglass Career Conference for Women in October of 2019, where Choudhury was featured as a panel speaker.
Following their introduction, the two began exchanging emails prior to Rodriguez's application to the program. Their bond played an important role in Rodriguez’ successful experience at Merck.
“Tasmiah was so great. She was always receptive and willing to help. I established really great relationships with a lot of the staff, and I hope to see them all again one day.”
As for what’s next for Rodriguez, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology. In the meantime, Rodriguez will further her career by interning as a research assistant at the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute. While there, she hopes to engage further with research in epidemiology.
“While at Merck, I got to develop my professionalism in the workplace, and it really helped narrow down what I want to pursue in my career as I graduate in May," she said. "I would definitely consider working at Merck in the future. Great experience all-around. I wish I could do it again.”
Ultimately, Rodriguez’s experience in the program embodies Douglass’ mission to prepare a cohort of twenty-first-century leaders who are ready to take on the ever-evolving challenges of a modern world.
