Interns
Project Exploration values the impact that interns can bring to an organization. Over the years we have partnered with Adler University, Associated Colleges of Illinois and University of Chicago. Interns have led a variety of projects including our re-brand, project readiness and have taken leads in many day to day activities fundraising, event planning and program operations.
Our Interns from Adler University are first year Master’s level students taking part in a practicum program designed around social justice in the Chicago community. This social justice practicum (SJP) emphasizes modeling the Adlerian principle of creating a positive social change. The students in this program work hands on with organizations around Chicago in order to earn experience and understanding of social injustice and what can be done to help. The students seek to support equity with all members of the Chicago community through their work with these organizations.
Shannan Johnson
My name is Shannan Johnson and I am a graduate student at Adler University studying to receive my Master’s in Counseling: Sport and Health Psychology degree. I have just joined Project Exploration in the fall of 2016. I am a first year grad student but I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with my bachelor’s in athletic training and am a certified athletic trainer in May 2016.
My most recent work experience was with the Fox West YMCA as a wellness center trainer and helping with the after school and summer program with the kindergarten to 5th graders as an assistant teacher.
I decided to join the work with Project Exploration for my social justice practicum. I was drawn to work with Project Exploration because I have experience working with kids and strongly believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to explore and learn regardless of their situation.
My favorite part about being a STEM Facilitator is being able to reach a common goal while working collaboratively with other staff members and the youth. I also enjoy being able to bring education and experience to the students.
What I have learned while working with youth is that children are the future and deserve equal opportunities, so I plan on being able to achieve working towards this goal with the youth of Project Exploration.
Lukas Cottingham
Lukas C. Cottingham, is a student of Adler University in the clinical psychology program with an emphasis in forensics. He will be interning at Project Exploration for the next school year from September 2016 to May 2017. His undergraduate coursework at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois allowed him to graduate in three years with two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology while upholding a 3.8 GPA. During his time at Greenville College, he was a journalist for the college’s magazine, a paid position in which he interviewed students and faculty of the college as well as members of the surrounding town in order to write articles, theater reviews, and short creative writing stories.
Science has always been important to him, not merely because he has found it personally interesting but because it gives a new and fascinating perspective into the world around us. He feels this new generation needs a place to help them learn and grow, a place where they are not only told about science but encouraged and inspired to learn beyond the bare minimum requirement.
He will be proud to provide his wealth of knowledge and skills to Project Exploration in the coming months. It will be his distinct pleasure to provide the organization with whatever it asks of him; from covering events, to brainstorming new and inventive ways to keep in contact with members and volunteers, he is excited to join Project Exploration in their noble mission.