Most of us had a summer job when we were in high school or college, and if we were lucky, we had one that helped us make meaningful decisions about college or a career. 
 

At TGen, summer interns in the Helios Scholars at TGen program work alongside researchers on projects that are much more than “just” eight weeks of full-time hours inside a lab. Many Scholars choose a field of research they will pursue for an entire career.
  

On this episode of the TGen Talks, we connect with Heather Mead, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division. A former Helios Scholar who describes the eight-week internship as life changing and encouraged her to begin a second career in research, one that has seen her come full circle as today she mentors Helios Scholars, helping them find and follow their passion … all while conducting research and coordinating projects around Tuberculosis, Valley Fever, COVID and more.