Meet Nicholas Rienstra, a rising junior from Sun Prairie, Wisc., studying engineering mechanics – aerospace. This Summer Term, he’s diving into a unique blend of coursework and hands-on research to stay ahead in his rigorous major and complement summer fieldwork.
Coursework complements innovative research
Nicholas works in the Wright Lab in UW–Madison’s Department of Biochemistry. Dr. Elizabeth R. Wright’s lab focuses on bacteriology, cell biology and virology. Their research involves exploring the three-dimensional structures of viruses and cells; their goal is to leverage this information to develop novel medicines and vaccines.
Working with a staff scientist under Professor Wright, Nicholas’s research helps develop new technology to optimize scientists’ ability to handle samples under microscopes, enhancing the study of pathogens and other biological entities.
When he opted to stay in Madison for the lab this summer, Nicholas decided to add a course to his summer schedule to get ahead on his studies. He’s taking INTEREGR 397 Engineering Communication, a required course in the engineering school on professional communication, which ties in with his summer research.
“It’s all about effective communication, making sure nothing gets lost in the process,” he says, emphasizing the importance of technical reports and presentations in the engineering field. By taking this course over the summer, Nicholas completes an intensive workload in a shorter time frame. “It’s a big commitment with a semester-long research project, but since I’m here working in the lab anyway, it’s two birds with one stone.”
Plus, the skills he is developing in INTER EGR 397 are directly applicable to his research.
“I have to write a 10-minute presentation, a proposal and a final research project for the course. It’s a great way to get practice in writing,” he says. This practice is invaluable as he prepares to present his research at the Microscopy and Microanalysis conference in late July. “I want to use the skills I’m learning to communicate my research as effectively as I can.”
The class will also help him write a planned academic paper on the research project. He adds, “I’d like to be a key part in writing that paper. This class will give me a lot of practice to be able to do that.”
The synergy between his summer coursework and research ensures that he is advancing not only his technical skills but also his ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Out of office
Nicholas’s summer days are a mix of productivity and enjoying vibrant campus life. He starts his day early, hitting the gym by 6:30 a.m. before heading to the lab.
“I get a couple of hours of decent work in before my 10 a.m. class,” he says.
His afternoons are spent back in the lab, usually wrapping up by 5 p.m. Despite the busy schedule, Nicholas finds time to enjoy Madison’s summer charm.
“My favorite thing about summer here is definitely the lake,” he says, often taking walks along the lakeshore path. He also makes time to golf with his dad to relax on the weekends.
Summer Term pro
Nicholas enrolled in Summer Term early on in his Badger journey. In the summer before his freshman year, he participated in the Mechanical Engineering Summer Launch, where he got a head start on his degree and an early taste of dorm life, making friends that he is “still very close with!”
The next summer, Nicholas opted to stay home and take a virtual computer science course, where he “really enjoyed being able to code and watch the lectures from home.” Now in his third Summer Term, Nicholas is back on campus, excited for the engagement that comes with in-person classes, particularly in a communication class.
He appreciates the flexibility Summer Term provides.
“No matter what my scenario was, whether it be wanting to live in the dorms before freshman year, at home between freshman and sophomore year or wanting to stay in my apartment in Madison this summer, there’s something that seamlessly fits,” he adds.
Nicholas touts the benefits of Summer Term such as staying on track with studies and, if you’re in Madison, experiencing a beautiful summer during quieter months.
“If it’s in the budget and you can find a reason to stay in Madison, [Summer Term is] definitely worth it,” says Nicholas. “There’s so much to do outside of class and you get ahead on credits!”
Ready to design your own summer story? Explore the courses and opportunities available through UW–Madison’s Summer Term and make the most of your summer. For more stories and updates, follow us on Instagram @uwsummer and share your Badger summer experiences with #MyBadgerSummer.