Graduate School

Internships

"Always accept new opportunities and step out of your comfort zone, you truly will not regret it!" ~ Jimena A.

"Step out of your comfort zone, it’s the only way you’ll truly grow. The hard moments will challenge you, but they’ll also show you your strengths." ~ Omar E.

Eclipse Engineering Internship

Jason Bernal Azamar, a fourth-year civil engineering student who is from Salem, Oregon. “When I'm not studying hard at the Valley Library's writing center, I'm traveling to new destinations, tasting new cuisines as a self-proclaimed foodie, or hitting the trails to connect with nature.” He had the opportunity to be part of the CAMP Cohort during 2021-22 academic year and followed by his role as a mentor during the 2023-24 cohort.

A pivotal point in Jason’s academic journey came when he was selected for a 12-week structural engineering internship with Eclipse Engineering, a Cushing Terrell Company, based in Missoula, Montana. He discovered this incredible opportunity at Oregon State University's Civil and Construction Engineering Career Fair. Through this internship, he performed varies skills and worked closely with software’s. “Working alongside a small, but talented team of eight engineers, I honed my skills in performing hand calculations and using engineering software such as RISA 3D, Forte Web, and Enercalc.” With all these skills put into play, Jason was tasked with redesigning a mass timber truss. “A standout project from my summer internship was redesigning a mass timber truss from the 1900s using RISA 3D, where I analyzed historic plan drawings to ensure structural integrity and compliance with modern standards.” Jason found the process both challenging and rewarding, reflecting on how far engineering had advanced since those early designs.

Jason also took the initiative to create a project of his own. “I created my own calculation book to improve efficiency while staying consistent with the code requirements - an invaluable tool I'll carry forward into my career.” The hands-on experience Jason gained during his internship with Eclipse Engineering not only improved his structural engineering skills but also provided valuable knowledge that has supported his progress in design courses taken at Oregon State University. As his undergraduate journey comes closer to an end, he will soon be preparing for the next chapter of his academic career. “I'm proud and fortunate to be given the opportunity to purse a Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford University starting the Fall of 2025!”

"I leave you with a quote that stood out to me from the United States Leadership Institute Conference (USHLI) that I attended with the CAMP program. 'You are your ancestor's wildest dreams.' Today, you stand as a living embodiment of their hopes and dreams, a testament to the resilience and determination of all their hard work in order to have the future generations break barriers that seemed impossible. You are a living bridge between the past and the future, and your journey is just getting started. Embrace the hardships from college and take the time connect, collaborate, and create meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom." ~ Jason B.

Study Abroad

New Zealand 

David Alejandro Bugarin is from Salem, Oregon majoring in BioResource Research, with an option in Toxicology, and a minor in Chemistry. He enjoys reading, watching movies, and doing puzzles on his free time. He was in CAMP during the 2021-22 school year. He comes from a family of four, including his mom, dad, a younger sister and himself. “I’ve been fortunate to have had the chance to study abroad several times, including in Mexico, New Zealand, and twice in Puerto Rico," he said.

He particularly wants to spotlight his trip in New Zealand where he studied in Lincoln University, a small agricultural college on the outskirts of Christchurch. The opportunity to study in such a unique setting shaped his perspective in profound ways. "My experience abroad taught me about communicating across different cultures," David shared. "There was a lot of international presence at the school I attended, and I got exposed to different cultures, as well as outside perspectives of the United States." He went on to discuss the agricultural economy of New Zealand, which had captured his interest and understand the different governments approach to agricultural issues.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from his time abroad, David has some advice for future students. "I would recommend that students coming abroad should enter with an open mind and a willingness to learn," he suggested. "Being open to different perspectives really made my experience more pleasurable." And perhaps most importantly, David encouraged students to step outside of their comfort zones. "Another recommendation I have is to try new things and be open to the unknown," he said. "While I was in New Zealand, I went bungee jumping, which I had never considered doing before, and it was a great experience for me. Having an open mind and trying new things led to me having a very successful and pleasing trip abroad."

Semester at Sea & New Zealand

Jessica Rojas Olivera is a first-generation Mexican American student from Woodburn, Oregon, currently a third year, and a CAMP alumnus from the 2022-23 cohort. She is double majoring in Political Science and Animal Science. Instead of entering another year on campus, she decided to do something different and study abroad the academic school year by participating in Semester at Sea (Voyage 134) and ultimately finishing at Lincoln University New Zealand. “Being a proud daughter of agriculture workers who have traveled across the world if I can do it so can YOU!!” she said.

In the fall of 2024, Jessica embarked on an extraordinary adventure. She began her study abroad experience in Amsterdam, joining the World Odyssey for Semester at Sea. This was more than just a journey; it was a gateway to new perspectives, a world of learning, and the chance to explore eight different countries. The program took her to Portugal, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, before ending the voyage in Thailand.

While traveling, Jessica was immersed in academics and continued being involved. Between each destination, she attended classes on Global Studies, Political Economy, Political Social Movements, and Global Film. She actively

participated in student-led clubs, took on leadership roles, and even co-captained the Yellow Sea team for the Sea Olympics. Before diving into her second program at Lincoln, Jessica took a moment to travel solo to Australia and visit Singapore. Her second program is an institution that is all-agriculture based. It offers a unique structure of teaching from having specialized professors, to labs each class, even including class trips that are hands-on experience. As Jessica continues pursing her majors, she realized that her education had been about more than just academics. “Not only have I learned in academics but learn more about myself as an individual and grown mentally and as a "global citizen." Looking back, Jessica offered advice for anyone considering a similar journey: "Don’t let fear or finances hold you back from seeing the world. Plan accordingly with the study abroad department/advisor and keep in mind your future plans in how you can make it possible for yourself."

Semester at Sea

Caren Cardenas, a second-year civil engineering student, was a part of the 2023-24 CAMP Cohort. She then transitioned into the TRIO program and has stayed involved on campus as a member of SHPE and MEChA along with being part of an intramural soccer team. During her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing card games with friends, and exploring nature through hiking. Caren is the eldest and only daughter amongst two boys, and a first-generation college student. She has always had a passion for traveling and meeting new people.

Semester at Sea is a four-month program, an opportunity to explore, learn, and immerse yourself to 10 different countries. Starting in Bangkok, Thailand, and ending in Bremerhaven, Germany, she has experienced life at sea while taking courses on a ship with no more than 20 students. She stated, “My campus was the world itself.” Caren has stepped outside of her comfort zone and discovered new passions, such as snorkeling in the middle of the ocean, surfing, and camping in the Sahara Desert. She has met amazing individuals who have made an impact during her time abroad. "I've met some of the most caring and inspirational individuals aboard the ship, with whom I've bonded through thick and thin."