From diplomacy in Switzerland to medicine in Tanzania
From touring the corridors of the United Nations in Geneva, to improvising makeshift
tourniquets in Tanzanian hospitals, Skidmore’s SEE-Beyond Awards program has empowered students to turn their academic knowledge into hands-on adventures
through unique summer internships.
Part of the Zankel Experience Network's suite of programs that promote year-round, hands-on learning opportunities, SEE-Beyond
encourages students to transform their academic knowledge into exciting real-world
experiences. Awardees receive a $6,000 grant — the largest stipend provided by the
College for summer activities — designed to reduce economic barriers and support ambitious
projects regardless of financial need. This hands-on learning experience highlights
how practical engagement can enhance professional skills and accelerate academic growth.
“SEE-Beyond Awards recognize the potential of the proposed experience to utterly transform
students’ relationships to their major or minor,” said Associate Dean of the Faculty
and Professor of Biology Corey Freeman-Gallant. “SEE-Beyond is about growth, and students
should think big.”
The following eight students were among the more than 30 who embraced that challenge this summer.
lIla SMITH ’26
School for International Training’s International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy program, Geneva, Switzerland
Lila Smith ’26, a political science major with an Honors Forum minor, made the most of her summer through SIT’s Switzerland:
International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy program. Recommended by her advisor,
Professor Beau Breslin, the Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Chair in Political Science,
the program allowed Smith to immerse herself in international relations and diplomacy
in the heart of Geneva.
During her time in Switzerland, Smith explored pivotal institutions such as the United
Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Committee of the Red
Cross. Her classes were taught by global experts, including a terrorism scholar from
Mauritania, an environmental monitor from Kyiv, and a Chinese economist, providing
her with a rich, multifaceted understanding of diplomacy that extends beyond an American-centric
perspective.
“Easily my favorite thing I’ve experienced during this program was going to the World Trade Organization’s Open Doors Event,” said Smith.
It was an incredible opportunity to connect with such a diverse global community.”Lila Smith '26
Smith is also working on a research paper examining the rhetoric and agendas of far-right
European political parties that have recently gained power. This project, along with
her other experiences, is helping her build valuable skills for her future career
in political science.
In her free time, she delighted in hiking the Alps, exploring the shores of Lake Geneva,
and connecting with her Swiss heritage and relatives. This unique blend of academic
rigor and personal exploration made her summer both fulfilling and transformative.
Natasha Machera ’25
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Natasha Machera ’25, a biochemistry major from Zimbabwe, made a difference at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
this summer. Machera interned in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,
thanks to a connection she made with Division Chief Dr. Joshua Boyce ’81 during a
Skidmore Career Fair in fall 2022. They share an enthusiasm for advancing treatments
for inflammatory airway diseases like asthma.
Asthma, a chronic condition affecting over 330 million people worldwide, is primarily
treated with therapies that address symptoms rather than the disease’s root causes.
Machera’s research focuses on Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid mediator involved in
controlling Type 2 inflammation (T2I) in the respiratory tract. Her work aims to explore
the potential of creating new, protective pathways for asthma treatment.
“One of my favorite aspects of this summer has been engaging in conversations with
graduate students in the lab,” Machera said. “Learning from their diverse perspectives
and expertise has greatly enriched my understanding of the research field and inspired
me to pursue a Ph.D. after graduating from Skidmore.”
AVA TESORIERO ’25
Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Schuylerville, New York
Ava Tesoriero immersed herself in the world of ceramics and arts administration as
a studio intern at Saratoga Clay Arts Center (SCAC), located just 15 minutes from
the Skidmore campus.
Tesoriero, a studio art major with a focus on ceramics and minors in art history and arts administration, sought an internship that combined her artistic passion with her academic knowledge.
At SCAC, she handled tasks such as firing electric and reduction kilns, taking inventory,
mixing glazes from raw materials, and assisting with classroom upkeep. Notably, she
was involved in renovating SCAC’s downstairs classroom, which would soon serve as
the venue for the “Kids and Clay” summer program.
Tesoriero found the blend of creative and administrative responsibilities particularly
fulfilling. She noted, “My favorite part of this internship was being hands-on in
the administrative aspects of an arts organization while also honing and sharpening
my skills as a ceramics artist.”
The welcoming community at SCAC enhanced her practical skills and inspired her to
push the boundaries of her own ceramic work. Each day, she left feeling inspired and
excited to further explore the dynamic field of ceramic arts, grateful for the opportunity
to work alongside talented artists and mentors.
JOSIAH ESPINOZA ’27
Youth Training and Rehabilitation Centre, Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago
Josiah Espinoza, who plans to major in art and geosciences, gained valuable insight through a meaningful internship at the Youth Training and
Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) in Trinidad and Tobago this summer.
He discovered the unique opportunity through professional networking and embraced
the challenge of teaching visual art as therapy to inmates at the center.
In his role, Espinoza applied foundational art techniques — such as line and brush work, hand-eye coordination, and observational skills — while using art as a therapeutic tool. He crafted a detailed syllabus to help his students explore and express their emotions through drawing and painting.
One of Espinoza’s proudest moments came from observing his students' deep engagement with their artwork.
My favorite achievement during this internship was seeing my students’ tenacity in their artwork, where they can lose themselves in art. It was powerful to see how art helps them channel their thoughts and emotions.Josiah Espinoza ’27
Another highlight was leading a project that culminated in a student art exhibition during the August holidays, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity. Through this experience, Espinoza gained practical insights relevant to his major and demonstrated how art can serve as a powerful medium for personal and emotional growth.
ANNA STRIBRNY ’24
Paul Taylor Dance Company, New York City
Anna Stribrny ’24, a dance and art history double major with an Honors Forum minor, embarked on an exciting journey with the
Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of New York City’s premier modern dance institutions.
Through her internship, she gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings
of a leading dance organization. The experience, she says, was instrumental in expanding
her knowledge of arts administration — essential for anyone aspiring to establish
their own dance company.
Supported by the SEE-Beyond Award, she also engaged in various dance intensives and
workshops, including the Yue Yin Dance summer program, where she explored the unique
FoCo technique, a fusion of Chinese folk dance, ballet, and modern styles.
“One of the most fulfilling moments during my internship was being selected as an Ambassador for the Paul Taylor Dance Company during their Joyce Season,” Stribrny said.
It was incredibly rewarding to connect with people who share a passion for dance and to witness every show myself.”Anna Stribrny ’24
Honor Kula '26
Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, Arusha, Tanzania
Honor Kula, a dance major on a pre-health track, recently completed a transformative internship through
Intern Abroad HQ with Medi Trip at Arusha Lutheran Medical Center in Arusha, Tanzania.
Eager to expand her exposure to diverse healthcare environments and patient populations,
Kula chose the placement with her aspirations in surgery in mind.
During her six-week internship, Kula dedicated 180 hours to the operating theater,
observing 60 surgeries across orthopedic, pediatric, general, OB/GYN, and urology
specialties. This immersive experience provided her with a comprehensive view of surgical
procedures and the innovative approaches required in a resource-limited setting.
Kula was particularly struck by the doctors’ ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
The most valuable skill and perspective I gained from my internship was discovering new and alternative ways of navigating cases given the circumstances. The doctors were experts at thinking outside the box and demonstrated that there are always different methods when the ideal method is not an option; it just takes some creativity and an open mind.”Honor Kula '26
She observed creative problem-solving, such as using gloves as makeshift tourniquets,
and how treatment strategies were tailored to meet the financial constraints of patients,
many of whom could only seek care at advanced stages of illness. The doctors at ALMC
demonstrated exceptional flexibility and resourcefulness, teaching Kula that effective
medical care often involves thinking outside the box.
Inspired by the dedication and ingenuity of the medical team, Kula is excited to return
next summer to further her learning and continue exploring global medical practices.
Andrew Villardi '25
City Historian’s Office, Saratoga Springs, New York
Andrew Villardi, a sociology and anthropology double major, completed an impactful internship at the Saratoga Springs City Historian’s Office this summer. After transferring to Skidmore in his junior year, Villardi sought this internship to gain hands-on experience and deepen his academic studies.
During his time at the City Historian’s Office, Villardi engaged in two key areas of work. His primary responsibility was transcribing oral narrative interviews for the West Side Oral Narrative Project. The interviews were recorded by Mary Ann Fitzgerald, a Skidmore retiree who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000 as a graduate of its former University Without Walls program, before her tenure as City Historian. They required meticulous transcription to preserve the authenticity of the local vernacular — a crucial aspect of linguistic anthropology.
In addition to transcription, Villardi organized and prepared archival materials for transfer to the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Faced with an initially daunting collection, he successfully streamlined and categorized the materials, creating a cohesive and accessible archive.
Villardi’s achievements this summer were significant, from refining the archival process to contributing to the public record of Saratoga’s West Side. His work not only enhanced local historical knowledge but also exemplified the practical impact of his academic studies, reflecting Skidmore’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.
Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “I’m glad to be able to contribute to public knowledge, especially in such a way that is tailored to the local history and the working-class identity of the West Side of Saratoga.”
Audrey MacDonald '25
Watsessing Elementary School, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Audrey MacDonald, an education studies major with a minor in psychology, completed a student teaching internship at Watsessing Elementary School in New Jersey
this summer.
The opportunity was arranged by her advisor, Assistant Professor of Education Studies
Laurie Rabinowitz, who connected MacDonald with the school’s principal after she expressed
a desire to gain experience in special education.
At Watsessing Elementary, MacDonald worked in an inclusion-style kindergarten classroom,
where she honed her skills in differentiated instruction and explored various special
education methods. She gained practical experience by participating in Individual
Education Program (IEP) meetings and grade-level discussions, learning the importance
of collaboration among co-teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, counselors,
and families in creating effective learning environments.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the ability to connect with the students and learn from them just as they were learning from me."Audrey MacDonald '25
A particularly memorable part of MacDonald’s internship was designing an art project in which students illustrated their favorite school memories. She then assembled a bulletin board to display their artwork during the school’s Open House Night. The project allowed her to connect deeply with her students and celebrate their creativity, making it a standout and fulfilling component of her internship experience.