Simon Rendon will receive an award from Minneapolis’ STEP-UP Achieve youth employment program for outstanding work during his internship at the University of Minnesota.
STEP-UP selected Rendon from a pool of approximately 800 Minneapolis youth (ages 16-21) who, through STEP-UP, completed paid internships at Twin Cities companies, nonprofits, and public agencies this summer. STEP-UP supports these internships by connecting local organizations with the next generation of talented and diverse workers.
“Everyone who worked with Simon comments on his professionalism, reliability, quick mind, and personability.”
On August 25, STEP-UP’s Co-Chairs -- former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and U.S. Bancorp CEO Richard Davis -- will honor Rendon and one other individual for being outstanding interns.
Rendon worked on a variety of projects for CTSI and other University departments. For example, he analyzed data collected from community-engaged research grants that CTSI awarded to University of Minnesota researchers and their community partners. Insights will help inform future programs.
“Everyone who worked with Simon comments on his professionalism, reliability, quick mind, and personability,” says Michelle Lamere, MPA, the Assistant Director for CTSI’s Research Education, Training, and Career Development function (CTSI-Ed) who nominated Rendon for the award.
Rendon will use these findings to create a poster that he will present at CTSI’s annual poster session next month, along with 70 other researchers who range from undergraduate students to associate professors. Rendon is the only presenter without prior college coursework.
To prepare for the poster session and develop career skills, Rendon attended weekly seminars alongside undergraduate and graduate (MD, PharmD, Nursing PhD) students. There, he learned about translational science and developed the skills to conduct literature reviews, deliver an elevator speech, create a scientific poster, and more.
“Although Simon graduated high school just this past May, he stands out with his insightful questions and outstanding participation,” says Lamere. “Out of 18 students, he helps to carry the course!”
Congratulations, Simon, on your well-deserved award!