June 18, 2014

Intern Profile: Claire Agosti BA ’14

Meet Claire Agosti BA ’14, a biology major and intern at SayoStudio: Science & Technology Illustration.
Claire Agosti BA ’14

Major: Biology
Hometown: Seward, Alaska

Can you tell us what you’re doing this summer? What are your basic duties as an intern?

This summer I am working with Nicolle Fuller BS ’99, who owns and runs her own scientific illustration business, SayoStudio. I am helping her with marketing and other business tasks while simultaneously learning computer software programs to produce my own scientific illustrations. Some of my tasks have included updating Nicolle’s online portfolios, creating a mailing list to recruit future clients, and producing different types of scientific illustrations using Nicolle’s computer software programs. 

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding, securing, and funding your internship?

The Miller Summer Internship Award made my participation in this unpaid internship a possibility. I am extremely grateful for the award and the priceless opportunity to make the most of my academic career. 

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

My internship with Nicolle Fuller has provided me with a valuable and variable set of skills that could supplement a scientific illustration, medical, or business career path. As of now, I am undecided between a career as a doctor or as a scientific illustrator. Undoubtedly, the opportunity I have to learn computer software programs will ultimately result in a portfolio of my own scientific illustrations, which will greatly strengthen my performance in a scientific/medical illustration graduate program. Alternatively, the deep understanding of specific health science topics that I’ll have the opportunity to illustrate and my improved scientific communication skills will significantly aid me in my path to becoming a doctor. Furthermore, just simply being in the whirling, rushing, working world of Seattle will, without a doubt, aid in my career development. I have received diverse knowledge and advice from people of various professions that I have met during my commute to and from my internship. 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience thus far?

I have been extremely lucky to work with such a talented, kind, helpful, and understanding supervisor. Nicolle Fuller’s honest interest in my career path and development is extraordinary and has inspired me to seriously consider a career as a scientific illustrator. 

The purpose of the Miller Summer Internship Award is to underwrite or supplement expenses of students at Lewis & Clark College who are engaged in scientific research internships in the mathematical and natural sciences. This opportunity is made possible by a generous grant from the Miller Foundation. 
 

Career Development Biology Department Art Department