MCC Daily Tribune
MCC Student Thrives at Prestigious Internship
As one of only two community college students selected for a nationwide program, MCC chemistry major Basma Mohamed is already making her mark in the field of bioscience. Basma completed a ten-week internship at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of the Columbia Climate School in New York City. Her experience resulted in the theme of her Scholars’ Day poster titled “Evidence for a Hunga Tonga-Type Submarine Eruption in the Bismarck Sea.” The poster represented her work with National Science Foundation Awardees Dr. Dallas Abbott and Dr. Michael Kaplan, as well as a group of 20 other student researchers, pursuing a variety of topics in biology, geology, and geophysics.
“My research focused on volcanic ash in ocean sediment cores and how volcanic eruptions may affect ocean biological productivity and climate,” said Basma. “I worked with sediment samples from the Bismarck Sea and learned techniques like XRF analysis, SEM imaging, and isotopic analysis.
Basma said the most memorable part of her internship was working with real sediment core samples and scientific instruments for the first time. She said it was exciting to see how scientists can learn so much from tiny particles on the ocean floor. Basma added that her work highlighted the importance of people being more mindful of the environment.
Image Caption: Basma Mohamed wearing a maroon hijab and gold necklace.
“I think people sometimes forget how connected humans are to the environment. Small changes in the ocean, climate, or ecosystems can eventually affect food, health, weather, and daily life. Being mindful of the environment means protecting not only nature but also future generations.”
Basma is a member of the Monroe Community College TRIO program. The federal program is designed for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Basma said that, as a first-generation college student from Sudan, she has found the program and her experience at MCC to be life-changing.
“MCC was honestly one of the best decisions I made. It gave me a slower start, helping me figure out my future plans and adjust to college life without feeling overwhelmed. I also did not have to worry about tuition or paying for school, and instead, I received financial support and additional scholarships through MCC. Another thing that made the experience special was taking science classes with amazing and highly qualified professors who made learning enjoyable.”
When asked who inspires her the most, she didn’t have to look far for the answer.
“My future self inspires me the most. When I imagine the kind of life I want to live, the opportunities I want to have, and the stability and privileges I want for myself and my family, it motivates me to work hard and keep pushing forward even when things get difficult.”
Basma hopes to graduate after the summer semester and attend Cornell University as a Biological Sciences major. She eventually plans to attend medical school.
Attached Files:
Basma Mohamed.jpg
Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
05/22/2026