Student Lands Internship in Thailand

Valerie Kokai, a junior chemistry major from Westminster College, will spend the summer doing research in Thailand.

 "I discovered this internship by searching for summer programs over Christmas break," Kokai said.  "The deadline was unusually early, so I spent my break preparing my essays and applications.  This program offers some incredible opportunities as well as a chance to see all of Thailand, but they only accept about eight of 60 to 70 applicants."

 Kokai will be conducting research about the synthesis of a ligand for a catalyst at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.  She will receive a salary, as well as free airfare and living expenses.

 "I have been outside of the United States before to visit London and Rome," Kokai said.  "I think this helped me because the application wanted to know about my foreign experience and how I handled traveling for a long amount of time."

 Kokai is a daughter of John and Linda Kokai, Wexford, and a graduate of North Allegheny High School.

 Contact Kokai at kokaive@westminster.edu for more information.

More Stories