In July 2020, Metis launched its inaugural paid summer internship program for New York City high school students. Throughout this week, we are featuring each of these dynamic and talented young people and their important contributions to Metis’s work. Today, we are delighted to present Abdullah Mahdi, a recent graduate of New Explorations into Science, Technology, and Math (NEST+M) High School, who works for the Metis research team headed by Claire Aulicino.  We selected Abdullah, and his two fellow interns, from among more than 300 who applied for the three program positions.
Abdullah is spending his time helping with a variety of research tasks throughout his internship. He has conducted background research to help investigators better understand the neighborhoods in which their projects operate and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted communities, students, and schools. Abdullah runs SPSS data analyses and creates graphics. He is also synthesizing open-ended survey responses to support client reports and blog post writing. These tasks are supporting seven different projects focused on social service community navigation, chronic absenteeism, college and career access and preparation programs, NYC magnet schools, and STEM education initiatives.
When asked about his internship experience thus far, Abdullah noted, “Metis is family. I absolutely love having such kind and supportive mentors and team members guide me through my first ever internship! Working as an intern here has taught me how to hone my professional skills and work collaboratively. I can’t wait to take all my newly learned skills to college and beyond. Thank you Metis!”