NUIG to MIT: Eve Sheridan, Boston, and BioTech
In the bustling city of Boston, amidst the academic excellence of MIT and the vibrant culture of the city, Eve Sheridan, an ambitious J-1 Irish Work and Travel visa holder, embarked on a transformative journey. With her sights set on gaining valuable work experience and immersing herself in the therapeutic tech design and development field, Eve’s goals for her internship were clear even before she applied for her visa.
When she applied for the visa, her main goals were post-pandemic travel and building more work experience. She shared that she was eager to explore new opportunities and learn from some of the best in her field. Eve’s day-to-day life in the Boston area is a whirlwind of activity, living in the city of Somerville. She embraces the New England region’s vibrancy, indulging in its sports events, concerts, and a rich Irish-American heritage that resonates with her Galway roots.
Her internship at MIT’s Therapeutic Tech Design and Development Lab is a dream come true. Eve feels a strong connection to the research and projects she’s involved in, perhaps largely thanks to Galway, which just like Eve, the head of the lab hails from. She adores her internship and happily shared that every day is different. She is kept busy by working on two fascinating projects, including working at Boston Children’s Hospital for research. Balancing work and life, Eve enjoys exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene with friends, moving beyond Irish pubs to discover new restaurants. Despite a busy schedule, she truly values the social and academic scene in Boston.
As she approaches the last quarter of her visa, Eve is focused on completing her research and entering the writing and reporting phase. Her goal is to see her research published, and she also hopes to explore Rhode Island, Nashville, and New York City. This fall, she even participated in the Gobble Gobble 5K, a Thanksgiving themed run in the Boston area. For future J1 visa participants, Eve emphasized the importance of doing thorough research. Doing thorough research, connecting with fellow Irish peers, and tapping into the support networks provided by organizations like Rian can make the transition from Ireland to the U.S. smoother and more rewarding.
Eve also added that being in the Boston area and local to Rian’s office is helpful and has allowed her to participate in more community building events with other J-1s than she imagined she would before traveling. She was even able to participate in Rian’s annual Solas Fundraising Gala with some fellow Boston J-1s!
But what’s the highlight of Eve’s journey so far? Her family coming to visit. She shared that while in town, they got to experience Boston with her, visit the lab she’s working in, attend a basketball game, and explore Boston’s numerous cultural gems like the Gardner Museum. Reflecting on how her U.S. experience will impact her future in Ireland, both professionally and personally, Eve sees this year as foundational, and is even considering a move to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies at MIT in the future. Boston, with its dynamic atmosphere and diverse opportunities, has played a pivotal role in shaping Eve’s outlook. Her journey exemplifies the profound impact that a well-planned and supported international internship can have on an individual’s life and future aspirations.