HOUSTON – Lone Star College-University Park student and recent LSC graduate Emil Gillett is riding a wave of success after being accepted into a prestigious summer internship program at Pennsylvania State University. Gillett is elated to be involved and believes the educational tools he’s obtained at LSC-University Park will help him solve complex problems later in his academic career.

The South-eastern Coalition Engagement in Nanotechnology Education Summer Research Opportunities Program is a STEM-based internship program for students interested in advancing their skills and knowledge of nanotechnologies. Students who gain acceptance to the program work one-on-one with Penn State faculty members and top-ranked research institutions, and get hands-on experience outside of the classroom.

Gillett, a biology major, was born in the Houston area before moving with his family to Belize when he was six years old. After finishing high school and enrolling at St. John’s Junior College in Belize, Gillett moved back to the Houston area and began taking classes at LSC-University Park in spring 2017. 

Gillett said he had to thank professor Pamela Auburn, who encouraged him to apply for the internship opportunity. Auburn, the chemistry lead at LSC-University Park, said Gillett was the perfect candidate for the program because of his impeccable work ethic.

“If Emil had been born into privilege, his participation in such a competitive program would have been without question,” Auburn said. “The fact that he was not and has had to overcome many challenges to win his place at the table makes this achievement remarkable.”

This isn’t the first time Gillett has had a brush with greatness. In 2017, Gillett was one of the seven students invited to NASA’S Johnson Space Center to compete in a team project event mentored by NASA engineers. 

“We’re so proud of Emil for making the most of his time at LSC-University Park,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Pak president. “As the community’s college, our goal is to bridge the gap to higher education through quality programs delivered by competent and compassionate faculty who motivate students, like Emil, to build their way up to higher degrees and rewarding careers.”

Gillett stayed busy during his time at LSC-University Park. Just this year, he says he took advantage of essay competitions, volunteered as a Student Ambassador and had artwork published in UPROAR, LSC-University Park’s literary arts magazine. While Gillett acknowledges it took a lot of hard work to accomplish his goals, he knows that it was worth the effort.

“I believe I made the most of my time as a student at LSC-University Park,” Gillett said, “I can truly say that I can leave accomplished and with no regrets.”

The story isn’t over for Gillett yet. He recently learned he was accepted into Trinity University in San Antonio, where he plans to attend after his internship.

LSC- University Park is focused on student success and making higher education both accessible and affordable. In-district tuition for 12 hours of academic courses averages less than $900. The college offers more than 70 associate degree plans and workforce certificate programs in high-demand areas of study as well as an open learning environment with convenient options in face-to-face, online and hybrid delivery modes. Students also enjoy a fully-digital library as well as free services like tutoring, advising, counseling, veterans’ assistance, and disabilities accommodations and parking.

LSC-University Park welcomes the community to experience the college for themselves. Enrollment is now open for summer and fall classes. Register today at LoneStar.edu/UP.