AAPD Announces Its 2008 Information Technology Interns
Students with Disabilities Awarded Internships in Federal Agencies in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, June 16, 2008—The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) announces that ten students are participating in the 2007 Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program. This program is made possible by a major grant from Microsoft Corporation, which is also the program’s founding sponsor.
The Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Internship Program, which was launched in 2003, is designed for college and university students with disabilities from around the country who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology. Students participate in a paid summer internship at a federal agency in Washington, DC. The program aims to give college and university students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in and benefit from highly sought-after internships with the federal branch to which other students have long had access. This program gives the participating interns real-world work experience, further enhances their employment opportunities, allows them to hone their information technology skills, and enables them to learn firsthand how political and regulatory processes work. By harnessing the talent that exists among college students with disabilities, it also strives to demonstrate to public and private employers that students with disabilities are solid prospects as members of the information technology workforce.
Internships were awarded to the following students who were selected on the basis of a written application and personal interviews.
Jennifer Alivernini is a sophomore at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania, pursing a degree in Information Technology. Jennifer prides herself on simultaneously being a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Jennifer did not approach a career in Information Technology typically; in the past, she has worked in the disability services industry for the Center for Independent Living of Bucks County as an Information and Referral Specialist. Jennifer began to pursue a career in nursing healthcare, but because of her disability, could not stand for the extended periods of time required. Thus, Jennifer discovered a hidden passion and interest in technology and information that she now hopes will lead her to a successful career in Networking in the areas of forensics, security, or cyber-crime.
This summer, Jennifer is interning in the IT Division of the US Department of Homeland Security Headquarters (DHS).
Anthony Bartoli attends the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. He is majoring in Information Technology (IT) and plans to minor in Economics. His IT interests include usability, programming, and technical writing. He is currently building an IT portal to organize the best information technology resources on the Web. When he’s not programming, he enjoys cooking, running, and reading.
This summer, Anthony is interning with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in their IT Support division.
Jonathan Bock is a fifth year student of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York, majoring in Information Technology. Jonathan is most passionate about learning how to maintain and deploy wireless and wired networks. He has developed several websites using XHTML, CSS and PHP, and other website programming languages. Jonathan has also worked maintaining databases via mySQL. Before majoring in Information Technology at RIT, Jonathan was an Applied Computer Technology major at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf where he mastered the IT fundamentals of networking, website design, and custom building PCs.
This summer, Jonathan is interning with the Agricultural Marketing Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Max Gilman is a rising junior at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York. Max grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with a passion for computers and technology. Max has designed, developed, and enjoys playing his own video games. In addition, outside of the IT lab, he enjoys engaging in political debates and fencing and is an active member of the RIT Fencing Club. Max is excited to join this internship program, saying that he has “always wanted a job in IT” and that he has “always been interested in government and politics.” Over the course of this summer, Max hopes to learn more about the relationships between non-profit advocacy and the inner workings of government offices.
This summer, Max is interning with the IT division of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
John Lee was born in New York, New York, and until recently, spent most of his life in New York City. John is a rising senior at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. John plans to transfer to the University of Maryland this upcoming fall 2008 to continue his education. Even as a child, John had a passion for learning about computers, teaching himself about computer hardware and software before deciding to pursue an education and career along these lines. Outside of class, John works part-time at the campus Computer Science Lab in addition to tutoring fellow students at Gallaudet. John also enjoys golf, volleyball and hiking, and hopes to someday work as a full-time computer scientist.
This summer, John is interning with the IT office of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Eric Lindorff is a rising senior at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, majoring in Network Engineering. During high school in Kearny, New Jersey, Eric became a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and earned the prestigious award of Eagle Scout in 2003. Eric discovered his passion for computer networking early in his education by taking courses in Cisco, A+ and Network Essentials. He applied the knowledge he learned in school by performing work as a computer tutor for Felzenberg Bros in Union, New Jersey. Before graduating high school, Eric also worked with several companies such as Novetix and Pirelli Cabling Company in New Jersey by setting up, installing and moving networks from one location to the next. Most recently, Eric has worked with a team of three other students in building an entire internal computer network and updating all of the workstations in every classroom for St. Joseph School in Grosvenordale, Connecticut.
This summer, Eric is interning for the US Department of Commerce (DOC) in their Office of Networking and Telecommunication Operations.
Robert Mullaney is a senior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Information Sciences and Technology with a focus on Integration. Robert will graduate in December 2008, obtaining a certificate in SAP, and mastering courses in project management, programming, integration, and network security. On campus, Robert is a member of both the IST and Business Clubs, and acts as an advocate for other students with disabilities fighting for equal access to all campus activities and facilities. When not in school, Robert enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and archery. Robert has designed his own version of adaptive equipment that allows people with disabilities to enjoy archery, many for the first time. Robert hopes to learn in the course of his internship this summer more about the intersection of business needs and Information Technology services.
This summer, Robert is interning with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for their Project Management team.
Ryan Narins is a rising junior at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, pursuing a degree in Information Technology. Ryan’s skills include computer-aided graphic design, web programming, database design and maintenance, and business problem solving. Ryan has worked in several information technology-related internships to further his skills around programming and web design. When not in school, Ryan’s interests include mountain biking, Apple Computer products, and researching trends of the latest gadgets on the market. Ryan sees this internship as an opportunity to apply his skills and knowledge to real-world problems and looks forward to the most challenging assignments available during his internship in Washington, D.C.
This summer, Ryan is interning for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in their Office of Information Technology.
Matthew J. Sheps lives in New York, New York, and attends Yeshiva University. Matthew is currently pursuing degrees in both Psychology and in Business. He is also taking the opportunity to seek a degree in Judaic Studies. On campus, Matthew has enjoyed many leadership roles, most recently serving as a liaison between the student body and the administration for a project that he hopes will create a more active campus environment for his school located in the heart of New York City. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys reading and ultimate Frisbee. Mathew hopes to continue to learn about career possibilities made available by his IT experience, and maximize his networking opportunities in Washington, D.C. this summer.
This summer, Mathew is interning for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with their 508 Compliance Team.
Daniel Willis lives in Bedford, Texas, and is a senior at DeVry University working toward his BSTM degree focusing on computer networking. Daniel has served as Secretary for the City of Bedford Parks & Recreation Board for two years. Daniel is also involved in local politics, working as a campaign volunteer during the Tarrant County District Attorney elections. Daniel’s memberships include Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the National Recreation and Parks Association. Prior to pursuing a career in Information Technology, Daniel held the position of Retail General Manager and Operations Manager for a private company in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth metroplex region; and in that capacity, Daniel installed, converted and trained company staff in Retalix POS software. Daniel likes applying his passion and dedication to the pursuit of a career in Information Technology, hoping to maximize his experience while in Washington, D.C. for his internship.
This summer, Daniel is interning for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in their IT division.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country’s largest cross-disability membership organization, organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change – economically, politically, and socially. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For information regarding this program and other internship opportunities available through AAPD or to sign up to receive internship announcements, visit the AAPD website at www.aapd.com, or call AAPD 800-840-8844 (V/TTY).
American Association of People with Disabilities
1629 K Street NW, Suite 503
Washington, DC 20006
