The DOE Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program provides paid summer internships across the DOE complex for talented undergraduate and graduate students studying cybersecurity, information technology, and related fields. This year, Omni student interns Jeaneille Amoako, Kendra Harris, and Robin Simpson joined Berkeley Lab’s IT Division for an exceptional opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience complementary to their education.
Serving as mentors for the 2023 class of DOE Omni interns are Tammy Campbell, IT Support Services Lead, Jenny Brown, IT Help Desk Lead, and Jay Krous, Cyber Security Lead. Additional guidance and expertise is provided by Kevin Broussard and Patrick Ramos, IT Help Desk Specialists. IT Division staff participate in internship programs as an extension of community outreach and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Berkeley Lab.
Through the Lab’s curriculum, the interns become immersed in an environment which fosters an understanding of DOE’s mission, operations, and culture. The program also equips them with fundamental skills for success in any industry, including effective communication, project management, reporting, and presentation abilities. The overarching goal is to facilitate learning and to support the next generation of IT professionals.
The Omni program runs from June 5 to August 11, 2023. During the course of the program, the interns engage in projects focused on an area of interest aligned with their academic studies and the DOE’s mission, deepening their understanding of network protection, device security, data management, enterprise technology, and more. Regular check-ins with mentors occur at the end of each week, where interns can seek advice, exchange feedback, and summarize what they learned and accomplished. The interns also join mandatory weekly webinars featuring speakers on IT and cybersecurity topics. The sessions cover such topics as critical incident response, data science, cyber AI, malware and network traffic analysis. Finally, the students will attend an in-person networking and training event in Washington, D.C. as the program concludes.
Meet the Berkeley Lab DOE Omni Interns, Class of 2023
Jeaneille Amoako
Kendra Harris
Robin Simpson
Can you share a brief introduction about who you are and what you’re studying?
Jean: Hi, My name is Jeaneille Amoako. I am from Connecticut and currently attending Purdue University Global, majoring in Cybersecurity Cloud Computing.
Kendra: Hi, my name is Kendra Harris. I am from Waldorf, Maryland. I attended Stevenson University with a Major in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics.
Robin: Hi my name is Robin Lee Simpson. I’ve been all over California ever since my childhood; I mostly resided in the Los Angeles area but moved up here in the Bay Area last year in 2022. I’ve attended two community colleges, Pasadena City College and Diablo Valley College, and now, I am transferring to California Polytechnic State San Luis Obispo for the Fall of 2023 to complete my Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering and possibly a Masters in Computer Science or a related field.
What are you hoping to accomplish by joining the DOE Omni Program?
Jean: In the DOE OMNI program, my goal is to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge in cybersecurity, contribute to meaningful projects, and collaborate with professionals who share my passion for cybersecurity and cloud computing. I aim to develop new skills, enhance my understanding of cybersecurity, and establish a strong foundation for a successful career in technology.
Kendra: In the DOE OMNI program, I hope to broaden my understanding of computer technology and also develop connections with my peers and staff.
Robin: I am hoping to learn a lot of things from the DOE OMNI program in a multitude of differing fields. My first experience with the OMNI program was last year at Argonne National Laboratory where I participated in the REIGN project and built a 3D map of all the 16 critical infrastructure types in Contra Costa County. It was there where I learned how to use a new programming language and a multitude of technologies I’ve never used before, but also how to work with mentors and fellow peers.
Which aspect of the program are you most enthusiastic about?
Jean: I am particularly excited about engaging in a mindful project that combines my cybersecurity expertise with promoting sustainable energy solutions, as it allows me to work on projects that positively impact the environment and society. I greatly look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals, learning from mentors and fellow interns, and contributing to a supportive and stimulating environment. The networking prospects offered by the DOE OMNI program also provide an invaluable opportunity for my professional growth and future collaborations.
Kendra: I am most excited about the week in Washington, DC since it will give me a chance to network with other agencies and communicate with my colleagues in person rather than just virtually. I am really appreciative of this opportunity.
Robin: This summer, I hope to learn things revolving around IT and Cybersecurity at LBNL, after all, it is an important aspect for computers both software and hardware wise. And I also hope to learn more things at other labs as well. I look forward to joining the team and making the most out of it!
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