For Ryanne Mardini, current criminology, law and society student, the humanities and STEM go hand in hand. Her summer internship with Worldstrides has taken her across the U.S., inspiring young scholars to explore the world of STEM through hands-on learning opportunities. Mardini, an Honors College student, credits her humanities coursework for laying the necessary groundwork for her success as an advisor and ultimately strengthening her relationship with her students. Learn more about her experience in our brief Q&A below, where she discusses her path to interning with Worldstrides, her advice to CHSS students, and STEM's relationship to the humanities.
Where is your summer internship, and what is your title?
I am an advisor and scholar support for Pathways to STEM, an Envision program by Worldstrides. I travel all around the U.S.
What are your main responsibilities on the job?
As a scholar support and advisor at WorldStrides for the Pathways to STEM program, I have the rewarding role of guiding and encouraging young scholars as they explore the exciting world of STEM through hands-on learning. I support students throughout their adventure by helping them engage in activities such as dissecting calf hearts to learn about anatomy, building robots to explore engineering and coding, and designing rollercoaster rides to understand physics and motion. My goal is to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and ensure each scholar feels supported and empowered as they discover the possibilities within science, technology, engineering, and math.
Can you tell us more about where you traveled for your internship?
I had the opportunity to travel to American University in Washington, D.C., Villanova University in Pennsylvania, University of Dallas, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, and finally, Rice University in Houston. I worked with a different group of scholars every week. They never failed to surprise me with their large minds and enthusiasm to learn!
Which location was your favorite?
My favorite location by far was Rice University in Houston, Texas. The scholars were so bright—always eager to know and do more and the university's campus was lovely. We (the staff) had the luxury of single dorms and single bathrooms which helped enable us to relax more and give more to the scholars!
How have your George Mason courses contributed to your success in your current internship?
I've taken a variety of courses that have strengthened both my scientific knowledge and communication skills. On the STEM side, I completed classes like nutrition, communication, and a variety of math courses which provided a solid foundation for understanding scientific concepts and data. On the humanities side, I’ve taken communication and psychology, which really enhanced my ability to think critically and explain complex ideas in accessible ways—skills that are essential when supporting students during STEM activities.
How does your humanities major connect with the STEM aspects of your internship?
The humanities aspect plays a huge role in making STEM more relatable and human-centered. Through studying subjects like communication and psychology, I’ve learned how to approach STEM not just as a technical field, but as something that deeply impacts people and communities. This perspective helped me connect with the kids during the program—understanding how to communicate with empathy, encourage curiosity, and create a supportive learning environment.
How did you find your internship?
I found my internship through Handshake, a website for college students to find internships and job listings.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned as an intern?
Be patient. Not everything is going to go as planned so pivot!
What advice would you give CHSS students about getting the most out of their internship?
Ask questions and do not be afraid of being put out there!
July 29, 2025