Alison Bachowski, a high school senior from Springfield, received not one, but three offers for summer internships.She selected AFRL over Johns Hopkins and Harvard University.

Bachowski’s research project involved testing the accuracy of a device that monitors heart rate. She conducted experiments at the Wright Field Fitness Center with participants running on treadmills wearing temple sensors and biometric shirts, which have sensors woven into the fabric. The 711th Human Performance Wing is testing various physiological monitoring devices for Air Force pilots to wear while in flight.

Bachowski turned down a full ride to the Engineering Innovation Program at John Hopkins and a partial scholarship for Harvard’s Pre-College Program. Instead, she accepted an invitation to AFRL’s Wright-Scholar Program, where she completed a nine-week internship with the 711th Human Performance Wing.

Bachowski first learned of program during her freshman year from an older friend who raved about the experience. She eagerly waited until she was old enough to apply.

Upon learning of her acceptance into the program, Bachowski was elated.

I was in awe of the fact that I would be paid to do something I love," she said.

Bachowski asserts that this internship is valuable to her future career aspirations. She plans to study medicine and neuroscience in college. Her goal is to become a medical doctor specializing in neurosurgery or trauma surgery.