Nicole Everage's SPS Internship Opened a World of Possibilities

When Nicole Everage arrived at UCLA to study astrophysics, she was eager to learn but unsure where her degree might take her. Coming from a small high school with limited physics coursework, she found confidence and community through her campus Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter, eventually joining its leadership board and discovering opportunities she never expected.

One of those opportunities led her to a 2026 SPS summer internship with AIP FYI Science Policy News in Washington, D.C.

For Nicole, the internship is the stepping stone to a future career. Working alongside the FYI team in Washington, D.C., she is exploring the intersection of science and public policy by researching legislation, contributing to science policy publications, and learning how federal decisions shape the future of scientific research. Along the way, she has met leaders from across the scientific community, including AIP’s member organizations, and gained a firsthand understanding of the many ways scientists can make an impact beyond the laboratory.

Before the internship, Nicole’s knowledge of science and public policy was limited. Today, she understands how deeply intertwined they are and is now considering a career that combines scientific research with science policy after graduate school.

“SPS helped me step outside my comfort zone,” Nicole says. “This internship showed me possibilities I hadn’t really thought about before.”

Nicole’s story is a reminder that the right opportunity at the right time can change a student’s future. Through your support of SPS, students like Nicole gain experiences that build confidence, expand horizons, and prepare them to become the next generation of leaders in the physical sciences.