The first CAPAL Intern Spotlight is Nattacha Munakata from Alexandria, VA. This summer she is interning with staff at the CAPAL office.
What major projects are you working on in your internship? What responsibilities are you most excited about and why?
I am an intern at the Thai American National Internship Program (TANIP) sponsored by the Thai Embassy and US-Asia Institute. I was placed to be an intern at the CAPAL office. Currently I am responsible for updating the social media pages (Follow @capaldc on Facebook and Twitter) and the website. I am also leading events, such as the Congressional Budget Office Information Session and the Resume Writing and Interview Workshop. My responsibilities include managing registration and outreach. I help out with other events too.
I am excited to experience leading an event from opening the registration to event day and gaining skills that I cannot gain by sitting in a classroom. I also love meeting new people and listening to different stories at the events.
When did you realize you wanted to explore public service?
I became interested in public service in high school when I joined my robotics team. I wasn’t interested in the mechanics, but the business side of the team. My responsibilities not only included managing the team, but also reaching out to companies and the community to teach about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). My passion in education and science (which evolved into health) lead me to my current major, community health. I am aiming for a career in public health, possibly a primary care position.
What are your plans/ goals after this internship? Are there any goals you want to accomplish this summer?
After this internship, I am planning to review general chemistry and start learning organic chemistry before the fall semester starts. Chemistry is not my strongest field, but I would like to ace organic chemistry. I also would like to start reading more books.
What are you looking forward to in DC?
I am a local, born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, I am looking forward to showing the TANIP interns, who are all non-local, around the DMV area. We went shopping at Tysons Corner and cheering at the Pride Parade. I am looking forward to showing them Old Town, Alexandria and museums in DC.
What is something that most people would not know about you?
Previously, I was an intern at the National Institutes of Health for two summers. Last summer I researched at the National Eye Institute. Also, I just completed my Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team training (CERT 127)!
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I like catching up on sleep (who doesn’t?), exploring new music, and hanging out with friends. Now, I am excited to listen to Radiohead’s 20th anniversary album of “OK Computer”.
Meet all of our CAPAL Scholars & Interns here.
Posted by Nattacha Munakata
Nattacha Munakata is currently a rising sophomore at George Mason University, studying Community Health with a concentration in Clinical Science (Pre-med). On campus, she is Peer Health Advisor, working to raise awareness and educate students on health issues. She is also involved in TEDxGMU and Thai Student Association. Outside, she likes to volunteer for local organizations and events, such as the DC Sakura matsuri and her local FIRST robotics team. During her free time, she likes to watch Netflix dramas and explore new music.