The Research Triangle Foundation of N.C. is proud to commemorate the work of its summer interns. This year’s trio of interns all attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the past 10-12 weeks, they have worked with different teams and gaining hands-on work experience through mentorship and professional exposure. The Foundation’s staff members appreciate all the hard work, insights and optimism they have brought to the office.
Aarthi Srinivasan, a rising junior, worked as the event marketing intern alongside the Foundation’s Marketing and Communications Department, and in collaboration with the Placemaking and Programming Department. Her responsibilities included assisting and promoting events at Hub RTP, including signature gatherings like Juneteenth and Boxyard Birthday. She created promotional materials including newsletters, community calendar submissions, blog posts and social media content, in addition to project managing several event planning components.
Throughout her time at the Foundation, Srinivasan said, “I have learned that initiative can go a long way in a professional setting. A positive work environment can make work feel exciting.” She enjoyed designing materials for Research Triangle Park’s sub-brands and coordinating projects.
Srinivasan enjoyed working for the Foundation because it taught her “the importance of community spaces that allow for innovation and connection.” She enjoyed learning about the Parks’ long-term vision and goals to create an anchoring space in the community.
Srinivasan worked under Kelly Propst, vice president of marketing and communications, and Amanda Ronan, senior director of placemaking and programming. Additionally, she received mentorship through Caroline Thies, marketing coordinator, throughout her internship. She shares her gratitude: “Everyone in the office has made me passionate about working in the future. I want to especially thank Caroline, Kelly and Amanda for mentoring me throughout the process and providing me so much learning.”
Tatum Mellor, a rising senior, worked with the Planning and Public Policy Ddepartment. Her work has focused on understanding the demographics of employees who work in Research Triangle Park and how return-to-office policies have impacted both workers and the future of regional infrastructure. “I have learned so much about the people who make up the Park and have enjoyed looking beyond the companies themselves to better understand the workforce that drives RTP,” Tatum said.
Tatum enjoyed learning about RTP 3.0, the Park’s 50-year plan to reimagine RTP into a more mixed-use environment. She was grateful for the opportunity to sit in meetings and see how the future of the Park is being shaped. Through this process she said, “It has been exciting to gain insight into the planning and decision-making processes behind such a significant regional development effort.”
She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Travis Crayton, vice president of planning and public policy, and the rest of his team. She wants to thank her team and the Foundation staff: “I appreciate the support, guidance and encouragement that everyone has provided throughout my time here, and I am thankful for everything I have learned from this experience.”
Stephen Chen, a rising junior, worked under Andrew Holton, executive vice president and chief operating officer. This summer, he focused on the economics and industry side of the Foundation.
“I have been working on projects ranging from shaping recommendations for an international research park association to building a global incubator and accelerator dashboard and conducting retail location and trade area analysis using foot traffic data,” Stephen said.
Along the way, he learned how to use new platforms like Placer.ai and “gained a much deeper understanding of RTP’s history, economic role, nonprofit structure and work with local governments.”
He expressed appreciation for Holton and everyone in the Foundation who helped guide and mentor him. “I’ve especially enjoyed working with such a kind and supportive team, and Andrew has given me a great balance of guidance and flexibility to explore what I can contribute.” Stephen shares one of the most memorable moments was seeing CEO Scott Levitan’s dog, Gizmo, “running around the office every day.”
Caroline Thies, who works in the Marketing and Communications Department, managed and mentored the interns this summer. Thies organized various “lunch and learns,” exposing students to different careers within the office, including placemaking, planning and real estate. She also collaborated with the AJ Fletcher Foundation, connecting the Foundation’s interns with other local non-profit interns. Thies also coordinated the final intern presentation, where Chen, Mellor and Srinivasan were able to showcase their work and present project findings to Foundation staff.