Samuel Henriquez Jr.'s career path took an unexpected turn when he discovered a flyer for the Community College Internships (CCI) program at Suffolk County Community College. Intrigued by the opportunity to work alongside scientists and engineers at a national laboratory, Henriquez applied for internships at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago.
Henriquez was accepted as a CCI intern at Brookhaven, where he found his experience went beyond merely observing national laboratory life. Under the mentorship of Thomas Russo, a system engineer at Brookhaven’s Technical Systems Division, Henriquez was introduced to the lab's research culture. "Sam’s background at the community college showed he had promise," said Russo. "On top of that, he was really energetic and motivated to learn—qualities that are just as important as the fact he’s smart."
Initially recruited for one project, Henriquez had to pivot when assigned different tasks upon arrival. He adapted quickly, developing a 2D functional plot diagram using computer-assisted design crucial for operating a radiofrequency cavity—a component in accelerating particles. This work contributed to Brookhaven's development of an Electron-Ion Collider.
Throughout his project, Henriquez collaborated with John Butler from the Collider-Accelerator Department. The internship experience influenced Henriquez's educational aspirations; he now plans to pursue a PhD beyond his engineering bachelor's degree. Reflecting on his past indecision about careers ranging from finance to medicine, Henriquez concluded that STEM is where his future lies.