When research becomes tangible, it changes the way graduate students think not just about their futures, but about their time at Princeton. For Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. student Elena Cho, a Micro-Internship in Industry at Colgate-Palmolive delivered hands-on experience and career mentorship that broadened her perspective on how her academic background might be applied in the field. As an intern paired with the Cross-Category Research and Innovation team, Cho was able to design experiments that aimed to precisely control the size and rate of enamel repair by translating academic research to the realm of commercial personal care products. As part of a cross-functional team, Cho also worked on introducing bio-based surfactants into skin care product formulations for more sustainable product development. 

One of the most rewarding elements of Cho’s time at Colgate-Palmolive was the chance to connect with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who shared their personal and professional experiences with her. For example, her mentor, Hongwei Shen, Associate Director of Technology for R&D, offered guidance on topics ranging from experimental design to the power of reaching out for advice as one pursues their professional path. These connections helped Cho see the possibilities of where her research could take her.

“Working on projects around enamel repair and bio-based surfactants, I have had the privilege to engage in hands-on industry R&D, making a significant step in my career journey. As I transition back to Princeton to continue my Ph.D. work, I would love to integrate the knowledge and skills that I learned at Colgate-Palmolive into my research. The whole experience here undoubtedly equipped me with a new perspective.” – Youn Kyoung (Elena) Cho, GS, CBE

The internship is a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive’s Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELO) program, which provides opportunities for Ph.D. students to sharpen their skills working alongside researchers on current business challenges in various divisions. 

“Colgate aims to create a healthier future for all. One way we fulfill our purpose is by creating educational pathways into Colgate careers. By teaming up with GradFUTURES in this experiential learning opportunity program, graduate students can see the real-world application of their graduate training, acquire new ‘on the job’ skills related to their areas of research, and gain industry experience, all of which are directly applicable to the job market.” – Dr. Long Pan, Director, Cross-Category Research & Innovation, Colgate-Palmolive

Our Fellowship Partner

Focused on oral care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition and reaching more than 200 countries and territories, Colgate-Palmolive teams develop, produce, distribute and sell health and hygiene products and pet nutrition essential to society. Visit the Colgate-Palmolive website to learn more.

Read more about our partnership with Colgate-Palmolive.

Learn More About GradFUTURES Micro-Internships in Industry

Micro-Internships in Industry provide paid, part-time industry internship experience and an opportunity to apply discipline-specific training to interdisciplinary project(s) while working under the direction of an industry mentor. Graduate students receive one-on-one mentoring and coaching, and gain exposure to organizational dynamics and leadership strategies while shadowing and participating in meetings and/or presentations.