Smiling person with glasses holding a book by potted plants indoors

A Summer at BML

An SRJC-BML Internship Story

by Raven Riley
October 26, 2026

I am Raven Riley, a Biology major transferring to Sonoma State University this Fall. After a presentation by Liyu Mekonnen and Deva Holliman where they introduced my class to the SRJC-BML Internship, I jumped at the chance to combine my hobbies of programming, data analytics, and marine biology while developing transferable skills for my field of study, Behavioral Neuroscience.

Under Dr. Cristina Torres-Duarte in the ToPEC Lab (Toxicology, Physiology, Ecology, and Conservation), I worked on modernizing the Long-Term Monitoring Project’s database,specifically aiming to create a more secure, user-friendly, and organized system, ensuring data storage scalability while facilitating easier statistical analysis. I started by understanding the project’s data, namely what types were stored as well as estimated future dataset size.

Afterwards, I conducted a literature review and contacted external resources to explore programs of interest. By collaborating closely with my mentor, I coded the new database’s foundation in the program PostgreSQL, establishing an accessible, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure positioning the LTMP for success throughout its twenty-year lifespan.

Throughout my internship, I learned valuable, transferable skills, including hands-on experience using PostgreSQL, coding in the SQL language, and writing technical reports. I also developed many soft skills, such as translating a given project end-goal into a realized product, independent problem solving, presenting technical information to a diverse audience, and advisor collaboration. Academically, I received incredibly insightful advice regarding finding, applying to, and thriving in graduate school.

Overall, the SRJC-BML Internship gave me the opportunity to refine my communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills in a real-world, professional environment. Additionally, it surprised me by helping me develop independent working skills, particularly the careful balance between critical problem solving and asking for assistance. I am excited to utilize my new skills in Bachelor’s-level research as well as graduate school projects.