Globalink Research Intern is helping to photograph a large collection at the University of Calgary
Laura Solis Rodriguez is about to enter her final year at Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, where she’s a marketing and communications student. Because of her specialization in advertising photography, Laura was used to thinking about objects in terms of how to market them to potential customers. She didn’t expect to apply her photography skills to archeological artifacts!
Laura was interested in pursuing an exchange program during her undergraduate degree. She learned about the Globalink Research Internship from a career director at her school and decided to apply. She was matched on a project that is cataloguing Mexican artifacts that formed part of a larger University of Calgary acquisition. This catalogue will provide accurate and up-to-date information about the artifacts, accompanied by Laura’s photographs. It will also improve accessibility and organization for researchers and institutions like Calgary’s Glenbow Museum, which bestowed the collection to the university.
Laura initially found the transition in photographic styles a challenge:
I was used to photographing objects to make them look their best. For my project, I had to focus more on accuracy than aesthetics. It took me some time to get used to this change.”
In her time off, Laura’s also putting her photography skills to good use at some regional landmarks. “I travelled to Banff and Lake Louise. Both were so beautiful!” She also speaks highly of her host city: “My favourite aspect is exploring downtown Calgary and the colourful Sunnyside neighbourhood. It’s so pretty and there are so many great spaces to hang out with my friends.”
With her broadened skill set, Laura is eager to take the next step in her education. “I would like to get a Master’s degree and pursue a career in cinematography. I am looking into schools and want to come back to Canada if possible.”
Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and Alberta Innovates for their support of the Accelerate research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Accelerate program also receives support from the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.
Mitacs is pleased to work with international partners to support Globalink, including Brazil’s le Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, the China Scholarship Council, Campus France, India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development, and Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca
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