Suffolk Reporter

The career path of Samuel Henriquez Jr. was initially straightforward, aimed at completing an associate’s degree, transferring to a four-year college for an engineering degree, and eventually becoming an engineer. This changed when he encountered a flyer at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York. The flyer advertised the Community College Internships (CCI) program offered by the Department of Energy's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists.

Henriquez decided to apply for a CCI internship at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, New York, as well as Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago. He described his motivation: “I knew any experience would be good, especially at a national laboratory.”

At Brookhaven, Henriquez found himself involved in more than just an introduction to laboratory life. Under the mentorship of Thomas Russo from Brookhaven’s Technical Systems Division, he became familiar with the lab's research culture. “Sam’s background at the community college showed he had promise,” Russo said. “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 prepped for one project, Henriquez was reassigned upon arrival due to different laboratory needs—a situation common in engineering according to Russo: “I told him that sometimes that's what we must do as engineers—we have to be flexible.”

Henriquez's work involved developing a 2D functional plot diagram using computer-assisted design for components necessary in operating a radiofrequency cavity used in accelerating particles. This small part contributed to Brookhaven’s efforts on their Electron-Ion Collider project.

Throughout his internship, Henriquez worked closely with John Butler from the Collider-Accelerator Department. By its conclusion, Henriquez resolved not only to pursue an engineering bachelor's degree but also aim for a PhD.

Reflecting on his educational journey before choosing engineering as a career path, Henriquez shared: “Before deciding on engineering I’d thought I might be a physician’s assistant... In high school I was nonchalant and aimless about my education.” Now committed to STEM fields, he remains hopeful about future opportunities with contacts made during his time at Brookhaven.