SFU coop student shines at TRIUMF
Jessica Coccimiglio, 604.222.7501; communications@triumf.ca, jrc8@sfu.ca
Tim Meyer, 604.222.7674; tmeyer@triumf.ca
Carol Thorbes, PAMR, 778.782.3035; cthorbes@sfu.ca
How does a student with a predominantly arts background wind up doing a stellar job as a communications assistant for TRIUMF, Canada’s top particle and nuclear physics laboratory?
Given drive, imagination and opportunity, anything is possible in Simon Fraser University’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, where students gain on-the-job experience applying their higher education in a practical setting.
Just ask Jessica Coccimiglio, a fourth year cooperative (co-op) education student pursuing a joint major in communication and interactive arts and technology at SFU. This Christmas Eve, the 21-year-old Vancouverite and Tim Meyer, head of TRIUMF’s Strategic Planning and Communications Office, will have trouble saying goodbye, as Coccimiglio winds up her third co-op term at the facility.
“I found TRIUMF’s communications assistant job through WIL’s Simplicity online postings,” says Coccimiglio, who by Christmas Eve will have produced more than eight articles publicizing TRIUMF, since starting her last co-op term in September. They are posted online along with external news releases sought out by Coccimiglio from TRIUMF’s many research partners, including SFU.
Writing about and photographing discoveries, international conferences and distinguished visitors at TRIUMF have kept Coccimiglio on her cerebral toes. Genuinely curious about research, Coccimiglio has progressed from being a science neophyte to writing news releases about complex topics such as testing diamonds for use as particle detectors and the evolution of dark matter and anti-matter.
Among her most memorable photography assignments was capturing SFU president Andrew Petter touring TRIUMF.
“That was slightly intimidating,” says Coccimiglio, who feels her TRIUMF co-op terms have prepared her to work effectively in communications and marketing in any field. “Many of the articles I’ve written for TRIUMF have required a significant amount of effort to research the basics of the science on which I am reporting. Fortunately, scientists here are incredibly helpful and patient, many of them taking time to meet with me so that they can answer my questions.”
As for Meyer, who regularly hires undergrad co-op students nationally, he feels TRIUMF struck gold with Coccimiglio. “Jessica has been a great asset because of her eagerness to learn the science and look for the story behind the story,” explains Meyer. “It’s been a bonus this term to have someone with such school spirit; we had a blast with the visit of President Petter and even did a small student artist-in-residence project with an SFU arts professor thanks to Jessica’s contacts.”
Meyer says he typically receives up to 70 applications every time TRIUMF’s communications assistant job is posted. TRIUMF seeks to fill the position with a student who has the right combination of grades, experience and originality, not necessarily science training.
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maria
Congratulations Coccimiglio, what an opportunity that was for you! Great job, that makes a person like me who is just getting started on coop more confident!!