Internship Insights: Abby Weston

For senior mathematics major Abby Weston, math has always been about solving puzzles. During her summer internship at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, she discovered that math research is more than reading articles or solving problems from a textbook — it’s about uncovering new ideas and insights.

“I didn’t even know math research was a thing until I got there,” Weston said. “We were developing new pieces of the puzzle in combinatorics, specifically with something called parking functions. By the end, our group had a draft of an article that we’re working to publish, and we’ll be presenting at the Joint Mathematicians Meeting. That was really cool.”

Her internship also stretched her beyond equations and proofs. Living in Puerto Rico gave Weston the chance to immerse herself in a new culture, practice Spanish at a local church, and gain website-building experience. She also picked up valuable technical skills such as LaTeX formatting and formal proof writing.

Perhaps most importantly, the experience gave Weston a clear picture of graduate school and the world of professional mathematicians. “I had no idea what I was getting into with grad school, but now I feel like I have a solid grasp on what it will actually be like,” she said. “I also learned what types of math I really enjoy and which ones I don’t.”

We sat down with Weston to hear more about her summer research internship at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce and how the experience helped her grow as a mathematician while gaining cultural and professional insights that will shape her path toward graduate school. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell University’s YouTube channel or via the embedded video below.

Researching, Learning, and Growing Abroad 

Weston drew on the foundation she built in Bushnell University’s mathematics program, while her internship in Puerto Rico expanded her learning in ways no classroom could replicate. 

“I learned how to write proofs formally, how to use new software tools, and how to approach research like a professional mathematician,” Weston said. “At the same time, speaking Spanish at my church and spending time with locals helped me grow personally and culturally.” 

The internship also shaped her vision for the future. Weston realized that while she enjoyed combinatorics, her graduate work may lead in a different direction. More importantly, she gained confidence in her ability to navigate graduate school and the academic culture of mathematics. 

Advice for Future Interns 

Weston encourages other Bushnell students to dive fully into their internships. “Internships might feel like a box to check off, but if you fully immerse yourself in the experience and do the hard things, you’ll grow,” she said. “You’ll learn what you want to do with your life and, maybe just as importantly, what you don’t want to do.” 

She also credits Bushnell’s CliftonStrengths-based approach for helping her reflect on how she works best and apply that self-awareness to her internship. “Rethinking everything I’d done through the reflections and strengths lens helped me see not just what I accomplished, but how I got there,” Weston said. 

The highlight of her summer was not just researching math but building close friendships. One Sunday the granddaughters of a local pastor she had met on a previous Bushnell mission trip picked her up for church and spent the day showing her around Ponce. “We visited a castle, climbed a mountain overlook, and just laughed and enjoyed the beauty of Puerto Rico. That’s my favorite memory,” she said. 

Bushnell shares Weston’s advice for students to fully dive into their internship experiences and see where God’s plan will take them. To learn more about internships and career development at Bushnell University, visit bushnell.edu/career-development.