Meet the LAS Interns

The Laboratory for Analytic Sciences (LAS) is pleased to welcome this year’s student interns. Hailing from NC State and Penn State, our spotlighted interns are gaining practical skills working alongside staff on technical communications and user experience. The interns’ current work has supported LAS by creating consistent frameworks for measuring research projects and assisting with the management of informational content for LAS communications. 

Let’s meet our interns:

• Sam Moradzadeh – UX and Human-Computer Interaction Intern
• Gabby Simon – Technical Communications Intern

Sam Moradzadeh, UX and Human-Computer Interaction Intern

As a user experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI) specialist, Sam assists project managers at LAS in refining workflow roadmaps for performance. He focuses on enhancing the overall LAS research experience, from initial idea submission to resource allocation to handoff.

Program: Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction
Graduation Year: 2027
University: Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania

What have you learned so far through your internship? 
I learned that LAS is such a sophisticated and complex organization. Almost all of the projects are multi-stakeholder, involving government, non-government, research labs, and more. Navigating tasks requires constant communication between different entities to ensure that the end goal aligns with everyone’s objectives. This is a transferable skill that I will definitely use in both my academic and professional trajectories to better understand how to communicate with diverse stakeholders and establish clear expectations.

What are your goals after graduation?
Understanding the gap between what people say they want and how they actually use a product really intrigues me. Becoming a UX researcher, I would like to continue working in a field I am very passionate about, helping teams with any type of product by providing insights from users and offering recommendations on how to improve and better meet user needs. 

Tell us about your extracurricular activities and hobbies.
In my free time, you’ll probably find me jamming to old-school songs on my electric guitar. I also really enjoy car spotting, especially quirky, weird-looking cars with bizarre license plates, which are my favorite finds. I usually join Cars & Coffee events on Saturdays to pursue this hobby.

Where do you most feel like a local?
Old Town Alexandria. There’s something casual and timeless about it, and I never get tired of wandering around the old houses and cobblestone streets.

In what setting do you best find your focus?
On my laptop (without an extended monitor to keep watching Twitch) at a local coffee shop.

What animal do you relate to the most?
Probably a beaver, I like building things and finding practical solutions.

Do you have a random skill or talent?
I can recognize fighter jets just from their silhouette.

Gabby Simon, Technical Communications Intern

Gabby has a background in English and UX design. She assists in editing, managing, and creating LAS informational content.

Program: Master’s in Technical Communication
Graduation year: 2027
University: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina

What have you learned so far through your internship? 
I have learned the value of building a strong network. In technical communications, it is very important that we know who to engage with when we have questions or need additional collaboration on a project. At LAS, I have gained hands-on experience in writing and designing for the web, which I intend to bring into my later studies at the university. Once we delve into these topics in my courses, I intend to bring my new knowledge into the LAS sphere as well.

What are your goals after graduation?
I am looking forward to starting my career journey in an environment that values collaboration across disciplines, encourages continuous learning, and aligns with my passion for user experience and visual design.

Tell us about your extracurricular activities and hobbies.
I love traveling, exploring aesthetically-pleasing coffee shops, walking in nature, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Where do you most feel like a local?
While I know my hometown of Raleigh like the back of my hand, I am a passionate world traveler. If I stay anywhere for long enough, it will happily feel like my comfort place.

In what setting do you best find your focus?
At the gym! The motivated atmosphere and bright natural lighting helps me stay focused both during workouts and on the computer.

What’s your happy place?
Anywhere with a lake. Every summer, my entire family gathers at my aunt’s lake in Wisconsin and celebrates the Fourth of July by the water.

What do you like to do on a rainy day?
I love to relax by the fireplace and watch Adam Sandler movies with my family.

What animal do you relate to the most? Why?
I relate most to a deer! I have big eyes and a deep curiosity that takes me to new places.

Do you have a random skill or talent? 
I know the lyrics to every Fall Out Boy song by heart (and if not, I’ll sing it like I know it!)