SPRING 2026
INTERNS
Scleroderma United welcomed its fourth intern cohort during the Spring 2026 semester. Our interns excelled in every way possible, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. Scroll to see some of our favorite highlights from the Spring 2026 Internship Program!
From Around the World…
OUR GLOBAL INTERN COHORT
Our interns came from: the United States, Canada, Hungary, Sweden, Hong Kong, Iran, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, and Australia
Interns Engaged in Collaborative, Meaningful Projects…
PRIMARY PROJECTS
Learn Center Content Project:
Updating our Learn Center with the latest information about scleroderma and restructuring the resource
Scleroderma Sundays Project:
Crafting brief highlights of “Scleroderma Stories,” designed to hook the reader in and direct traffic toward our publications
Scientific Studies Project:
Synthesizing recent scleroderma news in short, easy-to-understand pieces, perfect for new patients or children
Implemented Grassroots Awareness Tactics and Fundraising Strategies…
CAMPAIGNS
With their mentors’ support, interns led organized Amplified Awareness Area Campaigns in their communities and hosted personal fundraising campaigns. While building key nonprofit, advocacy, and fundraising skills, the interns reached hundreds of people who had never heard of scleroderma and raised thousands of dollars in support of Scleroderma United’s upcoming Animated Children’s Course.
Created Patient Advocate Portfolios…
PORTFOLIOS
Each week, interns listened to an episode of a podcast, read an interview, watched a documentary, or conducted research on a broader healthcare issue. Some weeks, interns summarized and reflect on a topic. Other weeks, mentors guided the interns through the article-writing process. By the end of the internship period, interns had a deeper understanding of scleroderma and the patient experience – as well as a portfolio to back up that knowledge! Patient Advocate Portfolios included at least one published article.
Check out our Internship page for current internship opportunities
Special Thank-Yous
ADMINISTRATION
This internship would not have been possible without the help of our Internship Program Administration
Mishaal
Hammad
Co-President, Head of Internship Activities
New York, USA
Elyse
Da Costa
Director of Communications Toronto, Canada
Shruti
Vadlakonda
Chief Coordinator of Internship Activities
Baltimore, USA
Valeria
Yela
Editor-in-Chief
New York, USA