The director Russel and head scientist Madrona are rotten people. I worked for them last summer as an intern and they claimed to my masters program director that I lied on my resume because I have never worked with bat guano or DNA even though I never claimed to have experience with either. In reality it was because I didn’t want to work on their “fruit chemistry” project which was just testing the pH of fruit juices meant for cider production. The “science” that takes place at Kwiaht is laughable and disorganized.
On August 2nd, I sustained a humerus fracture that misaligned, necessitating surgery three weeks later. The injury caused significant pain and distress, leading to severe nerve palsy in my radial nerve, and a loss of function in my right arm and hand. This incapacitated me from performing tasks required by my employer, Kwiaht, including manual work essential for my role.
I promptly informed Kwiaht of my condition, proposing remote work as a feasible accommodation. However, my request was overlooked, and the lack of accommodation for my disability resulted in adverse employment outcomes. Communication with Kwiaht was sparse; they only reached out on August 13th to inquire about my recovery and future plans, but then failed to respond to my request for remote work.
Following surgery on August 22nd and a challenging recovery process, I was informed by my university’s Program Manager on September 25th of my internship’s termination, without direct notification from Kwiaht. This decision, effectively for taking medical leave, disregarded my attempts to negotiate a continuation of my internship without compensation and my request for remote work.
Kwiaht’s response to my situation was dismissive, citing a need to move forward without me after a lack of communication. This not only forced me into medical leave but also delayed my graduation, creating financial and emotional hardships. Furthermore, Kwiaht shared misleading information with my university, suggesting I had embellished my resume and misrepresented my lab skills. This accusation was unfounded, as I had accurately detailed my education, experience, and skills on my resume, without claiming expertise in areas like DNA analysis and PCR techniques that Kwiaht expected of me.
This experience has not only affected my academic standing and reputation, but also my emotional wellbeing. It serves as a cautionary tale for prospective employees or interns considering opportunities with Kwiaht, as they do not support their staff during unforeseen circumstances.