The atmosphere inside Rutger’s University Press was relaxed yet professional, and had an air of honesty about it.  Mr. Dana Dreibelbis ‘78, our host, and executive editor of the University Press, gave us a tour of the place, a one-year-old facility recently moved above a bookstore, a fitting location.  One of the first tasks we were given was to read a 100 page manuscript, and in the words of Mr. Dreibelbis, “do the Hemingway thing,” and read it.  He heads the medical side of publishing for the University Press, in an attempt to do what few university presses do and include professional medical works in their publications.  He pulls in an entirely different side of academia, compared to the typical manuscripts received regarding anthropology, sociology, and such.  His publications are in the fields of pediatric urology, oncology, neurology and cardiology with a wide range of audiences, from medical students, to athletes, to parents.  With medicine as his focus, part of the shadowing included a short walk over to Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.  We sat in on a meeting in which he discussed a prospective book with the chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.  As the director of the Women’s Health Institute at the medical school, this doctor proposed a book combining female collegiate athletes and her extensive knowledge in obstetrics.  It was an eye-opening experience to be on the inside, watching this process unfold.

Originally meant to be a two day Princeternship, it was unfortunately cut short.  One day, however, was enough to give me an incredible appreciation for the work the Rutgers University Press staff do.  This small business is a smoothly running machine, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the process for a day.  The insight I gained in this Princeternship was invaluable, and I cannot thank my host enough for the experience.