As a fire support Marine, I was responsible for coordinating artillery to enable gunfire on the enemy. We are to see and not be seen.”
Marine – Reservist and Physicist Assistant
Are you wanting to explore the different career paths available at APL through an internship, but don’t feel like you have the appropriate background? At APL, we are able to offer unique individualized internship opportunities for people of various and diverse knowledge and professional backgrounds. Marine reservist and University of Washington student Peter Tsirushkin’s journey to becoming a research assistant highlights how there is no one-way to get to APL, and there is no one-size-fits all internship opportunity.
Peter began working under Principal Physicist Jie Yang, whose research project focuses on improving existing models that predict ocean ambient noise. He assists with the collection of data and studying how weather impacts ocean ambient noise. The significance of this research is to find better ways for submarines to know their underwater environment with visual limitations.
Peter is now working on a new grant with Senior Research Scientist and Engineer David Dall’Osto, helping him develop acoustic sensors for the Army.
Years prior to his appointment as an employee at APL, Peter began his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington in 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the academic sphere – along with the rest of the world – changed. He felt he needed to step away from academia once it became so impersonal due to COVID.
Looking for a change and break from online school, Peter decided to take a gap year in 2021. During that time, Peter took a leap into a whole new career, where he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve forces, with the military occupational specialty (MOS) of 0861 Fire Support Marine.
Meet Peter Tsirushkin
Major
Pursuing B.S. Physics, University of Washington
How I came to APL-UW
I sent an email and sought out to APL for an internship opportunity, not knowing exactly what would come out of it. I knew there were opportunities here, I just had to go for it. So that’s what I did.
Who helped me along the way
Of course, researcher Jie Yang was the greatest help. She believed in me, took a chance and brough me on her team. I also had some friends from the UW Navy ROTC program who told me that there was a good tradition of service members and veterans successfully making careers at APL. One of my friends commissioned two years ago, and he helped me with finding a job at APL.
Standout moment (so far)
After starting my internship in June, I left on the Task Force Ocean cruise in July. Quick turnaround to an awesome opportunity!
Peter continues to serve as a Lance Corporal in the 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he conducts monthly training to maintain and enhance readiness.
Through the help of friends from UW’s Navy ROTC program, Peter learned about the potential career opportunities here at APL. In 2022, after completing bootcamp and multiple military skills focused schools, Peter reached out to APL with the aspirations of landing a research internship. With a send of an email, Peter received support and an invitation from Jie Yang.
When asked what military qualifications transferred over to his civilian research, Peter was very clear –
Hard work ethic. Time efficiency. Team mentality.”
