Ann Sullivan will readily admit she has no idea what she wants to do in life.

The Lyon College junior once thought teaching was her calling, but after discovering she wasn't too keen on children, Sullivan marked the profession off her list.

But a recently reinvigorated program at Lyon has the Jonesboro native closer to zeroing in on a career.

This year, Sullivan is participating in a credit-bearing internship program run by the chemistry faculty in the science division at the college.

Sullivan has spent the last 16 weeks as a chemistry intern at FutureFuel Chemical Co. in Batesville.

For Sullivan, the internship could be leading her to a future career.

"I love organic chemistry," she said, brimming with enthusiasm. "I have loved it every since I first took it at Lyon. You can tell when something is your niche, and that is my niche."

Sullivan said she is working closely with FutureFuel employees in development and analytical areas. She said she is learning to synthesize chemicals, take samples, test theories and discuss ideas in addition to using state-of-the-art technology.

"It has been a life-changing experience for me," she said. "I still have no idea what I want to do. But I was able to see the chemistry side of the company and learn what to expect if I went into that career. I also met the most amazing people there."

Lyon College Associate Professor of Chemistry Kurt Grafton said the internship program is essential in preparing students for life after Lyon.

"The faculty has worked hard to reinvigorate this internship program," he said. "We hope to keep the internship program going, and we are looking into adding internships at other places."