As an undergraduate, I studied abroad at University College Dublin researching Burkholderia cenocepacia (Bcc), a bacteria that causes chronic infection in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. While working under field expert Dr. Siobhan McClean, I conducted 15 intensive experiment trials to determine mechanisms that Bcc uses to survive. This research was integral within a larger project which aimed to find a treatment for Bcc infections in cystic fibrosis. At the end of the two-month research program, I compiled my work into a research paper and poster, which I was able to present to my colleagues and university faculty.

During my summer as a research intern at DCN Diagnostics, I had the ability to work with and learn from company executives, senior scientists, and research associates on a multitude of projects. While working across teams of scientists and engineers to develop rapid diagnostic tests, my team had a direct impact on various disease, infection, and biological reaction research. Our team was able to efficiently meet client deadlines for different phases of projects in order to develop the final product. At DCN, I gained valuable insight into how a company can successfully combine business with scientific research.

Over five consecutive summer internships with Empirical Bioscience, I was able to develop close relationships across the company’s organizational structure and make a continuous impact from both personal and team projects. I assisted research scientists with research, development, and the production of Empirical’s protein products. This allowed me to work with the R&D team to optimize current products and develop new products, as well as work with the manufacturing team to produce high-quality products with consistent lot-to-lot performance. Through showing initiative and providing high-quality work, I was also given the responsibility to write and perform standard operating procedures to analyze product stability and determine their shelf life. While maintaining an ongoing relationship with Empirical Bioscience, I had the great opportunity to observe the transition of the company from start-up to small business and learn how it plans to continue its growth.