Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global pharmaceutical manufacturer, with locations across the US, Europe, and Asia. During my time as a Technical Operations/Manufacturing Sciences intern, I had the opportunity to take a deep dive into the manufacturing of biologic drugs. I gained many new skills including aseptic technique, cell culture maintenance and passaging, bioreactor operation, and protein purification. My main project was to perform a comprehensive exploratory study looking at potential process changes to improve product yield on the manufacturing scale. This project was a small-scale bioreactor study, requiring the completion of all manufacturing steps at a reduced scale. I got to perform and learn about every step in the manufacturing of biologic drugs, all the way from cell thaw to drug purification. I also had the opportunity to present the findings of the study to the site Senior Leadership Team, including Brooklyn Park site head, Tom Lego. This project allowed me to personally perform all manufacturing procedures involved in biologic drug production. It also allowed me to test my problem solving skills every single day, as problems arose more frequently than solutions.Additionally, during my spare time, I developed and proposed a new investigatory technique that would dramatically reduce the time and cost requirements of process investigations. Specifically, the technique allowed for the screening of a large number of variables at a reduced cost and in less time than the standard technique. The proposal was well received, but the internship ended before I could test and verify the methods.

Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. (PSI) is a personal care manufacturer based in Rochester, MN, also known as Vanicream. I worked in the research and development department as an intern for ten weeks. Over the course of my internship, I got to shadow every department and work on multiple projects. I independently developed and performed three test procedures for the purpose of evaluating the mildness and efficacy of products and product components. I used these tests to generate new product and component data. This data was used to improve new product formulations, by selectively identifying components that would be most effective and least irritating. Additionally, I worked on a team with interns from each department to develop a strategy and comprehensive plan for implementing sustainable practices throughout the company's operations. This plan touched every department of the company and projected carbon emission reductions of 30% and waste reductions of 50%. The team was able to present the plan and drive the sustainability initiatives it laid out. Last, I assembled a photo album of all manufacturing equipment, including each item's function and unique uses. All of these projects gave me invaluable insight into the personal care industry, large scale manufacturing processes, R&D safety and development procedures, and the intricacies of developing and performing test methods in a professional setting.

As a Shipt Shopper, I picked up orders and shop for the requested grocery items. I then delivered the items to the customers. Communication was key with this position, as customers often make impossible requests or request items that are out of stock, which requires contacting the customer.

I worked in the deli on the line. My job was to slice meats and cheeses, package baked goods, prepare salads, and check customers out. Because I worked the register most of the time, I gained valuable communications skills through customer service. I also had the opportunity to work closely with management when new hires were brought in.