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Bristol Myers Squibb

After contributing to important cancer research at Dickinson, Helena Holley '25 completed a 10-week, full-time research internship at a leading biopharmaceutical company, working 40 hours each week in the lab. Previously, she took part in Pfizer's Summer Growth Experience Program. She believes that all of these experiences, combined with her Dickinson education are preparing her well to contribute to scientific innovation.

Major: 

Biology.

Internship title/position: 

Nonclinical Research and Development Intern.

How I found this internship:

Indeed.com.

What it looks like, day to day:

I performed bioanalytical characterization experiments. The purpose was to investigate the correlation between receptor expression and cell passage number/time in culture in order to evaluate the effects this may have on the neutralizing antibody assays' consistency and reproducibility, as well as to observe which receptors the ligand has the greatest affinity for.

How it's helpful:

Working in the lab 40 hours a week for 10 weeks this summer, I feel I have exponentially improved as a research scientist. Because of the skills I gained through this intensive laboratory experience, I feel better equipped to take on more complex experiments as I continue to research in Associate Professor of Biology Mike Roberts' lab this year.

Previous internships:

I interned at Pfizer's Sanford, N.C., site as part of a chemistry and bioanalytical laboratory support team. As I am a senior with hopes of going to graduate school, I do not currently have plans to intern next summer, but I hope I can gain similar experiences throughout graduate school.

Advice for students considering an internship:

I think it is important to apply to as many as possible. Even if you think you are underqualified, you may be surprised to find you’re the exact candidate someone is looking for. It never hurts to try.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS 

Published August 14, 2024