Aakruti Patel Reflects on Her First Internship at Anthology While Working on Her Second

Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Aakruti Patel

Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter! Today, we are excited to feature Aakruti Patel, whose internship at Anthology Biotechnology provided hands-on experience in genetic engineering of microbes to enhance protein production. Her journey sheds light on the importance of experimental design, problem-solving, and continuous learning in the biotech industry.

Internship Snapshot

• Company: Anthology Biotechnology

• Location: On-site

• How It Started: Found through NUWorks, the Northeastern University job search platform

A Day in the Life

During her internship, Aakruti focused on genetic engineering of microbes to increase protein production. This involved designing experiments, analyzing results, and troubleshooting issues to optimize microbial processes. "Through this experience, I not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also developed a structured approach to problem-solving and research documentation," she shares.

Lessons from the Lab

Biggest Learning: “I learned that designing experiments is not just about setting up tests—it’s about asking the right questions, anticipating possible outcomes, and iterating based on results.”

Best Advice Received: “Always be proactive in researching and suggesting improvements—your input, no matter how small, can contribute to better results.”

Wish I Knew Before Starting: “I wish I had a deeper understanding of microbiology before starting, as it would have helped me grasp microbial engineering concepts faster.”

Wish I Had Learned: “I wish I had explored multiple ways to analyze data to gain a more holistic perspective on results.”

Fun Moments and Challenges

Most Fun Experience: “The company outings, especially the Christmas event, were a great way to bond with the team and enjoy the internship beyond lab work.”

Biggest Struggle: “I initially struggled with providing suggestions during discussions. Over time, I learned to conduct my own research, propose new ideas, and engage in constructive discussions, which improved both my confidence and contribution to the team.”

Behind the Scenes

Who Made It Memorable? “I would give all the credit to my manager, Raphael Gabriel. He was incredibly supportive and patient, always taking the time to explain the purpose behind our experiments. His mentorship helped me develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for research.”

Resource I Wish I Had Used More: “I wish I had taken more advantage of networking opportunities to connect with professionals beyond my immediate team.”

Advice for Future Interns

Best Advice: “Talk to people and gain as many skills as you can. The more you learn and engage, the more valuable your internship experience will be.”

What Interns Should Focus On: “Learning. Interns should focus on gaining as many skills as possible to build a strong foundation for their careers.”

Short Story: Overcoming Challenges

Coming from a pharmaceutical sciences background, Aakruti initially struggled with understanding microbiology concepts. To overcome this, she asked a lot of questions, set clear expectations for each experiment, and documented her findings. She would then discuss her results with her manager to compare insights and refine her conclusions. Through this process, she not only strengthened her research and analytical skills but also became more confident in managing and interpreting experimental data.

Rapid-Fire Favorites

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Online Meetings or In-Person Meetings? In-Person Meetings

ddsfMountains or Beaches? Beaches

Closing Thoughts

Aakruti’s experience at Anthology Biotechnology highlights the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on learning in the biotech field. Her journey emphasizes that being proactive, asking questions, and continuously developing new skills are key to making the most of an internship.

Ready to Share Your Story?

Do you have a story to inspire the next generation of biotech professionals? Submit your experience to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today!

Connect with Aakruti Patel on LinkedIn for more insights and advice