Now at Stanford, UPenn Biotechnology Graduate Ananyaa Srinivasan Reflects on Her Co-op at Moderna
- Widler Casy
- Nov 9
- 4 min read
Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Ananyaa Srinivasan
Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter. Today, we are delighted to feature Ananyaa Srinivasan, whose on site internship at Moderna Therapeutics exemplifies how adaptability, persistence, and curiosity can shape a rewarding journey in biotechnology.
Internship Snapshot
Company: Moderna Therapeutics
Location: On site
How It Started: “I found my internship through Moderna’s career page.”
During her time at Moderna, Ananyaa focused on developing and optimizing lipid nanoparticle formulations designed to enhance drug product performance and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
A Day in the Life
At Moderna, Ananyaa’s days were filled with exploration, experimentation, and collaboration. She supported the development of lipid nanoparticle formulations, a key component in Moderna’s drug delivery innovation. Her work combined scientific rigor with creative problem solving as she contributed to improving the consistency and performance of next generation therapeutics.
Lessons from the Experience
Biggest Learning: “I learned that impact often lies in the details. Consistency, patience, and attention to subtle variations can drive meaningful scientific breakthroughs.”
Ananyaa’s experience showed her how small refinements can lead to large advances, especially in the fast evolving world of drug development.
Best Advice Received: “The best advice I received was that asking questions, even the ones that seem obvious, is the key to truly understanding your work. It transforms you from simply following instructions to actively contributing to the science.”
That mindset empowered her to deepen her understanding, strengthen her confidence, and add more value to her team.
Wish I Had Known: “One thing I wish I knew before starting my internship is that change is not something to fear, it is something to embrace. Moving to a new city was overwhelming at first, but every hurdle taught me resilience and opened doors to unexpected growth and friendship.”
Wish I Had Learned: “I feel like I got the best experience out of my co-op. If there is one thing I wish I had learned, it is to ask for more. More opportunities, more challenges, and more chances to grow. Sometimes all it takes is the courage to ask.”
Fun Moments and Growth
Most Fun Experience: “The most fun part of my internship was definitely the people. From working side by side to exploring the city together, my co-op friends turned everyday moments into memories I will always cherish, and we are still in touch to this day.”
Biggest Struggle: “Switching from CAR T research to process development was a big adjustment, but having a supportive mentor at Moderna made all the difference. I learned how valuable the right guidance can be and now I know exactly what I need to settle in quickly and succeed in any new role.”
Behind the Scenes
Resource I Wish I Used More: “I wish I had spent more time learning from the senior team members who had been with Moderna since its early days. They built the foundation of the platform and drove the early stages of drug product development. I would have loved to gain more insight from their stories and experience.”
Who Made It Memorable: “I would credit my success to the incredible support system around me. My friends at Penn who encouraged me to take this opportunity and were always there to listen, my colleagues at Moderna who made every day enjoyable and motivating, my mentor who constantly pushed me to do my best, and of course, my parents who taught me how to make the most of every experience.”
Advice for Future Interns
Words of Wisdom: “Go into your internship with an idea, even a vague one, of what you want to get out of it. It is okay if you do not have it all figured out, but having a sense of direction will help you stay aligned with your goals and make every day count.”
What Interns Should Focus On: “Use your internship to find out if this is truly the career path you want to pursue. It is the perfect time to explore, learn, and discover what inspires you.”
Additional Advice: “Be courageous enough to ask for opportunities, be open to change, and always be curious. Every challenge is a chance to grow.”
Rapid Fire
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Meetings: In person meetings
Mountains or Beaches: Beaches
Closing Thoughts
Ananyaa Srinivasan’s internship journey at Moderna Therapeutics reflects a blend of resilience, curiosity, and growth. Her willingness to embrace change, ask questions, and learn from those around her transformed challenges into defining experiences.
Do you have a story that can inspire the next generation of biotech professionals? Submit your experience to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today.
Connect with Ananyaa Srinivasan, on LinkedIn to follow her journey in biotech.
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Do you have a story that can inspire the next generation of biotech professionals? Submit your experience to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today.
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