What to Expect from an Internship at Prime Medicine: All About Ayushi Ashitkumar Jinwala’s Unforgettable Internship Journey
- Widler Casy
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Ayushi Ashitkumar Jinwala
Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter. Today, we feature Ayushi Ashitkumar Jinwala, whose on site internship at Prime
Medicine demonstrates how adaptability, curiosity, and a focus on scientific precision can shape an exceptional learning experience in the biotechnology industry.
Internship Snapshot
Company: Prime Medicine
Location: On site
How It Started: Ayushi discovered her internship through LinkedIn, where she came across an opportunity that aligned perfectly with her growing interest in genomic technology and applied research.
At Prime Medicine, Ayushi played a key role in supporting next generation sequencing (NGS) pipeline development. Her daily responsibilities included preparing automated libraries, performing quality control, operating Illumina sequencers, and evaluating workflow improvements for cost efficiency. This hands on experience gave her valuable exposure to the technical and strategic aspects of biotech innovation.
A Day in the Life
Ayushi’s typical day combined lab precision with critical thinking. “I supported NGS pipeline development by preparing automated libraries, performing quality control, operating Illumina sequencers, and evaluating workflow improvements for cost efficiency,” she explained. Through this work, she learned to balance technical rigor with workflow optimization, finding the sweet spot between data quality, cost effectiveness, and operational speed.
Lessons from the Experience
Biggest Learning: “The most important thing I learned during my internship was how to integrate technical precision with workflow optimization, balancing data quality, cost effectiveness, and efficiency in NGS pipeline development.” This realization helped Ayushi develop a systems thinking approach, seeing how every small adjustment in lab processes could influence broader project outcomes.
Best Advice Received: “The best advice I received during my internship was to always think beyond just executing protocols; understand the ‘why’ behind each step.” This guidance transformed the way she approached experiments, encouraging her to look for connections, identify improvements, and develop an innovative mindset.
Wish I Had Known: “One thing I wish I knew before starting my internship is how quickly projects can shift priorities in industry.” Ayushi’s experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, teaching her that flexibility and clear communication are essential in fast moving environments.
Wish I Had Learned: “One thing I wish I had learned during my internship was even more exposure to cross team collaboration.” She found that the brief opportunities she had to work across teams revealed how powerful collective problem solving can be in complex biotech workflows.
Fun Moments and Growth
Most Fun Experience: “The most fun experience I had during my internship was bonding with my team during late lab runs, sharing ideas, joking around while waiting on instruments, and celebrating when an experiment finally worked.” Those moments not only built camaraderie but also strengthened her appreciation for teamwork under pressure.
Biggest Struggle: “One struggle I faced during my internship was adjusting to the fast paced environment where project priorities could change quickly.” Initially, it was difficult to keep up, but she learned the value of staying organized, adaptable, and asking clarifying questions early. That mindset helped her maintain both accuracy and efficiency, even when projects evolved unexpectedly.
Short Story of Growth: During one project, Ayushi was tasked with techniques that were new to her. “I initially struggled to get consistent results,” she shared. “Instead of getting discouraged, I dedicated extra time to study protocols, watched tutorials, and asked my manager, Sarah Trusiak, for guidance.” With persistence and mentorship, she not only completed the project successfully but even proposed a small improvement to the protocol. The experience underscored how determination and curiosity can turn uncertainty into achievement.
Behind the Scenes
Who Made It Memorable: “I would credit my manager, Sarah Trusiak, the most for my success during my internship. She provided guidance and took the time to explain complex concepts, which really helped me understand the bigger picture of the projects I was working on.” Sarah’s mentorship went beyond technical instruction, she inspired Ayushi to take initiative and think critically, helping her grow in confidence and scientific maturity.
Resource I Wish I Used More: “A resource I wish I had taken more advantage of during my internship was the expertise of colleagues in other specialized teams.” Ayushi realized that deeper engagement with experts across departments could have broadened her understanding of how different technologies intersect within the development pipeline.
Advice for Future Interns
Words of Wisdom: “My advice would be to stay curious, proactive, and open to learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance, your mentors and teammates are there to help you grow. Take initiative to contribute wherever you can, even outside your immediate tasks, because those experiences often teach you the most. Finally, build relationships and network within the team; the connections you make during your internship can have a lasting impact on your career.”
What Interns Should Focus On: “I think interns should focus on learning as much as possible and understanding how their work fits into the bigger picture of the team and company. They should prioritize building both technical skills and professional habits, like communication, time management, and collaboration. Additionally, taking initiative, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to feedback are key.”
Rapid Fire
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Meetings: In person meetings
Mountains or Beaches: Mountains
Closing Thoughts
Ayushi Ashitkumar Jinwala’s experience at Prime Medicine reflects how curiosity, precision, and adaptability define success in modern biotechnology. From mastering NGS workflows to embracing change with confidence, her journey highlights the importance of asking “why,” seeking mentorship, and viewing every challenge as a stepping stone to innovation.
Her story serves as an inspiring reminder for future interns that growth in biotechnology comes not only from technical skill, but from a mindset of curiosity, collaboration, and resilience.
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 Ayushi Ashitkumar Jinwala, 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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