What exactly is Moderna University? Dr. Ashitha Joseph's journey at Moderna went from a summer internship to a six-month co-op in R&D Quality and compliance.
- Widler Casy
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Ashitha Joseph
Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter. Today, we are excited to feature Ashitha Joseph, whose on-site co-op at Moderna highlights how adaptability, curiosity, and mentorship can transform an internship into a career-shaping experience.
Internship Snapshot
Company: Moderna
Location: On-site
How It Started: “I discovered the opportunity through LinkedIn while searching for a 2-month summer intern program at Moderna. After applying, I reached out directly to the recruiter to express my interest. During the interview, I mentioned my availability and flexibility to start early from January if needed. The team appreciated this adaptability, and what began as a summer internship application turned into a 6-month co-op opportunity. This experience showed me how being transparent about your flexibility during interviews can lead to even better opportunities than initially expected.”
A Day in the Life
Ashitha spent her co-op “streamlining regulatory compliance operations at Moderna by managing CAPA records with 20% improved closure rates, supporting multi-agency inspections (FDA, MHRA, Health Canada), reconciling 100+ clinical audit records in Veeva QMS, and creating centralized knowledge-sharing resources while building foundational expertise in GCP through hands-on audit process shadowing.”
Lessons from the Lab
Biggest Learning:
“The most important thing I learned was to embrace unfamiliar tasks and ask questions without hesitation... What seemed irrelevant initially became one of my most appreciated contributions to the team.”
Best Advice Received:
“In quality compliance and regulatory affairs every document tells a story. Make sure it is the right one, and never hesitate to ask questions to get it right.”
Wish I Had Known:
“How much you can learn by going beyond your assigned tasks. Proactively asking for exposure and connecting with people across teams can open doors you did not even know existed.”
Wish I Had Learned:
“One thing I wish I had explored more was data visualization tools, especially with the industry moving toward greater digitalization.”
Fun Moments and Growth
Most Fun Experience:
“The most fun part of my internship was shadowing health authority inspections. Watching the front room and back room teams work in perfect sync felt like a live, high-stakes performance where months of our compliance work were put to the ultimate test. That experience really deepened my appreciation for the precision and teamwork behind regulatory excellence.”
Biggest Struggle:
“Overcoming the hesitation to speak up and share ideas. Over time, I realized that even small ideas can add value, and as interns, our fresh perspective is something teams genuinely appreciate.”
Behind the Scenes
Resource I Wish I Used More:
“I wish I had fully explored Moderna University’s complete training catalog earlier. I also should have leveraged the free Coursera courses available to employees during quieter periods.”
Who Made It Memorable: “I would credit my success during my internship to the entire Quality Compliance team. In particular, my supervisors and managers, Tricia Regenye and Liziel Langston. I am also especially grateful to my daily mentor, Maria Tamoiaga, who was the backbone of my day-to-day experience at Moderna.”
Advice for Future Interns
Words of Wisdom:
“Treat your internship as more than just the tasks you are assigned. It is also your chance to build connections, skills, and visibility in the industry.”
What Interns Should Focus On:
“Make the most of every opportunity, not just completing the tasks you are assigned. Proactively take on new tasks, even if they are outside your comfort zone. That is where you will grow the most.”
Closing Thoughts
Ashitha’s co-op at Moderna is a powerful reminder of how flexibility, curiosity, and mentorship can shape an intern’s journey. From shadowing regulatory inspections to creating cross-functional resources, her experience shows that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, embrace challenges, and build strong connections.
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 Ashitha Joseph on LinkedIn to follow her journey in biotech.
Join the Spotlight
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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