Science, Strategy, and Ice Cream Socials: Sathya’s Memorable Internship at Pfizer

Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Sathya Sri Balakrishnan

In this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter, we are excited to feature Sathya Sri Balakrishnan, who recently completed an on-site internship at Pfizer Inc. Her experience in upstream process development not only expanded her technical skill set but also taught her the deeper value of scientific curiosity, mentorship, and collaboration in driving innovation in biotechnology.

Internship Snapshot

1. Company: Pfizer Inc.

2. Location: On-Site

3. How It Started: Found through NUworks, Northeastern University's co-op dashboard

   
   

A Day in the Life

“At Pfizer, I supported upstream process development by designing and executing cell culture experiments—including shake flasks and bioreactors—in order to optimize CHO cell line performance to produce the protein of interest, improve product quality, and develop scalable high-throughput models.”

Lessons from the Lab

Biggest Learning

“One of the most important things I learned during my time at Pfizer was the value of scientific curiosity and collaboration in driving innovation. Working alongside brilliant scientists taught me how asking the right questions and sharing ideas openly can lead to meaningful breakthroughs in process development.”

Best Advice Received

“Never hesitate to ask questions—curiosity shows you're engaged, and asking for clarity is how real learning begins.”

Wish I Knew Before Starting

“I wish I had known the importance of office social events in fostering meaningful connections with colleagues. These informal gatherings build rapport and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.”

Wish I Had Learned

“I wish I had gained a fuller understanding of the regulatory processes and how they intertwine with process development. That knowledge could have enhanced my ability to contribute more holistically to the overall workflow.”

Fun Moments and Challenges

Most Fun Experience

“One of the highlights of my internship was the summer ice cream socials. They offered a chance to relax and connect with colleagues from different departments—a wonderful reflection of Pfizer’s positive and inclusive work culture.”

Biggest Struggle

“Experiments don’t always yield the results you anticipate—especially in upstream process development. Learning to embrace setbacks with curiosity and persistence was a pivotal lesson for me.”

Behind the Scenes

Resources I Wish I Used

“I wish I had taken more advantage of the cross-functional learning sessions and networking events across different departments. They offered unique perspectives that could have broadened my industry understanding.”

Who Made It Memorable

“I credit my mentor, Laura Greenfield, for my success. Her thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and ability to create a space where I felt comfortable to ask questions and explore new ideas made all the difference.”

Advice for Future Interns

Words of Wisdom

“Network as much as possible and be opportunistic. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and learn from people beyond your immediate team. Internships are your best opportunity to explore, take initiative, and grow.”

What Interns Should Focus On

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow. In a fast-paced environment, resilience and curiosity are just as important as technical expertise.”

Turning Setbacks into Strength

“One challenge I faced during my internship was realizing that experiments—especially in upstream process development—often don’t yield anticipated results due to the many complex variables involved. What transformed this challenge into a valuable learning experience was the mentorship I received; my mentor’s enthusiasm, resilience, and positive attitude taught me to embrace setbacks as essential steps toward progress. Her guidance not only deepened my scientific perspective but also inspired the mindset I carry with me today.”

Rapid-Fire Favorites

1. Coffee or Tea: Coffee

2. Online or In-Person Meetings: In-person meetings

3. Mountains or Beaches: Beaches

Closing Thoughts

Sathya Sri Balakrishnan’s journey at Pfizer Inc. is a vivid example of how biotech internships can ignite intellectual curiosity, build lasting professional relationships, and cultivate a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning. Her story reminds us that innovation thrives not just in the lab, but in the connections we build and the courage we show in the face of setbacks.

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 Sathya Sri Balakrishnan on LinkedIn for more insights and advice.