Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Khushi Patel
Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter! Today, we are thrilled to feature Khushi Patel, whose internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. provided hands-on experience in gene editing and molecular biology. Her journey highlights the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to grow in the field of biotechnology.
Internship Snapshot
Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Currently seeking full-time opportunities)
Location: On-site
How It Started: Found through the company website
A Day in the Life: During her internship, Khushi worked on evaluating the gene-editing efficiency of lipid nanoparticle delivery systems using molecular biology techniques. “I evaluated the gene-editing efficiency of lipid nanoparticle delivery systems using molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR optimization, and TIDE sequencing analysis. I also assisted in bone marrow harvesting from rodent femur and tibia, isolated CD34+ cells through MACS separation, NGS library prep, ddPCR, and conducted in vitro differentiation of CD34+ cells to induce fetal hemoglobin.” This experience allowed her to develop both technical expertise and a deeper understanding of the biotech industry.
Lessons from the Lab
Biggest Learning: “Every day is a new opportunity to learn—whether it's troubleshooting experiments, optimizing protocols, or gaining insights from experienced scientists. Research is an evolving process, and being adaptable, curious, and open to new challenges is key to growth in biotechnology.”
Best Advice Received: “There is no substitute for hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying new things, even if they seem daunting at first, is the only way to grow and make meaningful contributions in research.”
Wish I Knew Before Starting: “I wish I had known that in biotech research, you're always working against a ticking clock—there’s rarely a ‘sweet spot’ where things slow down. Staying ahead requires constant adaptability, prioritization, and the ability to troubleshoot efficiently. Learning to embrace this pace early on can make a big difference.”
Wish I Had Learned: “I wish I had taken better advantage of social hours and networking opportunities within the company. Engaging more with colleagues outside of formal settings could have broadened my professional network and provided deeper insights into different areas of the biotech business.”
Fun Moments and Challenges
Most Fun Experience: “The most fun experience was my final poster presentation alongside my fellow co-ops. My entire Heme team showed up to cheer me on, offering their support and encouragement. Not only was it an incredible moment to share my work, but their belief in me made it even more special. To top it off, they voted me as the best presenter, which was truly an honor. This experience reflected the amazing company culture at Vertex—one that empowers, uplifts, and values its people.”
Biggest Struggle: “When I first joined the internship, I struggled to quickly grasp complex data and draw spontaneous connections between different studies. By diving into literature reviews and actively engaging with speakers & teammates through targeted questions, I developed strategies that significantly enhanced my analytical abilities and overall understanding.”
Behind the Scenes
Who Made It Memorable? “I would credit my entire 'Heme team- CGT' for my success during the internship. Every day was a new learning experience, whether it was mastering lab techniques, understanding regulatory filings, presenting data effectively, or gaining insights into groundbreaking science. Beyond technical skills, I also learned invaluable soft skills—how to communicate effectively, collaborate within a team, and even what it takes to be a great team leader or manager. The constant encouragement and support I received from my team made a huge impact, and the informational interviews helped me gain a deeper understanding of the biotech industry. Their willingness to share knowledge and mentor me truly shaped my experience at Vertex.”
Advice for Future Interns
Best Advice: “Network, network, network! An internship is not just about the technical skills you gain but also about the connections you build. Engage with colleagues, ask for informational interviews, and learn from people in different roles. The relationships you form can open doors to future opportunities, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of the industry. Never underestimate the power of networking—it can shape your career in ways you never imagined!”
What Interns Should Focus On: “Interns should focus on making small, consistent contributions that collectively drive progress toward the final goal. By mastering the details and diligently applying their skills to everyday tasks, they lay a solid foundation for significant breakthroughs and overall team success.”
Rapid-Fire Favorites
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Online Meetings or In-Person Meetings? In-Person Meetings
Mountains or Beaches? Beaches
Closing Thoughts
Khushi’s experience at Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork in biotechnology. Her story highlights the importance of continuous learning, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, and leveraging every opportunity to grow both technically and professionally.
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 Khushi Patel on LinkedIn for more insights and advice.
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