What Most Interns Experience but Don’t Talk About: Manasa Pilli on Making the Most of an Internship

"We make Material Impacts."

Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Manasa Pilli

Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter! Today, we are excited to feature Manasa Pilli, whose on-site internship at Mativ offers a compelling look into hands-on research and development (R&D) in the world of adhesive technologies for medical applications. From conducting laboratory tests to managing experiments under tight timelines, Manasa’s journey shows how grit, curiosity, and mentorship can shape a rewarding internship experience.

Internship Snapshot

• Company: Mativ

• Location: On-site

• How It Started: Found through LinkedIn

  
  

A Day in the Life

During her internship, Manasa supported the R&D team by conducting laboratory tests on adhesive materials, analyzing performance data, and assisting in product development for medical applications. Her role required precision, focus, and the ability to apply scientific techniques in real-world scenarios. It was an environment where experimentation met practicality, and where her contributions had a direct impact on development pipelines.

Lessons from the Lab

Biggest Learning: Manasa emphasized how much she learned about translating scientific concepts into practical outcomes. “I learned how to apply scientific techniques in a real-world lab setting to solve practical product development challenges and ensure quality outcomes.”

Best Advice Received: “To always document everything clearly and thoroughly, because good records not only support reproducibility but also build trust in your work.”

Wish I Had Known: “I wish I knew how important time management and prioritization are in a fast-paced lab environment.”

Wish I Had Learned: “I wish I had learned more about the regulatory requirements for product testing and documentation in the medical or biotech industry.”

Fun Moments and Growth

Most Fun Experience: Helping set up and run a team experiment that unexpectedly turned into a friendly competition, who could get the most consistent result, turned out to be a highlight of her internship. “It was a fun and memorable day in the lab.”

Biggest Struggle: Manasa initially found it challenging to keep up with the pace: “I struggled with adapting to the fast-paced lab environment where multiple tests had to be completed under tight deadlines.” Her takeaway? “It taught me the importance of staying organized, asking for help when needed, and breaking tasks into smaller steps to manage pressure.”

Behind the Scenes

Resource I Wish I Used More: “Yes, I wish I had taken more advantage of one-on-one time with senior scientists. They had a wealth of knowledge and industry insights that could’ve helped me better understand the bigger picture of our projects.”

Who Made It Memorable? Manasa gives credit to her supervisor: “They were always patient, approachable, and consistently guided me with clear feedback and encouragement.”

Advice for Future Interns

Words of Wisdom: “My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions even if they seem basic, and take initiative. Internships are the best time to learn, make mistakes, and build real-world confidence.”

What Interns Should Focus On: “Learning as much as possible, building strong communication skills, being open to feedback, and understanding how their work contributes to overall goals.”

Turning Challenges into Growth

Manasa shared a personal story that reflects her learning mindset:

“During the first few weeks of my internship, I struggled with running a peel test using unfamiliar lab equipment. I kept getting inconsistent results and felt frustrated. Instead of guessing, I decided to ask a senior technician for guidance, watched how they set up the test, and took detailed notes. After a few supervised trials and practice sessions, I finally got consistent readings. That experience taught me that it’s okay to ask for help and that precision comes with patience and practice.”

Rapid-Fire Favorites

• Coffee or Tea? Coffee

• Online or In-Person Meetings? In-person meetings

• Mountains or Beaches? Mountains

Closing Thoughts

Manasa’s internship at Mativ is a shining example of how interns can thrive when they approach each challenge with determination and a willingness to learn. From mastering lab tests to discovering the importance of documentation and time management, her story reminds us that every internship, no matter the field, offers valuable lessons that shape not just skills, but character.

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 Manasa Pilli on LinkedIn to follow her professional journey.