Keck Graduate Institute

Drug Discovery Intern

June - July 2023 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

The research project I worked on was really intriguing. I was able to see some 'behind-the-scenes' of the process of drug discovery and development. It made me appreciate the effort drug scientists put into the work they do. In addition, the professors were very accessible and friendly. And I really liked the connections I was able to make with my fellow interns. Finally, we had numerous Speaker Series where different professionals in their fields came to talk to us on different topics like consulting, medical school applications, acing the interview process, and all forms of career advice.

What I wish was different

I wish there was more time to engage with the research project. The internship lasted for just three weeks and we couldn't go in-depth on some of the concepts. Regardless, it was a great experience and I learnt a lot within a little time.

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Intern

June - August 2022 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

Opportunity to be in lab

What I wish was different

Organization of program

Advice

Ask more questions than you think

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Bioprocessing Summer Intern

July 2021 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

I had a chance to collaborate with and lead a team of students from around the world to do a research project about a gene therapy called Breyanzi.

What I wish was different

The internship program was completely virtual. I think having in-person lab component as part of the program would provide great learning opportunity for many students, including me.

Advice

My advice is to always have an curious, open mind, and be ready to learn from others and share with your knowledge to improve the project.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2019 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

I loved how I was able to take charge of my own project and learn what research in the real world outside of the research laboratory is like

What I wish was different

I wish that I had the ability to talk to more professionals in the field and learn more from specialists.

Advice

I would advise that anyone who is looking to take charge on their own research project in the biotechnology field should apply to the program. It was a great opportunity to see all sides of the research process and learn what is involved in research other than experiments.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

bioprocessing intern

June - August 2019 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

I like hand on experience where I get to work on the real industries project such as cell adaptations, optimization, perfusion, and wave bag bioreactor. I get to do any experiments that I’m interested in.

What I wish was different

I wish the program was longer because I wanted to learn more and do more Research

Advice

Never stop asking questions, everyone is there to help you.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

The experience was very immersive in that from day 1, I was working with my PI and fellow lab mates to develop and run experimental protocols. There was a great deal of independence in the position as we were assigned research goals and given resources to conduct our experiments. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work with international students in a collaborative space.

What I wish was different

Having an unpaid or low-paid experience was very challenging being a college student, but I was able to find a job outside the program which helped offset my travel costs. In the end, the experience was definitely worth the money I invested.

Advice

Go into these experiences with an open mind, but do some research beforehand. It is important to know what to expect. And be prepared to adapt! While I had experience working in a lab before, both places were very different from each other. I think that applies for any job or internship you have. Don't compare between experiences because then it will not be as enjoyable. Also, go out and explore! LA has so many treasures. Yes I chose this internship so I could work, but what made my time so much more memorable was the relationships I was able to build with other people.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Student Researcher

June - July 2018 • Oberlin, OH

What I liked

I really enjoyed this opportunity because it allowed hands-on experience with geoscience research. It was purposefully created for people who have had about 2 classes in geoscience so it was really for people who are seriously thinking about majoring but need a little extra push. It was also really useful for this group because they can go back to their college and be confident in asking professors for more research opportunities before going to grad school or entering the work force.

What I wish was different

Perhaps that it was long just because it was so enjoyable and informational. The "beginner" programs are only 5 weeks long.

Advice

Don't think that you can't or shouldn't apply for this opportunity because you're too inexperienced or anything along those lines. The gateway or beginner programs are geared towards people with little experience or classwork so make sure to check it out if you are interested.

1 One person found this helpful

Chemistry Research Assistant

May - August 2018 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

The experience about learning chemical and mechanical processes.

What I wish was different

That my tutor could give me more instructions and explain the reasons behind the procedures better.

Advice

That is never a bad idea to ask more questions

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Research Assistant

May 2018 • Claremont, CA

What I liked

My research experience at the Keck Graduate Institute was made most remarkable by the people I met in the last several months. My lab supervisor, Dr. Jessica Sun, was incredibly knowledgeable, and regardless of how busy the lab became, she made sure that all student researchers knew what they should be doing and why. Additionally, the principle investigator directing the lab, Dr. Rachita Sumbria, encouraged independence, diligent work, and high level problem solving all while maintaining a strong mentoring relationship.

What I wish was different

Due to the long-term nature of the project and the amount of work that had been done through Dr. Rachita's lab before, I wish I would have had more exposure to literature published on Alzheimer's disorder and erythropoietin before beginning.

Advice

I would recommend taking initiative (in any research experience). In this case, I would particularly recommend researching articles related to the research topic before the internship begins, asking questions to your supervisors, and being willing to do work and gain skills outside of your internship description.

Be the first to mark this as helpful