Next Gen Scientists Foundation offers interns an incredible chance to pursue their passion for life science by conducting a project of their choice at their preferred laboratories. We conducted exclusive interviews with our interns and gathered insights into their unique experiences. Read below to know more about Kunjulakshmi’s journey!
The NGS Internship Program was an invaluable experience that provided me with essential skills and paved the way for my MS thesis.
~ Kunjulakshmi
Q. What do you study and where?
Kunjulakshmi: I am currently pursuing BS MS at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur
Q. Who was your PI and what was your host institute?
Kunjulakshmi: My Principal Investigator was Dr. Rahul Kumar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, who provided me with his invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout the internship period.
Q. What was your Internship project work?
Kunjulakshmi: My project work involved the analysis of exosome gene expression in cancer data. The primary objective was to identify specific gene expression patterns and biomarkers within exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles, in various cancer types. This analysis aimed to enhance the understanding of exosomal roles in cancer progression, diagnosis, and potential therapeutic targets. The project involved extensive data collection, bioinformatics analysis, and the application of advanced computational tools to decipher the complex gene expression profiles associated with cancer.
Q.How did you enjoy working on the Internship Project?
Kunjulakshmi: The project helped me gain expertise in programming languages such as Python and R, and familiarity with databases, which paved the way for my final year MS project.
Q. How was your experience attending NGS Internship Program?
Kunjulakshmi: By preparing for the SOP and the interview, I was able to develop a proper pipeline for the short-term project and become familiar with the techniques in advance. This preparation exposed me to techniques beyond my course and lab work. The internship served as an icebreaker before starting my MS thesis and helped me acclimate to the lab environment I joined. Additionally, the program allowed me to interact with PhD and dissertation students, providing insight into their projects. I enjoyed writing the article for the NGSF blog as part of my soft skills development. The background reading for the project led to engaging and interesting discussions.
Q. Would you recommend your fellow students to apply to NGS Internship Program?
Kunjulakshmi: Yes, I would highly recommend my fellow students apply to the NGS Internship Program.
Q. Any other comments/observations/suggestions you would like to share?
Kunjulakshmi: It would be more helpful to have additional intern positions and options to choose the PI and project from the program itself.
