At Proteon Pharmaceuticals S.A., we’re dedicated to supporting the growth of future scientists and professionals. This summer, we offered the internships to six students, eager to learn practical skills and contribute to the development of our latest projects. The internship opportunities highlight our commitment to train and develop students currently studying in the field of biotechnology through hands-on experience, essential for fostering scientific excellence and innovation. By working alongside our experienced team, student interns should boost their career development and set a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Recently, we asked Weronika and Zuzanna, our recent student trainees, a few questions.
Weronika Bednarek, student at the Lodz University of Technology (Biotechnology; Engineering degree)
Proteon: What did you like most about the internship at our company and why?
Weronika: My internship has been an incredible learning journey. I was given a very good step by step introduction, starting with the most basic tasks like pipetting and preparing media. This approach helped me gradually understand how everything works in this environment. Moreover, everyone was extremely helpful and kind. They were patient with my lack of experience and explained how and why certain processes work.
Q: What new skills or experiences have you gained during this internship?
Weronika: In addition to basic laboratory skills, I’ve learned how to manage my time more effectively, how to conduct research before starting new projects, how important that is, and perhaps most importantly, that not everything goes according to plan. I’ve had to adapt to unexpected situations, figure out what went wrong, and come up with solutions to prevent or improve those outcomes in the future.
Q: Is there a particular task you were working on that especially interests you?
Weronika: I was mainly focused on optimizing PCR, along with related tasks like electrophoresis and DNA isolation. It was really fascinating, and I realized this is just the beginning of my journey in molecular biology and I am eager to see how these skills can be further refined. This experience has sparked my interest in molecular biology, and I am excited to explore this field even more.
Zuzanna Sztachańska, student at the Medical University of Lodz (Medical Biotechnology; Master’s degree)
Proteon: What did you like most about the internship at our company and why?
Zuzanna: I really enjoyed the amount of hands-on laboratory work I was able to do during this internship. Being involved in actual projects and tasks was amazing, as it gave me a real sense of how things operate in a biotech company. It was a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in a practical environment.
Q: What new skills or experiences have you gained during this internship?
Zuzanna: I’ve gained extensive knowledge about bacteriophages and the various methods used to test their properties. This was extremely valuable since phage therapy was barely covered during my studies and the internship opportunities at Proteon have helped me fully cover the knowledge in this field. In terms of skills, I’ve improved my ability to work quickly and efficiently, and I’ve gained experience in planning experiments from beginning to end.
Q: Is there a particular task you were working on that especially interests you?
Zuzanna: I found determining the titer of bacteriophages really interesting. The systematic and repetitive nature of the steps was almost relaxing at times. Another worth mentioning task is a method of cesium chloride ultracentrifugation. It was highly valuable and fascinating to work on such modern, advanced equipment that is rather a rare sight in regular academic laboratories.
Our interns are actively involved in R&D projects, which focus on developing innovative solutions in biotechnology, including advancements in bacteriophage research and phage therapy applications. These projects aim to create alternative treatments for bacterial infections, contributing to the global effort in fighting antibiotic resistance. The skills they’ve gained, from hands-on laboratory techniques to problem-solving in real-time situations, are crucial for their future careers and professional success. Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. By working on cutting-edge projects, our interns are preparing to be a part of this exciting and impactful area.
