Name: Brian Temu
Pronouns: He/Him
Semester of Internship: Summer 2024
Major: Data Science
Current Class Level: Master's Student
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): University of Maryland, Baltimore - Institute of Genome Science
Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland
Title of position: Laboratory Assistant/Data Science Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, I was deeply involved in research focused on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My day-to-day responsibilities included a variety of tasks integral to the ongoing research efforts. One of my key roles was learning and utilizing a bioinformatics tool called antiSMASH, which was used to analyze biosynthesis gene clusters from various patient samples. This involved inputting genetic data, running analyses, and interpreting the output to identify potential biosynthetic pathways contributing to bacterial activity in BV cases.
Beyond mastering antiSMASH, I expanded my knowledge through reading bio-research papers, which helped me understand the broader context of our work and stay updated on recent scientific findings relevant to bacterial genomics and microbial interactions. I also learned to navigate and utilize the Grid, a computational framework that supported complex data analysis tasks, enhancing the efficiency of our research process.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the opportunity during the Spring Career Fair 2024, where I had the chance to meet the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) team. During our conversation, I inquired about any current open positions within their department. The team was very informative and encouraged me to express my interest via email. They provided detailed guidance on whom to contact and what information to include in my application.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have enjoyed the collaborative environment. I was able to work with highly knowledgeable professionals in the field, and I took the opportunity to learn from their expertise.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I made an impact through my work as a Laboratory Assistant by contributing to critical research on bacterial vaginosis (BV). My use of the antiSMASH tool for analyzing biosynthesis gene clusters provided valuable insights that supported the team's understanding of BV. Learning and applying new tools like the Grid improved data processing, making our workflow more efficient.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would advise students to prepare as early as possible and start networking with targeted companies or organizations they wish to join. Additionally, don't be afraid to send cold emails—they can open doors to valuable opportunities.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
I enjoyed applying bioinformatics tools and learning lab techniques that enriched my understanding of microbial genetics. The Career Center’s guidance at the Spring Career Fair helped me secure this valuable opportunity.
Join us for the last GBM of the semester this coming Wednesday (12/04) at ILSB 118 from 12 to 1 pm. Recap this semester, join us in jeopardy, and learn how to get more involved. Refreshments will be provided. See you there!
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