Background: B. Sc., University of Melbourne
Completed courses in the Biotechnology certificate
Bioscience Internship: Reiter Lab, UCSF
Current Career: Research Associate in the Reiter Lab, UCSF
See Benedict's CCSF Biosymposium poster from his internship at UCSF
Read about Benedict's internship and mentorship with Dr. Galo Garcia at UCSF
I entered the Bioscience Internship program with a background in science. After completing my internship in which I did molecular cloning, I was invited to stay on in a full time SRA1 position at UCSF.
Although I completed my bachelors in science, I never really took the time to think what a career in science actually required; merely studying material to pass the next exam and keep moving forward. From my experience, the classes in university focused more on conceptual knowledge with laboratory techniques explained but not being the focus; whereas CCSF classes seemed more geared towards practical knowledge of laboratory techniques which for entry level positions is really all I think you need to be employable (in my university all the gel electrophoresis was run by technicians and returned as a photo).
In the CCSF lab classes all my teachers were open and informative about questions not just directly related to class material but also their own experiences while pursuing a scientific career. This was very helpful specifically to me as graduate studies work differently overseas. My goal in joining this program was to gain enough practical experience to start an entry level job which I accomplished, but the really great thing about this program is that it’s useful to people with varying circumstances. Some people were master’s degree holders switching fields, some were joining with no background at all, some wanted experience and some people probably weren’t sure what they wanted. Though the career exploration course will push you to think more about it, it’s definitely better to have an idea of what you want to take full advantage of this great program.
Benedict working in the cell culture room in the Reiter Lab at UCSF
Benedict presenting his Career Exploration Poster (BTEC 15) on Epigenetics and CRISPR/Cas9 at the CCSF Biosymposium.
Benedict at the CCSF Speed Networking Event talking with current CCSF Bioscience Interns.
Benedict working on mammalian cell culture to investigate primary cilia with his mentor, Dr. Galo Garcia, in the Reiter Lab at UCSF. Dr. Garcia trained in inclusive and effective mentoring practices through the TRAIN-UP mentoring workshop series co-organized and run by the Office of Career Planning & Development at UCSF and CCSF Biotech.
Benedict discussing his research using CRISPR/Cas9 to develop new imaging tools to study primary cilia with his mentor, Dr. Galo Garcia, at UCSF.
