Prior to coming to the CCSF Biotechnology Program I had obtained a Bachelor's of science in Biology and wanted to obtain a job in the biotechnology industry. My cousin recommended that I take a couple lab classes, such as, GMP & GLP at CCSF to build my resume. Through these classes I learned about the Bioscience Internship program and felt it would be a good stepping stone for my career, providing me with the experience I was lacking to help me get a job in the biotech industry.

I did my internship at UCSF in the Smith lab which is focused on cancer research. My internship involved testing the efficacy of a drug on leukemia cancer cells. To do this I employed Western blot, PCR, cell culturing, immunocytochemistry, protein normalization assay, and cell colony forming assays. I was able to compare protein levels in cells treated with different drug concentrations to determine the levels of RAS activity and apoptotic proteins, as markers for drug efficacy. This research has the promise of providing new treatments for leukemia patients. This internship has also provided me with greater skills and confidence in applying for jobs in the biotechnology field.