In Spring 2024, I did my bioscience internship at Cytokinetics, Inc., where I engaged in discovery muscle biology research. I worked on two projects focused on skeletal muscle models: Contractility in 3D Engineered Skeletal Muscle (EMTs) and the process of Autophagy in C2C12 myoblasts (undifferentiated) and myotubes (differentiated mouse muscle cells).

The internship was part of a Biotechnology Work Experience Certificate Program. To prepare for this internship, I took courses which provided hands-on lab skills and conceptual understanding of cell biology, immunology, genetics, and stem cells. Lab skills I learned: sterile technique, organizing lab notebooks, using inverted microscope, 2D & 3D cell culture, counting cells (manually), gel electrophoresis and immunocytochemistry (to name a few).

Before attending CCSF, I worked in research, public health, and education. While my primary career goal is in medicine, I have always maintained a strong curiosity for the biosciences. Over a decade ago, I completed courses in chemistry, biology, and physics, but this program marks my return to the academic space. Participating in the biotechnology program has greatly boosted my confidence. With the support of the staff and faculty, I am now more determined than ever to continue my journey towards medicine while continuing my involvement in biosciences research.

What courses prepared you the most? All of them. We learned about and worked with stem cells in BTEC 21C and C2C12 cells in BTEC 115, which were particularly relevant for my internship project. Right before my internship started, I took a Good Laboratory and Manufacturing Practices course (BTEC 12A), which helped me better understand the importance of FDA’s role in the biotechnology industry.

What is your advice for students starting (and continuing) the biotech program?

If you’re a first semester student in the biotechnology program, I recommend taking BTEC 15 and courses that you feel would help your growth and confidence in the biosciences. Do not take more than 3 courses in one semester (unless you are eager to start your internship the following semester).

If you feel less confident in your math skills, BTEC 108A is a recommended course.

BTEC 20/21C/12A are recommended courses if thinking about the Stem Cell Internship. I particularly enjoyed BTEC 20 & 21C, and this prepared me for most of the lab work done during internship.

If you are interested in DNA/RNA technologies, BTEC 115 is focused on learning lab techniques and conceptual understanding of gel electrophoresis, design primers, clone genes using plasmids, vectors, and restriction enzymes, amplify DNA using PCR and gene expression using RT-qPCR (to name a few).

What are your recommendations for doing well in these courses?

·         Maintain an organized lab notebook and do prep work for experiments.

·         Ask questions and collaborate with lab partners and classmates for lab preparation and exams.

·         For lab preparation/notebooks, focus on equipment, procedures, calculations, and understanding the overall significance: why are we doing this experiment?

Biotechnology courses I took:

·         Fall 2023: BTEC 15, 20, 21C & 115

·         Spring 2024: BTEC 12A & 93 (BTEC Internship Course)