As we approach the end of the summer break, I wanted to share a quick recap of my internship experience.
This summer, I successfully completed my second summer internship at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, under the guidance of Dr. Harekrushna Sahoo in the Department of Chemistry, this time focusing on the interaction of selenium nanoparticles with bone morphogenetic protein-2 using various spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, and Circular dichroism. I also got my hands on agar plate preparation, large-scale media preparation, setting of small cultures, and many more. This experience has been transformative, enriching my academic and personal growth in countless ways.
🔬 A Nostalgic Return to the Lab: Returning to the campus for my second internship, this time in a different department, brought back a flood of memories. The familiarity of the environment combined with the excitement of delving into a new field was a unique blend that fueled my passion for scientific exploration.
🔬 Inspiring Chemistry Lab Atmosphere: The dynamic and stimulating atmosphere of the chemistry lab played a pivotal role in my internship, pushing me to delve deeper into the mysteries of protein interactions and fluorescence phenomena. The hands-on experience and exposure to using instruments like a sonicator, laminar flow hood, shaker incubator, autoclave, spectrometers were invaluable. I also learned to use softwares such as PyMOL and Origin. This experience not only allowed me to handle complex equipment but also to plot and analyze data effectively.
🤝 Learning and Socializing with Seniors: One of the highlights of my internship was the opportunity to interact with and learn from the PhD Scholars and seniors. Their mentorship, guidance, and shared experiences were instrumental in navigating complex research questions and understanding career pathways.
🔄 Embracing Change and Switching Streams: Switching to a different department from physics to chemistry for this internship was initially daunting, but it proved to be a rewarding decision. It taught me the importance of embracing change and having the confidence to explore new fields.
I am grateful for this opportunity and support from my mentors, colleagues, and the entire department.
As I move forward, I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired during this internship.
Thank you so much for sharing! 🙌