What’s your name, the program you are currently receiving your degree in, and expected graduation?
My name is Aditi Doshi. I just wrapped up my fourth semester for the MS in Biotechnology, with a concentration in Enterprise. I will be graduating in May 2024, and I start my co-op at Moderna in January!
Who is one COS faculty or staff member that has made in influence in your experience?
Professor Christa Dhimo has made such a huge impact on my experience throughout my academic journey at Northeastern, as well as through some of the extra-curriculars I have been involved in. Christa was my professor for The Biotech Enterprise during my first semester here, and she opened my eyes to the possibilities outside of core research in the field of biotech. I’m absolutely amazed at the potential opportunities out there, including those in patient access, clinical trials management, and market analysis to name a few. She also served as an advisor for the student organization I’m engaged with, the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering. Through her guidance, I’ve been actively working towards my aspiration of bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market implementation. Her support has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and complexities of this journey.
What is your favorite part about being in the master’s program at Northeastern?
I absolutely love the flexibility we’re offered at Northeastern when it comes to choosing our subjects. I did my bachelors in Biotechnology, and I wanted my Master’s to give me the chance to try things outside of my core field. This program gave me the flexibility to choose electives from various different streams. For example, during my last semester, I took the Biotechnology Applications Lab offered by COS, and Acquisitions Alliances and Growth offered by DMSB. The subjects are poles apart, but it’s been so fascinating to learn how it’s all relevant within the field of Biotech. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to take classes with people from so many different programs within Northeastern, and understand how differences in perspective can really change the way you think.
How has hands-on research in labs enhanced your future career aspirations?
I mentioned before that I took the Biotech Applications Lab in my final semester. This wasn’t actually a core requirement for me, because I took the Enterprise concentration. I chose to take the lab course though, because I thought it would give me a good look at the cutting-edge technologies and techniques used in labs, that are shaping the way our future looks in Biotech. I have to say, taking this course was one of the best decisions I made. I got to learn techniques to produce high quality, reproducible research, and even tried my hand at some amazing technologies like CRISPR! As I transition into the business side of biotech, my hands-on research experience in the lab has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the meticulous and rigorous nature of biotech research. This first-hand understanding of the challenges and intricacies of lab work will undoubtedly give me a unique perspective that bridges the scientific and business aspects of the biotech industry.
Which has been your favorite co-ops/internships and why?
I had the opportunity to do my pre-co-op as a Global Strategy Development intern with Huwel Lifesciences, a medical device manufacturer. My favorite part of the internship was being able to apply all that I had learned at Northeastern to the work I was doing. I think going out on co-op and practicing what you’ve learned and applying it to a real world setting is a very rewarding experience, and really validates the time and effort you put into pursuing your graduate degree.
Who or what was your biggest inspiration to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue my masters around the time that the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Witnessing the global impact of the pandemic really shed light on the critical role of the biotech industry in addressing public health challenges. This realization, coupled with my fascination for the remarkable advancements unfolding in biotechnology, made me determined to delve deeper into the field through a master’s program.
What drew you to complete your master’s degree at Northeastern?
I love the co-op program at Northeastern, because I believe it truly helps you apply what you’ve learned. That, and the fact that Northeastern is based in Boston, really helped me narrow down what university I wanted to go to. I love Boston for all its wonderful seasons, and for always being surrounded by ambitious students from various different universities. It’s a thriving environment to be in. In addition, Boston is considered to the world’s leading Biotech hub, and I just couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to be in a city so relevant to my passion.
What are your plans for the spring semester?
This spring I go out on co-op at Moderna, a biotech company based in Cambridge. I will be joining the Commercial team and will be focusing on the launch of their RSV vaccine in emerging markets around the globe. I’m really excited for the work I get to potentially be involved in, and to meet new people from all across the globe!
Members of the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) student organization, which Aditi Doshi is the current co-president of.
Piece of advice for new students
Try to be involved in as much as you can at Northeastern! There is so much happening all around, all the time. I have had the privilege of being a part of the Graduate Leadership Institute offered by Lead360 at Northeastern, and I currently serve as Co President of the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) student organization. These experiences, outside of my core program at Northeastern, have helped me grow so much as a person, and have taught me things that no academic program ever could. Seize the opportunities that come your way!
Aditi Doshi and other Northeastern students at the Graduate Leadership Institute.
What is a typical day in your life?
There is no typical day! To be honest, I have loved that about the graduate experience. I work on campus around my class timings, and I help organize and attend events for the student organization I’m a part of. In my free time, I love to explore Boston and try new foods.
Favorite spot to study?
Cullinane hall is my favorite spot to study! It’s quiet, there are multiple private rooms with whiteboards and comfy seats- the perfect environment to get some studying in.
Favorite spot to get breakfast/lunch/dinner near or on campus?
Tatte for the win! Their menu changes according to the season, and they always have the most wholesome, nourishing food.
