What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
When I think about what inspired me to dive into biotechnology, it’s really a mix of my personal fascination with the field and the incredible opportunities I saw, especially here in the US and at Northeastern University.
I’ve always been captivated by biotech. There’s something amazing about using biological processes to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s developing new treatments for diseases or finding sustainable solutions for industries, biotech offers this perfect blend of scientific discovery and practical application that really speaks to me.
Choosing to study in the US was a no-brainer. The ecosystem here is unmatched – top-notch universities, cutting-edge research centers, and a thriving biotech industry. It’s an environment where innovation is not just encouraged, it’s expected.
But what really sealed the deal for me was Northeastern University.
Northeastern’s approach to education and research in biotech is exactly what I was looking for. The co-op program is a game-changer. It gives me the chance to get real-world experience in leading biotech companies while I’m still studying. That’s invaluable.
Saran Bhattacharyya ’25, Biotechnology
And it’s not just about the co-op. Northeastern’s facilities are top-notch, which is crucial for the kind of research I want to do. They also have this great interdisciplinary approach, which I think is essential in biotech. You can’t work in a bubble in this field.
What I also love about Northeastern is their focus on entrepreneurship. Biotech is such a dynamic field, and having that entrepreneurial mindset is super important. Plus, their global network is incredible. It opens up so many doors, both for my time at university and for my future career.
All of this – my passion for biotech, the opportunities in the US, and everything Northeastern offers – it all came together to inspire my choice. I’m excited about the possibility of making real contributions to the field, maybe even discoveries that could make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what keeps me going. It’s what gets me excited to hit the lab or dive into a new research paper. This field is always evolving, and I can’t wait to be part of shaping its future.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I actually just landed a co-op position that I’m really excited about! I’m working as a QC/QA at Quality CDMO in Texas. It’s been an eye-opening experience so far, to say the least.
The cool thing about this role is that I’m getting to dip my toes into a bit of everything. One day I’m in the lab, the next I’m on the manufacturing floor, and then I’m diving into document control. It’s giving me a really well-rounded view of how a company operates.
I’m getting hands-on experience with some pretty advanced equipment too. I’ve been working with RP-HPLC and FTIR, which is awesome because I’d only read about these in textbooks before. It’s one thing to study the theory, but actually operating these machines is a whole different ball game.
They’ve also got me learning some new software systems. At first, it was a bit overwhelming, but I’m starting to get the hang of it. It’s definitely a valuable skill to add to my resume.
What I really love about this co-op is that it’s with a startup. The energy here is different – everyone’s wearing multiple hats and there’s this sense of building something from the ground up. It’s been both a learning experience and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully. I feel like my ideas are actually heard and considered, which is pretty cool for a co-op student.
The flip side of working at a startup is that there’s a lot of responsibility. I’ve had to really step up and hold myself accountable. There’s no handholding here – if I mess up, it could have real consequences. It’s a bit scary sometimes, but it’s also pushing me to grow faster than I ever have before.
Overall, this co-op has been an incredible experience so far. It’s giving me a real taste of what a career in biotech looks like, and I’m loving every minute of it. I can already tell that what I’m learning here is going to be invaluable when I get back to my studies and eventually start my career.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I’ve been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities that have really added to my overall experience. One of the highlights was being part of the dance group at NU Sanskriti. As a passionate dancer, it was such a joy to express myself through dance and connect with others who shared the same enthusiasm. It gave me a great outlet to unwind and stay creative.
In my downtime, I also loved playing pool and table tennis. It was a fun way to take breaks, meet new people, and keep things light amidst all the hustle of academics and work.
But what truly stands out for me is my role as the Vice President of External Affairs at Graduate Student Government. That position was an incredible opportunity to step into leadership and take on responsibilities that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I got to represent students, collaborate with different teams, and explore areas of work I hadn’t been exposed to before. It taught me so much about communication, teamwork, and what it means to serve as a leader.
Altogether, these activities have been such an important part of my journey, helping me grow both personally and professionally while making some amazing memories along the way.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
The College of Science has been such incredible for me. I think what really stands out is how they’ve structured the courses. It’s not your typical textbook-heavy, lecture-only kind of deal. They’ve really put thought into keeping everything up to date with what’s happening in the industry right now.
The assignments have been a breath of fresh air too. They’re not just about regurgitating information – they actually push us to think creatively and apply what we’re learning to real-world scenarios. It’s challenging, sure, but in the best way possible. I feel like I’m actually building skills that’ll be useful once I’m out there in the job market.
But the absolute highlight for me has to be the mandatory co-op program. That’s been a total eye-opener. Getting to step out of the classroom and into a real work environment, putting everything we’ve learned into practice – it’s invaluable. Plus, it’s giving me a taste of different career paths and helping me figure out what I really want to do after graduation.
So yeah, I’d say the College of Science has really nailed it with their approach. It’s not just about cramming information into our heads – it’s about preparing us for the real world, and I’m loving every bit of it.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Absolutely! I’ve been really fortunate to have a few professors who’ve made a huge impact on me during my time here.
First off, there’s Dr. Christa Dhimo. She taught “The Biotech Enterprise” course, and she really opened my eyes to the business side of biotech. Her real-world experience in the industry was invaluable. She has this way of breaking down complex concepts and making them relatable. I remember leaving her classes feeling like I’d just gained insider knowledge about how biotech companies actually operate.
Then there’s Dr. Angie Cornwell, who taught “Cutting-Edge Applications in Biotechnology.” Her class was mind-blowing. She’s so passionate about the latest advancements in the field, and it’s infectious. She really pushed us to think critically about how these new technologies could be applied. I found myself getting excited about possibilities I’d never even considered before.
And I can’t forget Professor Alexander Susienka, my co-op advisor. He’s been an absolute game-changer for me. His guidance in helping me navigate the co-op process has been invaluable. He really took the time to understand my interests and goals, and he’s been instrumental in helping me find opportunities that align with what I want to do in my career.
These three have really shaped my experience here. They’ve each brought something unique to the table – industry insights, cutting-edge knowledge, and practical career guidance. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a result of their mentorship.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you? (i.e., dream job, next steps such as a graduate program)
When I think about where I’m headed, I get pretty excited. I’ve got this vision of becoming both a solid scientist and a strong leader in the biotech industry. It’s like, I want to have my hands in the lab work, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, but also be in a position where I can guide teams and make big-picture decisions.
It’s a pretty ambitious goal, but what drives me is that I want to be that person who can bridge the gap between the technical side of things and the business aspects. Someone who can speak the language of science but also understand the market dynamics and what it takes to bring a product from the lab to the people who need it.
Right now, I’m thinking my next step might be to get some more hands-on experience in the industry after I graduate. Maybe find a role in R&D at a biotech company, where I can really dive deep into the science. But I’m also keeping my options open for grad school down the line. I feel like a PhD or an MBA, or maybe both, could really set me up for that leadership role I’m aiming for.
The dream is that I’d love to be heading up a research division at a cutting-edge biotech firm, or maybe even starting my own company someday. I want to be at the forefront of developing new therapies or technologies that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
It’s a long road ahead, for sure. But every class I take, every lab experiment I run, every project I work on – it’s all building towards that goal. I’m just excited to see where this journey takes me!
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
When I think about the impact I want to make after leaving Northeastern, it’s all about taking everything I’ve learned and experienced here and using it to make a real difference in the biotech world.
I mean, this place has given me so much – from the hands-on experience in my co-op at Quality CDMO, to the creative assignments in my courses, to the leadership skills I gained as VP of External Affairs at GSG. Not to mention the incredible mentors like Dr. Dhimo, Dr. Cornwell, and Professor Susienka who’ve shaped my understanding of the field.
My goal is to take all of this and become a leader who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and practical business applications in biotech. I want to be part of developing new therapies or technologies that can improve people’s lives. Maybe that means heading up a research division, or who knows, even starting my own company someday.
No matter where I end up, I’ll always have a soft spot for Northeastern. This place has been such a big part of my journey. I’d love to find ways to give back whenever I can – maybe guest lecturing, mentoring students, or collaborating on research projects. It’d be awesome to help future students have the same kind of transformative experience I’ve had here.
Ultimately, I want my time at Northeastern to be just the beginning of a career where I can make a lasting impact in biotech. And if I can inspire a few more students to pursue this field along the way, even better. This place has given me so much, and I’m excited to pay it forward.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Alright, so any student is thinking about diving into a science degree, here’s my experience:
First off, everyone should get ready to roll up their sleeves and get hands-on. Theory is great, but nothing beats practical experience. Like, my co-op at Quality CDMO in Texas is a total game-changer. I got to play with advanced tech like RP-HPLC and FTIR, stuff I’d only read about before. So, everyone should look for programs that offer internships or co-ops. They’re gold.
Next, no one shall just stick to their textbooks. Get involved in extracurriculars. I danced with NU Sanskriti and even served as VP of External Affairs at GSG. These experiences taught me leadership skills you just can’t get in a lab.
Speaking of labs, we should make the most of them. They’re where the real learning happens. And no one should be afraid to get creative with assignments. The best courses I’ve had challenged me to think outside the box.
Finding good mentors are equally important as that have been incredible in shaping my path. They bring real-world insights that textbooks just can’t match. Staying current with what’s happening in the industry. Science moves fast, especially in fields like biotech. The courses that kept us up to date with market trends were the most valuable.
Finally, we should be open to where our degree might take us. I came in thinking I’d be a pure scientist, but now I’m aiming to blend science with leadership in the biotech world. Lastly, I would suggest to enjoy the ride. Science can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. When we’re working on something that could make a real difference in the world, it makes all the hard work worth it.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
In Northeastern and in COS, there have definitely been ups and downs – late nights cramming for exams, stressing over lab reports, moments where I questioned if I was cut out for this. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m just incredibly thankful for this whole experience. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the skills I’ve gained – it’s all been pretty amazing. Even the tough times taught me something valuable.
So yeah, I guess if there’s anything I’d like to add, it’s just a big thank you. To the professors who pushed me, the classmates who supported me, and the whole Northeastern community. This journey has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
It’s been challenging, sure, but also incredibly rewarding. And I’m just grateful to have been part of it all.
