In Ireland, I worked for Novus Diagnostics, a medical device startup based on the campus of Dublin City University. Novus aims to use electrochemical sensor technology to help clinicians efficiently and effectively diagnose patients in order to provide the best care possible. The company is focused on developing SepTec, a revolutionary diagnostic technology that will rapidly diagnose blood infections.
My Role
My role at Novus Diagnostics was mainly focused on one project involving enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. In this project, I tested the effectiveness of certain antibodies against different gram-positive bacteria (S. lugdunensis, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis). I started this by performing ELISA testing using various dilutions of various antibodies to determine which would have the best signal for testing between the different bacteria. In later weeks, I used the chosen antibody and dilution to compare the bacteria. This helped the company's development of the sensor device by revealing the different responses different bacteria may have. I also worked on a project involving CFU assays for various dilutions of gram-positive bacteria. For this project, I learned to use the Miles and Misra method to determine colony counts of the three bacterial strains at different dilutions. New techniques I learned during the internship included Miles and Misra CFU assays, spread plate CFU assays, ELISA investigation, MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) assays, use of an autoclave, and general sterile techniques within the lab.
Goals: Making and Achieving
Goals and Opportunities
Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry
Going into my internship, I aimed to become comfortable running experiments on my own and contribute to the greater good of the company. I wanted to develop my sterile techniques, manual dexterity, data analysis skills, and teamwork. After completing my internship, I can say that I achieved my goal and developed all of these skills, especially sterile lab techniques and data analysis. Prior to the internship, I had only taken one microbiology course. Thus, while I was familiar with many of the techniques I performed at my internship, I did not know how to complete them in them most effective and efficient ways, and I did not understand the underlying concepts behind those techniques. My supervisors were great teachers and by the end of the internship, I was not only able to perform the experiments on my own, but I was also able to look at my results and tweak my future experiments accordingly.
Beyond this, I set a goal to understand the work of others in the lab, even if they had separate projects from my own. I achieved this goal by offering to help my coworkers when possible.