About Daly (our summer intern)….
Daly is a Chemistry major and junior at the University of Pennsylvania. As a summer intern at Pearl River Labs (PRL), she worked closely with the President & CSO, Amar Prashad, as well as the Head of Business Operations, Lugene Maher, and the entire team.
From Daly…
During my summer at PRL, I trained in several areas related to bio-conjugation and analytical characterization. I worked with Amar in the lab to obtain specific hands-on experience with complex bio-conjugation reactions and characterization by various analytical techniques. The latter includes high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, UV-VIS, and endotoxin analysis. In addition, I developed and optimized an HPLC method for characterization of a bio-conjugate.
I enjoyed working with the team to learn and assist with various lab processes.
While working with Lugene, I gained an understanding of the drug development process and honed my professional development strategies. Over the course of the summer, Lugene introduced me to several contacts at other companies in the industry, including Pfizer, Olaplex, and HEAP Recoveries. These individuals generously shared valuable career advice and unique insight from their experiences in the pharmaceutical biotech industries.
I was privileged to lead select high school students during PRL’s annual High School Summer Science Camp. I designed the camp curriculum, led an experiment using thin layer chromatography with common analgesics, and offered academic advice.
My summer at PRL has given me valuable experience and insights that I will use throughout the rest of my education and career. I am grateful for the extremely hands-on nature of the internship and friendly, collaborative work environment.
Pearl River Laboratories 2022 High School Science Summer Camp
Six high school students followed a pre-planned program that included learning/hands-on sessions about the drug development process, laboratory safety, conducting laboratory experiments, building models of organic compounds, and learned about the importance of planning for their continued education.
During their hands-on laboratory sessions students were required to generate, document, and analyze the data, as well as prepare and present their findings, working in teams of two. The students learned about basic lab techniques, with specific focus on Separation Techniques. They conducted experiments using Thin Layer Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, and Dialysis.
The program curriculum was designed and led by our college summer intern, Daly Dedyo. The students were required to write-up their experiments, analyze the data and prepare and deliver their findings via a group presentation.
In addition to their work in the lab, the students were able to tour several other companies on the site that are also doing work in the field of STEM.
Photos by Thomas Yang