In December, Roy took part in a two-week internship where he was able to gain valuable experience in the Inaphaea labs.
During his internship Roy was able to draw on the skills he had acquired during his MSc in Molecular Cell Biology at Nottingham Trent University as he received a hands-on introduction to cancer research from the Inaphaea team.
The internship focused on foundational tasks, such as observing pre-seeded cells under the microscope and using the Celigo system to monitor responses to chemotherapy agents.
Alongside these tasks, the team introduced key concepts, including the hallmarks of cancer and emerging treatment strategies for different cancer types. This foundational knowledge set the stage for a meaningful learning experience.
Intern insights
Speaking about his internship opportunity at Inaphaea, Roy said: “The research activities I took part in offered a chance to contribute directly to ongoing projects.
“Tasks such as splitting and seeding cells, conducting testing with chemotherapy agents, and calculating IC50 values were essential to experimental success and activities like preparing detailed plate maps and performing serial dilutions reinforced the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.
“For me, a highlight of the internship was working on a Cell-TiterGlo assay, which included reagent preparation, plate imaging and data analysis. The use of tools such as the GraphPad to interpret efficacy results exemplified the integration of practical work with data-driven decision-making.
“The internship also provided insight into how the broader responsibilities of laboratory operations, such as updating inventories, completing safety documentation, and maintaining equipment, are critical for ensuring smooth and compliant lab workflows. Learning to manage these tasks highlighted the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in a research setting.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the work at Inaphaea BioLabs, and the experience has reinforced the importance of innovation and teamwork in cancer research. The dedication of this team to advancing therapeutics is truly inspiring, and I hope to have the opportunity to support their mission again in the future.”
We thoroughly enjoyed working with Roy during his internship and are looking forward to welcoming more students to Inaphaea BioLabs in the future.
To find out more about future internship opportunities at Inaphaea BioLabs, contact the team here.