My most interesting moment was going to the product lab at Biogen and seeing the process of packaging medicine. I also got the opportunity to see a device that simulated the digestive system and the processes on how medication is ingested/digested.

My biggest challenge was not being able to be exposed to the Community Labs in person (I understand safety is first). I would have liked to engage with the students on a more personal level. However, it was great seeing the students start and finish their research projects focused on neurological diseases. I learned a lot from the students during my virtual experience with them. I didn’t know that Vitamin D has connection with multiple sclerosis.

During my experience, I was also able to interview many employees at Biogen from directors to a manufacturing associate. My biggest takeaway is that you don’t need a Science or Math background to work at Biogen. Biogen offers many career opportunities for their employees. This knowledge of career opportunities has changed they way I look and think about biotechnology companies. I feel I am better equipped to inform my students about the biotechnology/life sciences career pathway.