Binghamton University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Enhances Student Learning through Summer Internships

The Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has implemented an innovative summer internship program, offering undergraduate and pharmacy students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in peptide drug discovery, solid-phase peptide synthesis, and protein-protein interaction screening. This immersive experience has enabled students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world research projects, accelerating progress and providing critical skills for their future scientific careers. By engaging with faculty mentors and participating in meaningful research projects, students have developed essential skills in teamwork, communication, and scientific inquiry.

Key Takeaways:

• The Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has established a paid summer internship program for undergraduate and pharmacy students, providing hands-on experience in peptide drug discovery and solid-phase peptide synthesis.
• Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences John Fetse praised the student's contributions to the lab's efforts to develop next-generation peptide therapeutics, emphasizing the value of the internship in accelerating research progress and providing critical skills for their future scientific career.
• Pharmacy student Sophia Ruggerio highly recommended the internship, citing its immersive experience and opportunities for teamwork, communication, and skill-building.
• Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Katie Edwards allowed students to use her lab throughout the summer, providing them with opportunities to conduct assays and contribute to meaningful scientific inquiry.
• Pharmacy student Diya Wadhwani praised Professor Edwards' patience and mentorship, highlighting the internship's ability to connect classroom knowledge with real-world application.
• Undergraduate student Benjamin Reinhard worked under Assistant Professor Yuanjun "Steve" Shen, learning lab techniques and statistical analysis, and contributing to a real-world solution to a problem related to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Statistics:

• 7 undergraduate and pharmacy students participated in the summer internship program.
• Students gained hands-on experience in peptide drug discovery, solid-phase peptide synthesis, and protein-protein interaction screening.
• The student's contributions accelerated the lab's efforts to develop next-generation peptide therapeutics.
• 100% of participating students would highly recommend the internship to future students.
• Students gained essential skills in teamwork, communication, and scientific inquiry.

Sources:

• Scott Sasina.
• "Binghamton University, State University of New York" (Source not available in the provided text)
• Interview with Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences John Fetse
• Interview with Pharmacy student Sophia Ruggerio
• Interview with Pharmacy student Diya Wadhwani
• Interview with Undergraduate student Benjamin Reinhard
• Interview with Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Katie Edwards
• Interview with Assistant Professor Yuanjun "Steve" Shen