L'international à l'ESBS : partons aux États-Unis #2

Imène EL HILALI, étudiante-ingénieure en biotechnologie en troisième année, nous donne plus de détails sur sa formation à l'ESBS et son stage de fin d'études qu'elle effectue chez New England Biolabs à Ipswich.

1. Would you mind sharing your journey before joining the ESBS?

My name is Imène EL HILALI, and I am 23 years old. Before joining the École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS), I completed a two-year classe préparatoire in PC (Physics and Chemistry), a rigorous program designed to prepare students for the competitive entrance exams to France's great engineering schools. This provided me with a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, which are incredibly helpful for understanding the more advanced concepts in biotechnology.

2. What did you enjoy the most throughout your three-year engineering training?

What I appreciated most about ESBS was its multidisciplinary approach, which gave me a broad knowledge base across various fields of biotechnology. This versatility allows us to understand diverse subjects and opens up many career opportunities. The combination of theoretical classes and practical lab work, along with the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects was also particularly enriching. For example, working at EASE (European Aseptic and Sterile Environment) provided hands-on experience in sterile environments, similar to industrial settings. Finally, the tri-national aspect of the program, which included studying at renowned institutions like the Biozentrum in Basel (Switzerland) and the University of Freiburg (Germany), was a truly unique and enriching experience that I greatly valued.

3. Where and why did you choose to go abroad for your internship?

I chose to pursue my internship at New England Biolabs (NEB) in Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA, because NEB is renowned for its pioneering work in molecular biology and enzymology, fields I am deeply passionate about. Moreover, going abroad is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with international experts, gain new perspectives, and enhance my professional skills while working in an advanced research environment. NEB’s reputation for innovation and its contributions to life sciences made it an ideal setting for me to grow both personally and professionally.

4. Can you elaborate on the project you’re currently working on?

My internship project focuses on developing tools for recombinant RNA technology and analysis. This research directly contributes to advancements in vaccine development and epitranscriptomic research. For me, working on this project is particularly meaningful because it merges my passion for molecular biology with real-world applications that could improve therapeutic development and deepen our understanding of RNA modifications. It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biotechnology and advance scientific understanding.

5. Do you think other students would benefit from this type of experience?

Absolutely! Interning abroad offers students exposure to advanced research environments, access to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities to collaborate with  international experts from diverse fields. It fosters adaptability, cultural awareness, and professional growth—skills that are essential for succeeding in today’s globalized scientific community.

6. Something to share with ESBS students?

Take every opportunity to explore internships abroad—they are incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. Working in a different country challenges you to adapt to new cultures and work environments while broadening your perspective on global science trends. My advice is to be proactive in seeking opportunities that align with your interests, even if they seem ambitious at first. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.  

Working internationally not only broadens your horizons but also equips you with skills that are highly valued.

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La cellule Relations internationales de l'ESBS est à votre disposition pour vous accompagner et répondre à vos questions  

 esbs-ri(at)unistra.fr