L'international à l'ESBS : partons aux États-Unis #3

Béatrice LABIT, 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 dans le Massachussets. 

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

My name is Beatrice, I'm 22 years old, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Synthetic Biotechnology alongside my engineering diploma. Before joining ESBS, I completed a DUT in Biological Engineering with a focus on Biological and Biochemical Analyses (now called BUT BMB) after obtaining a Bac S.

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

These three years at ESBS have been incredibly enriching both scientifically and personally. The most important thing for me has been improving my project management and analytical skills. The courses and practicals challenge us to think critically, understand results without being confined to academic knowledge, and encourage investigation, planning, retrying, imagining, and creating. Personally, ESBS has pushed me to work in groups, learn to delegate, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. The high level of rigor required by ESBS is highly appreciated by recruiters.

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

I am currently doing my final year internship at New England Biolabs in Massachusetts, USA. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to do my six-month internship abroad, and the United States was my top choice. Why? For so many reasons... Traveling, of course, but also discovering different work environments, improving my English, overcoming my shyness, and stepping out of my comfort zone. NEB was my dream destination due to its stellar reputation and strong connection with ESBS.

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

When I received the offer, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness; I knew very little about the subject but was eager to dive in.

Initially, my project aimed to optimize a high-throughput screening method for tRNAs to identify active bacterial nucleases during a bacteriophage infection. The beauty of research lies in its unpredictability, and this internship is a perfect illustration of that. By a fortunate coincidence, I observed phenotypic differences in certain bacteria, which led me to understand the functioning of a previously unknown defense system. Thus, my subject evolved to focus on the characterization of this system, which continues to surprise me. This research is not only fascinating but could also pave the way for significant advances in science and medicine. Bacterial immune systems are a true treasure trove of genetic tools, and understanding the resistance game between phages and bacteria could offer innovative solutions to circumvent antibiotic resistance problems.

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

This international experience is accessible to everyone and can only be beneficial! You will learn so much in a supportive environment on fascinating topics. It's a real boost for your personal development and scientific career! And who knows—maybe a thesis or an article awaits... Take the plunge; you have nothing to lose!