Introduction
I am Lavanya Venkatesan, originally from India and moved to the United States in 2019 to pursue my Master’s in Biological Sciences. Throughout my life, I have realized that answering a question can sometimes take years of learning and understanding. From childhood queries about food and energy to finally comprehending the Krebs Cycle in high school, I have found immense satisfaction in unraveling scientific mysteries. These moments of insight fuel my passion for biotechnology, a field where my curiosity thrives and evolves.
I did my BS in Biotechnology where I got my first opportunity to work on a research project end to end. My bachelor’s dissertation “In-vitro production of phytochemicals from Hypericum and an investigation on their bioactivity” was based on plant tissue culture. I invitro cultured an endangered species of Hypericum, extracted the fully grown plant and tested its efficacy for the treatment of tuberculosis using LRP assay and demonstrated a 78% inhibition. This experience of being involved in a research project end to end probed my passion to take up more complex research projects for my Master’s education.
I did my Master’s in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. During my first year, I worked in enrichment of cell surface receptors indicative of aberrant cell signaling in cancer aided by the proteomic data generated using a mass spectrometer. Shortly after my first semester, we had to adapt to the changing situations following a global pandemic and not soon after that, the lockdown was imposed shutting down all labs closing wet-lab research indefinitely. To adapt myself to the changing situation, I took up a bioinformatics course which gave me the opportunity to work on my Master’s dissertation project aimed at reducing the variation between COVID sequences and their primers that lead to mismatches, decreased assay performance and false negatives in the detection of Covid-19 sequences, through bioinformatic analysis using Geneious prime and mutation tracking.
Following my master's, I combined my rich experience in both wet-lab and bioinformatic research to land a job in Tessera Therapeutics. At Tessera, I work as part of the research platform where I initially worked on improving the gene editing efficiency of the top gene editing candidates from natural Mobile Genetic Elements in primary T cells and translating the technology to CAR-T gene therapy. Following that, I expanded my research interest into safety assessment group to understand the un-intended genomic effects of our gene editing technology at on and off target sites.
Biotechnology Fellow
career options
Biotechnology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Understanding gene therapy concepts is crucial due to its potential to revolutionize medical treatment. Gene therapy offers the promise of treating genetic disorders at their root cause by replacing, modifying, or supplementing faulty genes. Understanding the principles of design and mechanism of action of mRNAs and guide RNAs and the different editing techniques available. On a daily basis, I use this knowledge to design and deliver therapeutics effectively and to assess the safety of the design and delivery.
A major part of research is translating the scientific findings to writing that adheres to the standards imposed by Regulatory Agencies. It involves accurate, descriptive explanations of the experiments conducted and statistical interpretations of the results. My experience working in research labs and drafting scientific papers equipped me to perform this task efficiently
Interpreting the results of an experiment can be the most enriching and fruitful part of a project. Data analysis holds immense importance in a biotech startup as it drives informed decision-making across various aspects of research, development, and business operations. Daily, data analysis is used to interpret experimental results, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions from biological and clinical data. It informs experimental design, validates hypotheses, and optimizes processes, thereby accelerating research timelines and enhancing the efficiency of product development. Having a good knowledge of data analysis softwares like graph pad prism, python, geneious, etc. Gained through my Graduate courses helped me perform this task efficiently.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
In research, teamwork makes the dream work! Collaborating brings together different skills and ideas to solve big scientific puzzles faster and more creatively. It's like pooling resources and brainpower to tackle challenges and ensure our discoveries are solid and game-changing in biotech and beyond.
In research, leadership is like being the captain of a team: it sets the course, coordinates efforts, and inspires everyone to work towards common goals. It is about making smart decisions, fostering teamwork, and empowering researchers to innovate and excel together. It is an especially important skill when you work in large teams and have a vision for you to be a team leader down the career path you have chosen.
In research, agility means being adaptable and quick-thinking, allowing us to navigate challenges, innovate, and achieve breakthroughs efficiently. Being nimble means we can handle curveballs, bounce back from setbacks, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our research.
Lavanya
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Biotechnology Fellow
:
Graduating during a global pandemic presented significant challenges for my research journey, yet it coincided with a heightened global awareness of the transformative potential of gene editing, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. While job opportunities were scarce initially, I turned my passion for gene therapy into a proactive pursuit of knowledge and connections. Throughout my graduate studies, I immersed myself in podcasts and TED Talks featuring CEOs of prominent gene therapy companies, gaining deep insights into their visionary approaches and the vast potential of the field.
To prepare for the competitive job market, I began my interview preparations six months in advance, meticulously networking on LinkedIn with peers and industry leaders. Recognizing areas where my knowledge could be strengthened, I enrolled in online courses through platforms like Coursera and edX, filling gaps and enhancing my expertise.
The culmination of these efforts resulted in a rigorous interview process, often spanning 4-5 hours with panel interviews and in-depth technical discussions. This experience underscored the multifaceted nature of research roles, where I am entrusted with diverse responsibilities and the opportunity to contribute fully to every aspect of the projects I undertake.
Ultimately, my persistence and comprehensive preparation paid off with multiple job offers in hand, allowing me to embark on a fulfilling career path where I continue to explore and advance the boundaries of gene therapy research
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
I would advise my younger me to follow my passions closely—they will keep you motivated through challenges. Keep learning constantly- online courses, mentors, and hands-on experiences will shape your journey. Network early and effectively—connections open doors you never knew existed. Believe in yourself, stay adaptable, and remember to find balance between work and life. When it comes to networking, it is all about building genuine connections and staying engaged. Attending industry events, joining professional groups, and reaching out to people whose work inspires you are key. Remember, networking is not about landing a job—it is about learning from others, gaining insights, and building relationships that can offer support and opportunities throughout your career journey. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and do not hesitate to share your own experiences and ambitions. Networking is not about who you know—it is about who knows you and believes in what you bring to the table.
Final thoughts & tips
Remember to keep learning and follow what excites you. When things get tough, see it as a chance to grow stronger. Network smart—meet people who inspire you and share your journey. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities while making sure to balance work and life. Believe in yourself and your abilities—you've got this!
Resources to dig in more
Online Courses and Platforms
Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses on various aspects of biotechnology, from basic principles to advanced topics like gene editing and bioinformatics.
Professional Associations
Joining organizations like the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) or local biotech associations provides access to industry events, webinars, and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
LinkedIn and Networking Events
Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals in biotech, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Networking events hosted by universities, companies, and industry organizations are also excellent for making connections.
Books and journals
Reading biotech-focused books and subscribing to scientific journals like Nature Biotechnology can deepen understanding and keep you informed about cutting-edge research.
