Throughout the summer, Skandalaris Center Summer Internship Program participants will be writing guest blog posts about their internship experience. Following is one such post. 

Week 1: Getting (My Stomach) Settled at MediBeacon 

By Nicole Clark (EN ’21)

My name is Nicole Clark and I’m a rising Junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Global Health and the Environment. This summer, I’m interning with MediBeacon through the Skandalaris Center Internship program. MediBeacon’s mission is to commercialize biocompatible optical diagnostic agents for physiological monitoring and imaging of pathological disease in humans. In other words, MediBeacon develops technology that utilizes fluorescent agents in order to non-invasively provide real time information about what’s going on inside of your body.

This summer, I am lucky enough to be working on MediBeacon’s Transdermal Glomerular Filtration Rate Measurement System (TGFR), a device that was designated a Breakthrough device by the FDA. This means that the TGFR is a product that has the potential to be more effective at diagnosing a life-threatening disease or condition compared to the current standard of care, which is a pretty big honor. The TGFR provides continuous and real time information about kidney function in humans, while current clinical practices require blood tests that take 24-72 hours to give results. Real-time information makes rapid interventions possible, and this helps to protect the kidneys from any further damage. As the TGFR is still seeking FDA Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program approval, my role this summer is to perform the necessary tests on a nonclinical assessment model to bring the system one step closer to getting approved.

Though it’s only been a few days, I’d like to say that I’ve already faced my fair share of challenges. I spent the last few weeks  traveling in Hong Kong and mainland China where I participated in a healthcare service learning trip. I came back with a lot of things: some souvenirs, an increased understanding of Chinese culture, and a few stamps in my passport. But, nothing can beat my two favorites: jet lag and food poisoning. My first piece of advice to you: you may think that two days is enough to recuperate and prepare for work after 20 hours of flying. It isn’t. Your body WILL hate you and you WILL almost fall asleep at your desk at 10 A.M on your very first day. Second piece of advice: take advantage of the free snacks at work. Especially if your diet for the last 10 days has consisted of bread and water and you have approximately 0/13 essential vitamins in your body. Ask me how I know. (It’s because I almost fainted in the lab this morning.)

All jokes aside, I am so excited to be a part of MediBeacon this summer. In addition to being incredibly intelligent, everyone I have met at this company has been so helpful and kind. I feel honored that I can do my part in helping this company change the future of healthcare.

Here’s to a great first week, and a great nine ahead!

P.S.: Please check out what these wonderful people are doing at www.medibeacon.com !