Charlotte Munene is a University of Missouri senior Health Science major from Columbia, Missouri. This summer, she had the opportunity to work with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), under the helm of the National Institutes of Health. Working with a pharmaceutical company in Wilmington, Delaware, she saw first-hand what it takes to bring medicine to market.

Read on for a Q&A with Munene about her experience.

Tell us about your internship.

This summer, I was selected to participate in the NIDA Summer Internship Program. I was paired with biopharmaceutical company Enalare Therapeutics and was immersed in medical drug development. I also got to participate in the Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

What were some of your roles and responsibilities?

My major role was in the histology preparation of tissue samples — I was responsible for preparing the images for tissue specimens. I also prepared graphs and tables to represent data from experiments and did literature research to advance my knowledge and understanding of drug development and respiratory depression. Additionally, I  attended seminars, presented, participated in a journal club and got clinical experience at the Nemours Children’s Hospital as part of NSURP. 

What did you enjoy most about the work?

What I enjoyed most about my internship was the hands-on experience of being involved in leading-edge research that could potentially lead to new treatments. I attended weekly meetings where I learned a lot about collaboration within an interdisciplinary team. This environment fostered learning and allowed me to see the direct impact of advancing pharmaceutical science.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned?

The biggest lesson I learned through this internship was the importance of persistence and meticulousness in scientific research. I learned a lot about the complexity and the rigorous attention to detail that goes into the drug development process, and the importance of the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. I also gained insight into the regulatory aspects of bringing a drug to market, which highlighted the need for thoroughness and compliance throughout every stage of drug development.

How did your experience at Mizzou contribute to your success in the internship?

My experience provided me with a solid foundation in the coursework that I applied during my internship. The academic support and mentorship from Mizzou faculty and staff helped me prepare for my internship and greatly contributed to my success. Additionally, the collaborative projects and research opportunities at Mizzou prepared me well for working effectively within a team which was crucial for my internship. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills from my education at Mizzou helped me approach complex challenges with confidence and creativity. The academic environment at Mizzou provided me with the skills, knowledge and mentorship necessary for me to excel in the demanding field of pharmaceutical research and drug development.  

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