Benjamin Emmanuel - Biochemistry Lab Tech at SteriLabs & Testing Laboratories in Canada

December 23, 2022

Introduction; co-op student

               My name is Benjamin Emmanuel; a third-year student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a Bachelors in Biochemistry in a Co-operative Education Program (Co-op). This is a 5-year program that allows me to gain full-time work experience in the field that I am pursuing a degree in. I was on a co-op term from May to December of 2022, during which I worked as the Biochemistry Laboratory Technician at SteriLabs.

Brief description of the co-op position

               As the Biochemistry Testing Laboratories in Canada, I was responsible for monitoring the fridge temperature for our reagents, checking supplies to see if we needed anything, maintaining and calibrating equipment, running colorimetric analytical assays, and updating or developing documents for equipment or procedures.

Main projects worked on during co-op placement  

 Some of the projects that I worked on include:

·        Developing a calibration procedure for the micropipettes which we can perform in house

·        Optimizing the colorimetric, analytical assays used for cleaning validation projects so that they are repeatable and reliable

·        Qualifying equipment before they are used in the lab

·        Developing Hydrogen Peroxide quantification assay

Work environment and availability of support

               My work environment challenged me to be independent. Since we are a small team, everyone must be able to self manage. Being able to manage the Analytical Chemistry Department was a great experience and it helped me to gain a strong sense of confidence and pride in the work that I produced.

               This environment also challenged my leadership skills, especially when I took on the role of Study Director for the Cleaning Validation projects performed for a client. This was a very unique experience in which I got to take on larger responsibilities in developing study protocol, conducting the assays, analyzing the data, and producing the final report.

               There was never a point during my time here where I did not feel supported. The Director of Operations; Anas Aljabo, encouraged me to be independent in taking on challenges and problem solving; however, I was also encouraged to ask questions if I needed help. This helped me to push myself to figure out solutions to problems or questions that came up while I was working, but I was never discouraged from seeking out help if I found myself stuck.

               I also had a great team to support me throughout my time here that provided me with advice and feedback. My team had a big role in my quick adjustment to working in an industry lab, and served as a great resource for me throughout my time here.

Challenges and learnings

One of the biggest challenges I faced when I first started was problem solving. Students are usually encouraged to ask for help or guidance as soon as a problem comes up in labs to ensure that they can get proper results during the allotted time frame. It took me some time to get out of that mindset when I first started. One of the lessons that I learned here was that instead of only reporting problems, I should also try to report possible solutions to this problem. This was a lesson that stuck with me throughout my time here, and it proved to be very valuable. Being able to problem solve on my own helped me to make the best use of my time instead of always waiting for someone to help me.

Another challenge I faced during my time here was being able to think critically and analyze data. This came up particularly during the assay optimization. I often had many assays fail during this period and I would never be able to pin-point why exactly this was happening. It took some time for me to get used to looking at the different variables within the assay and understanding what their role was. Learning how to understand how each respective assay is performed instead of knowing the steps (ex. understanding the reason behind ratios in the assay instead of knowing how much to add) was key in helping me optimize each assay.

 

Top 5 keys to success in a co-op position

I would say the top 5 keys to success would be:

1)     Willingness to learn and being open to new ideas – Although students have a considerable amount of background knowledge on how to do things in our field, we must also be receptive to the ideas and techniques of our co-workers and supervisors. Learning from the personal experiences of others can give a lot of insight on how to succeed in the field.

 

2)     Ability to tackle challenges head-on – Challenges, both big and small, will always arise. Being able to take these on is a huge part of the learning process and you would be surprised as to how many challenges you can fix on your own. Challenges should be considered as opportunities for growth.

 

3)     Resilience – I have found during my time here that I have learned much more when assays failed compared to when they passed. It is through the failed assays that I was able to successfully figure out a way to optimize the assays to ensure that they were consistent and repeatable. Unexpected or unideal results will come up all the time, but there will always be much to learn from it.

 

4)     Using your resources – Co-workers, previous documents, and even a quick google search can be valuable. Accessing and using the resources around you can provide many helpful answers and guidance when you encounter challenges.

 

5)     Make the most out of the opportunity – This co-op position taught me a lot about a field that I was not very familiar with when I first started. I had the opportunity to fine-tune my lab skills, while also learning how an industry lab works. I would say that the primary goal in taking on a co-op position is to leave the job satisfied with what you have learned and accomplished during the time you spent there. Ask questions, push yourself, and enjoy the opportunity!

 

                My immediate future plan is to finish my Bachelors. I am not quite sure of beyond that, but I am heavily considering pursuing a post-graduate degree and I am exploring the potential of pursuing a career in research and development within the med-tech, pharma industry.

               If I could sum up my entire 8-month experience at SteriLabs with one word, it would be growth. I was fortunate enough to learn a lot during my time here, and I was able to accomplish far more than I initially expected when I joined. I am leaving this position with valuable transferrable skills that I will take with me as I finish my degree and as I continue into my career.