Brigid McKeagney-Douglas is passionate about applying her interests in science to improving healthcare. As a Master of Biotechnology student, Brigid had the opportunity to complete an internship with The Advanced Genomic Collaboration (TAGC) where those aspirations started to take real shape.
Brigid’s internship project was on Improving Women’s Health Outcomes Through Genomics. The project aimed to support both the research and commercial development of a genomics-based diagnostic test for endometriosis.
Working closely with a team of peers from her course and guided by the project team, Brigid took on a crucial role in the project. “I was responsible for conducting the patent landscape analysis and preparing the intellectual property strategy,” she explained. “It was an incredible opportunity to apply what I’ve been learning in a real-world context.”
Her interest in genomics was sparked during one of her Master's degree subjects last year, and the internship was the ideal way to bring together her enthusiasm for scientific innovation with her passion for improving women’s health. “I’ve always been drawn to research that has tangible benefits,” Brigid said. “This internship was the perfect combination of science, strategy, and social impact.”
The structure of the internship provided a balance between independent work and collaboration. “Each day, we’d start by checking in with the team and then dive into our individual tasks,” she shared. “For me, that often meant patent searches related to endometriosis diagnostics or analysing competitor activity. In the afternoons, we’d meet with our project lead and other team members to present updates and plan next steps.”
Throughout the semester, Brigid also attended a series of seminars and workshops that enriched her learning experience. But it wasn’t just the technical knowledge she gained that made an impact. “One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of being proactive and respectful of people’s time,” she said. “Clear communication is absolutely essential—especially when working across a team with diverse expertise.”
As for the technical skills, Brigid noted significant growth in her ability to evaluate complex patent documents and distil key information—an essential part of building an effective IP strategy.
The internship has solidified Brigid’s desire to pursue a career in research commercialisation. “My understanding of genomics has deepened, particularly in its diagnostic applications. It’s reaffirmed that this is the space I want to work in—translating exciting discoveries into practical solutions.”
Reflecting on the experience, Brigid offered strong encouragement to others. “I would highly recommend pursuing an internship with TAGC,” she said. “It’s thoughtfully designed to immerse you in meaningful work, and there are so many opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute.”
Read more about the project: Improving women's health outcomes through genomics | The Advanced Genomics Collaboration