Aditya Sharma, a Master of Biotechnology student, found the perfect blend of science, strategy, and social impact in his internship at The Advanced Genomic Collaboration (TAGC). Under Professor Peter Rogers’ mentorship, he worked on turning state-of-the-art genomics research into real diagnostic tools for women’s health. “I was responsible for mapping out how a new endometrial health test could navigate regulations and the patent landscape so it could actually reach patients,” he says.
This hands-on experience fit right in with what Aditya was learning at the University of Melbourne—how to take a scientific idea and turn it into something viable in the real world. “The course goes from building a business around a discovery to understanding clinical trials and all the regulations involved,” he explains.
What really drew Aditya to TAGC was his desire to see science move beyond the lab. “I wanted to understand how genomics could directly improve women’s lives,” he recalls. On any given day, he might be deep into independent research and the next moment sitting in a brainstorming session with teammates, making sure his regulatory plans aligned with another teammate’s work on intellectual property. “Some days I was nose-deep in documents; other days, I was in meetings, coordinating with everyone to keep our strategies in sync.”
One of the biggest lessons he took away was how to communicate effectively. “I learned to frame updates in terms people care about—clinical impact, technical feasibility, or even financial implications. Admitting when I didn’t have all the answers and then following up with clear information built trust faster than any polished presentation ever could.”
By the end of the internship, Aditya knew he wanted to pursue life science consulting. “I discovered I love taking complex data and turning it into clear recommendations. That mix of science, problem-solving, and advising just clicked for me.”
His advice to future interns? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Get the support you need to turn those mistakes into breakthroughs. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.”
Overall, Aditya’s time at TAGC didn’t just deepen his passion for genomics—it gave him the practical skills to bridge the gap between discovery and delivery. He’s excited to carry those skills into a career that makes a real impact.