We are thrilled to feature Amelia O’Connor as one of BABEC’s summer interns! As an incoming senior at San Mateo High School, Amelia is already making headway with her passion for science and psychology.
Through the Bioscience STEM program at San Mateo, Amelia found herself immersed in the world of scientific discovery. She recalls a lightbulb moment while performing the bacterial transformation lab, as she learned how to manipulate cells to produce desired products, “turning them into tiny factories”. Her desire to continue learning more about how biology can be used to innovate solutions to modern problems brought her to BABEC.
Amelia’s workdays as a BABEC intern are dynamic, with tasks varying from week to week. On any given day, you may find her learning new lab techniques or creating essential reagents that will be used by students in the coming year. These experiences make her feel like a true scientist as she delves deep into procedures at the lab bench. She also enjoys connecting with colleagues like Emily Quach, who has real-world experience working in the field of biotech, which is particularly inspiring for Amelia.
Amelia finds joy in exploring novel ideas and experimenting, making academia an appealing path for her. When asked about her future aspirations, Amelia envisions herself pursuing a scientific career with a strong focus on research. Working in the BABEC lab has helped her discover her preference for research over industry. Biotech holds a special allure, given its vast possibilities encompassing her wide array of scientific interests, including neuroscience, cancer research and plant biotechnology.
Beyond the laboratory, Amelia is a talented writer and artist. She loves exploring the world of fiction and often delves into fanfiction, creating alternative endings and imaginative scenarios. Amelia’s other interests include rock climbing, listening to podcasts, nurturing plants and spending quality time with friends.
Amelia’s enthusiasm for science, combined with her creativity and unique perspectives, ensures a promising future filled with exciting discoveries. We look forward to witnessing Amelia’s continued growth as she embarks on her journey to make a lasting impact in the scientific world.