P U Rithika Shri, a Project Intern at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is charting an inspiring path in the world of molecular biology and biotechnology. Her recent experience at Merck Innovation Lab, Bangalore, offers a vivid example of how dedication, curiosity, and hands-on learning can shape the journey of a passionate young researcher. With a deepening passion for microbiology and molecular biology, P U Rithika Shri is not only gaining technical expertise but also cultivating the mindset of a future scientist ready to tackle real-world challenges.
P U Rithika Shri had the opportunity to participate in a five-day intensive workshop on “Expression and Purification of Recombinant Proteins” a program that blended theoretical concepts with hands-on laboratory training. This experience was far more than a technical bootcamp; it was a gateway into the practical realities and industrial applications of protein research. For someone working at the intersection of academia and applied science, such exposure is invaluable, and for P U Rithika Shri, it became a milestone that reinforced her desire to contribute meaningfully to research.
In her own words, P U Rithika Shri describes the workshop as an “enriching experience” a term that encapsulates the layers of learning, interaction, and insight she absorbed. From transforming recombinant clones into expression hosts to analyzing results through SDS-PAGE, every day brought a new facet of discovery. The detailed procedures of overexpressing recombinant proteins and purifying them offered her a firsthand understanding of what it takes to transition from a gene to a usable protein product a core challenge in modern biotechnology.
But what sets P U Rithika Shri apart is not just her technical skills it’s her attitude toward learning. The way she absorbed both theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies speaks volumes about her scientific mindset. This isn’t merely about ticking off checkboxes in a lab manual; it’s about understanding the “why” behind the “how.” And that’s what transforms a good intern into a promising researcher.
P U Rithika Shri’s reflections also highlight the importance of mentorship. She credits experts like Deepak Deep, Devleena Bandopadhyay, Meghana Kamath, and Ashvinkumar Bhaverkar for their guidance and generosity in sharing knowledge. These interactions gave her not only direction but also confidence two things every young scientist needs as they take their first steps into the world of research. In thanking these mentors, P U Rithika Shri demonstrates a vital scientific trait: humility coupled with gratitude.
Moreover, her visit to the MAT lab and discussions around career opportunities at Merck weren’t just extracurricular activities; they were enlightening experiences that helped her envision the bigger picture. For P U Rithika Shri, it’s not just about conducting experiments it’s about understanding how her skills can be applied in pharmaceutical and industrial settings. This perspective balancing academic rigor with industrial relevance is rare at her stage, and it suggests a maturity beyond her years.
At a time when science is moving at breakneck speed and industries demand more than textbook knowledge, professionals like P U Rithika Shri are the need of the hour. Her experience at Merck adds a strong, experiential layer to her academic foundation at IISc. It’s a combination that positions her well for future success, whether she chooses to pursue doctoral research, engage in industrial R&D, or contribute to biotechnological innovation in any form.
In sharing her journey, P U Rithika Shri has also extended an invisible hand to others students, peers, and early-career professionals who may be unsure of how to find their footing in this competitive field. Her story serves as both inspiration and instruction: dive deep, stay curious, be open to mentorship, and always keep the broader impact of your work in sight.
Her journey is a reminder that the road to becoming a scientist isn’t paved only in textbooks and exams it’s built through experiences like these that test your curiosity, sharpen your skills, and expand your vision. P U Rithika Shri’s story tells us that you don’t need to wait for the “right time” to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up with an open mind and the willingness to learn.
Looking ahead, there’s little doubt that P U Rithika Shri will continue to explore, discover, and contribute to the world of molecular biology. As she applies her newly acquired knowledge in future projects, the field can expect both passion and precision in her work. And as the scientific community continues to grow and evolve, young minds like P U Rithika Shri will be leading the way not just with pipettes and proteins, but with purpose.
