Internships in the research track of the international pharmaceutical studies program

Four students from the Faculty agreed to share their experiences with internships abroad, which combined cutting-edge research, cultural discovery, and clear career choices. From Vienna to Seattle, via Chicoutimi and Shanghai, their journeys illustrate the wealth of international opportunities available and the diversity of research topics explored.

Ornella Clara

Last year, I completed my research internship in Vienna, Austria, as part of Professor Igor Adameyko’s team, which specializes in the study of neural crest cells in developmental biology.

My project focused on the potential cellular origin of Ewing’s sarcoma, a pediatric cancer that affects soft tissues and bones. The hypothesis I tested suggested that this cancer might arise from neural crest cells. Identifying this origin would make it possible to target certain developmental genes that may remain active during tumor development.

This internship allowed me to develop skills in culturing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and analyzing single-cell RNA-seq data. It also gave me the opportunity to work in an international environment alongside passionate researchers.

I completed my Master’s degree in developmental biology in Marseille. I completed my internship in Professor Pierre-François Lenne’s lab, which specializes in the physics of cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis. My research focused on the links between the biophysical principles of morphogenesis and the signals that regulate cell fate in organoid models.

My background in pharmacy, which encompasses a variety of disciplines, along with my professional experience in the research field, has greatly contributed to my professional growth.

Julia Toucheboeuf

For my research internship abroad, I traveled to Seattle, Washington, where I was welcomed by Nina Isoherranen’s team at the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy.

My project focused on the influence of female hormones on the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids (THC and CBD). This internship was an extremely rewarding experience, as it allowed me to develop new skills in analytical chemistry and pharmacokinetics. In particular, I performed LC-MS/MS assays and conducted in silico modeling.

I completed my sixth year of pharmacy studies with a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology in Strasbourg. My final internship took place at the Montpellier Cancer Research Institute, in Céline Gongora’s team, under the supervision of Fanny Leenhardt and Philippe Pourquier.

My goal now is to apply for a scholarship from the CBS2 doctoral school… all I can do now is keep my fingers crossed!

Timothy LEVIN

I completed a fifth-year research internship in China at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, working with a team affiliated with the Chinese Navy and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. My goal was to find an internship in analytical chemistry with a strong focus on pharmacognosy. The proposed topic perfectly met these expectations: the development of an LC-MS/MS assay method for Zhibaianshen, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used primarily to treat insomnia and depression.

This internship was very rewarding for me, both personally and professionally. I became more independent—since the language barrier often forced me to find answers on my own—and expanded my theoretical and practical knowledge, all while discovering a radically different culture and way of life. This experience has strengthened my interest in analytical chemistry and is a real asset in my career.

I then completed my Master’s internship at the PRISM laboratory (Inserm U1192) at the University of Lille. My work focused on identifying a peptide signature in mice treated with the venom of an Amazonian tree frog, which has recently been linked to potential antileukemic activity. In particular, I performed mass spectrometry imaging and de novo peptide sequencing, which reinforced my decision to pursue a Ph.D. in the field of proteomics.

This internship allowed me to fulfill the requirements for my Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—specifically the “Molecules and Therapeutic Targets” track—a joint program offered byParis Sorbonne University and the National Museum of Natural History.

Roxane Cantin

I was fortunate enough to be selected by Mitacs, a Canadian organization, which awarded me a scholarship to complete my fifth-year research internship in Chicoutimi, Quebec. My project focused on studying the Pabpn1 gene, which is involved in a rare form of muscular dystrophy. I was thus able to analyze, using mouse myoblasts, the effects of deleting this gene and its potential impact on the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

Beyond the personal experience and the opportunity to discover a new culture, this internship allowed me to gain familiarity with cell culture and deepen my skills in molecular biology, particularly through techniques such as RT-qPCR.

I have just completed my Master’s degree in Environmental and Health Toxicology (TES) in Paris. I also had the opportunity to return to Quebec for a second internship, this time focused on studying endocrine disruptors found among hairdressers and estheticians. The goal is to assess their effects on healthy and cancerous cells in the mammary gland. I hope to continue on this path by starting a Ph.D. in this laboratory.