Every Project Onramp intern shares certain qualities: intellect, drive, a passion for science and an interest in helping people.
Beyond that, each of our interns has unique stories to tell—stories about where they came from, what drives them, and what they hope to accomplish in their careers. Here’s a look at just a few of our interns!
We’re excited to introduce Cynthia Perez, a passionate Forensic Science and Molecular Biology graduate from John Jay College, who interned this summer at Cellectis. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Cynthia is a proud Latina with deep roots in her community. Growing up with her mother and little sister, Cynthia always knew she wanted to make a difference in the world. Her interest in forensic science sparked in high school, where a single class inspired her to pursue a degree in the same field. Although Cynthia initially planned to focus on forensic anthropology, the challenges of the pandemic led her to explore new fields, ultimately guiding her towards molecular biology and gene editing.
Cynthia’s experience at Cellectis through Project Onramp was eye-opening. Prior to the internship, she had limited lab experience, but working at Cellectis gave her hands-on exposure to cell cultures, lab protocols, and the freedom to explore new techniques. She describes the opportunity as “enlightening” and feels grateful for the flexibility and independence the role provided.
Looking ahead, Cynthia has big dreams of working for the NYPD as a criminalist, with hopes of one day joining the FBI. Her goal is to help both sides of the justice system—bringing criminals to justice while also exonerating the innocent. Cynthia’s journey is a testament to resilience, and she encourages others to seize the opportunities in front of them: “Rejection is redirection, and acceptance is an open door. Apply yourself, explore, and have fun. It’s all part of the learning experience.”
Cynthia is deeply impressed with Project Onramp and hopes to continue giving back to the program, calling it “a blessing” that has opened new doors for her. We’re eager to see where her career takes her next!
We’re thrilled to spotlight Jibran Khan, a dedicated Human Biology student who recently transferred to Cornell University from Vassar College. Growing up in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Jibran has always had a passion for healthcare, particularly cancer treatment, shaped by his family’s experiences. Living in New York with his parents and sister while the rest of his family is in Bangladesh, he has witnessed firsthand the barriers that immigrant families face in accessing quality medical care. This inspired him to revolutionize the healthcare system, leading him to study both the science and economics of healthcare. Jibran is keenly aware of the challenges many families encounter, which has deepened his commitment to improving healthcare access for those in need.
As Jibran began his professional journey at Royalty Pharma, he faced a personal challenge: he had little experience in workplace social settings. Having never attended a work dinner or social event before, he felt uncertain about connecting with colleagues. Thankfully, the welcoming team at Royalty Pharma quickly put him at ease. Through shared lunches and informal gatherings, Jibran forged meaningful relationships, especially with mentors Jim and Mark, who provided invaluable guidance and encouragement. This supportive atmosphere transformed his initial apprehension into a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
Jibran’s internship deepened his understanding of the biotech field, allowing him to assess therapeutic pipelines—an essential skill for his future ambitions. Inspired by the dedication of the professionals around him, he envisions a future that could include a leadership role in biotech, launching his own company, or pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. His experience at Project Onramp has armed him with technical expertise and a heightened determination to give back to his community, honoring the sacrifices made by his family.
Jibran leaves us with a powerful message: “Stop talking about being a good person and be one.” This profound quote encapsulates his commitment to not only admire the hard work of others but also to embody those qualities himself. With the confidence gained through Project Onramp, Jibran is poised to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare landscape, ensuring that he honors both his family and community along the way. We are excited to see where his journey takes him next!
We’re excited to spotlight Neil La-Mothe, a recent Economics graduate from John Jay College, who interned this summer at Spring Mountain Capital through Project Onramp. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Neil is the eldest of his siblings and the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. His passion for math, computers, and coding sparked early in high school and shaped his path toward economics, where he can apply critical thinking, math, coding, and statistics.
Neil learned about Project Onramp at a career fair held by his school. After learning more about the program, he realized it was more than just an internship—it was a network of individuals dedicated to helping students access fields that might otherwise be out of reach. He jumped at the opportunity to be part of something so impactful.
During his internship at Spring Mountain Capital, Neil gained valuable experience in stock trading and financial research, as well as networking with professionals in the life sciences industry. A standout moment for Neil was visiting the New York Stock Exchange—a dream come true after years of standing outside its doors.
Looking ahead, Neil aspires to become a hedge fund manager specializing in quantitative trading, using statistical and mathematical models to analyze financial markets. His ultimate goal is to develop systematic trading models that identify trading opportunities through complex data visualization.
Neil lives by a powerful mantra: “Success is when opportunity meets preparation.” He stresses the importance of discipline, consistency, and focus in reaching your goals. To the incoming class, Neil offers this advice: “Take initiative, ask questions, and always be prepared. You never know when the next opportunity will come, but when it does, give it 110%. Project Onramp is an amazing opportunity—be grateful, stay curious, and never stop striving for success.”
We’re excited to see where Neil’s journey takes him next!