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 Mariam Diakite, a dedicated senior majoring in Forensic Science with double minors in Biology and Psychology at John Jay College, who interned this summer at Cellectis through Project Onramp! Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mariam is the daughter of immigrant parents from Mali, West Africa. The sacrifices her parents made to give her a better life were constantly instilled in her, fueling a powerful drive to “strive to do great” and never give up.
Mariam’s fascination with science, particularly forensics, began in childhood, fueled by watching shows like Forensic Files and CSI. She quickly knew that this was the field she wanted to pursue. This passion led her to take an Instrumental Chemistry class, which she describes as her most memorable. The course, which mimics a courtroom cross-examination, requires intense quizzing on lab knowledge and the instruments themselves, which provides direct preparation for testifying as a forensic scientist. This rigorous experience made her realize the intense nature of the work and deepened her admiration.
Beyond her coursework, Mariam has actively sought out hands-on experience. Prior to her internship, she conducted research at a community laboratory, Genspace, where she successfully grew skin cells on a leaf scaffold as a potential alternative for future testing. Mariam built on this foundation during her summer placement at Cellectis, through Project Onramp. The internship provided her with invaluable real-world laboratory skills and a strong foundation for her professional network.
While Mariam is currently on track to become a forensic pathologist, she remains open to how her journey might evolve, knowing for sure that she will stay within the science field. Project Onramp has been a supportive bridge to opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Mariam shared a message of gratitude and well-earned confidence: “I should be proud of my background and my accomplishments. Project Onramp has provided me with many tools and many connections and I am forever grateful for the rooms that this program put me into.” We’re eager to see where Mariam’s passion for pathology and discovery takes her next!
We’re thrilled to spotlight Tasnia Ibnat, a driven senior at Hunter College majoring in Human Biology and pursuing a Business Certificate. Tasnia is passionately committed to pursuing a career in the corporate side of biotechnology to aid funding efforts to support innovative scientific and medical breakthroughs.
Tasnia immigrated to the U.S. with her family from the UAE in 2009, with roots tracing back to Bangladesh. Her early path was defined by a strong interest in STEM, involving her in research, healthcare, and educating younger generations. However, as an initial pre-medical student, Tasnia faced a common challenge: finding a specific path she was truly passionate about. This redirection led her to discover the Business Certificate Program at Hunter College, where she was excited by the business side of biotech and healthcare, blending her love for science with a commitment to corporate support for R&D.
Her Human Biology major was a deliberate choice, providing a unique intersection of science, sociology, and anthropology. This focus allowed her to study in-depth molecular science and apply it to real-world issues. Her Medical Sociology class stood out; discussions on the sociological impacts of health introduced her to the critical issues of finance in the healthcare world. This academic curiosity came full circle during her summer internship at Polaris Partners through Project Onramp, where she served as an investment intern in the life sciences, learning firsthand the significance of financial support in the biotechnology field.
Tasnia’s Project Onramp placement at Polaris Partners was a wonderful opportunity for navigating the multiple roles within the life sciences sector. She met with academic and corporate professionals, learning how intricate the drug development process is, whether through direct involvement or crucial business-related tasks. She is particularly proud of developing her communication and speech skills, gaining invaluable advice and guidance on career navigation. Tasnia connects her lived experience of learning both the in-depth science and the social factors to her career goals, understanding how difficult the system is for funding important research—a reality exposed during her previous research internship at NYU.
Looking ahead, Tasnia plans to continue her career in the business side of the life sciences. She shared a goal of “working on teams that prioritize providing funding to labs and companies that seek to improve health and wellbeing.” We’re excited to see where her commitment to the corporate side of biotech takes her next!