Isabella Bigando (left) & Lexi Yakimovich (right)
Lexi Yakimovich recently graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in medical microbiology in May 2024, and is continuing her studies in an accelerated program for a Master of Science in microbiology. When she applied for an AZAdvances Talent Internship, she was looking to gain valuable experience cultivating her skills from research and continuing to learn and expand her knowledge in the scientific field.
Lexi successfully completed her 3-month AZAdvances Talent Internship at Reference Medicine as a summer specimen processing intern in August 2024.
Based in Phoenix, Reference Medicine provides the oncology biospecimens researchers need to build cancer diagnostics.
Lexi’s work included assisting in the development of nucleic acid quality control measures in the newly created molecular biology department of Reference Medicine. She learned multiple different DNA, RNA, and cfDNA extraction techniques and microdissection of FFPE tissue slides. She also learned to use the Agilent Tapestation, which is an automated electrophoresis system to quantify the completed extractions, as well as the Leica Autostainer, which is used to stain slides. Lexi also had the opportunity to assist in writing multiple standard operating procedures for the DNA quality control measures.
Lexi’s supervisor, Aaron, trained her in all the molecular biology protocols.Lexi worked and trained with Isabella, a molecular technician. This team approach to learning the DNA quality control procedures allowed both of them to help each other and grow their skills together.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to gain valuable experience at a biotechnology start-up company.” shared Lexi in her internship essay. “I am completing my internship at Reference Medicine having gained many new skills and insights into the biotechnology industry.”