“Berufs- und Studienorientierung am Gymnasium” (Vocational and educational orientation at the gymnasium) – that’s what the abbreviation BOGY stands for. Students in the 10th grade have the opportunity to gain insight into various areas, topics, professions, or companies during this internship week. The internship is intended to assist them in their search for a suitable course of study or apprenticeship and to provide insights into the professional everyday life.
Together with our µOrganoLab team, we offer students at the 3R-Center Tübingen the opportunity to gain insights into our research on Organ-on-Chip systems as alternatives and complements to animal testing during a BOGY internship. Additionally, they not only get to learn about laboratory work, but also have their first encounters with science communication.
From October 23-27, 2023, Alina accompanied us as an intern and took a closer look at our work in the field of science communication at the 3R-Center Tübingen and our research in the µOrganoLab.
Alina, what did you experience during your week with us?
At the beginning of my internship, I was able to attend two lectures to gain some basic knowledge about stem cells and biomaterials. In the following days, I spent a lot of time in the lab, where Ning showed me the various elements that make up the chip. I watched Svenja and Melisa build some chips. I observed Lisa and Ibrahim insert tumor cells into the chips, watched Nina and Adrian cut cultured skin organoids into small pieces and insert them into the chips, and Anna-Sophie explained to me how cells are isolated from a human tonsil. Additionally, I participated in a microscopy course at the Schenke-Layland Lab, led by Simone, the lab manager.
What interested you the most and why?
I was particularly interested in the work in the lab and with the chips. I found it fascinating to see how various individual parts come together to form a chip into which cells can be inserted for experiments. Additionally, I found it fascinating to observe the work with the skin organoids and to see the tissue structures of the individual organs during the microscopy course.
Did your internship with us help you in your future career path?
Yes, very much so, as I discovered that I really enjoy working in the lab, I enjoyed the international exchange and contact through a research group. Furthermore, I was very interested in the construction and research of the chip.
What will you take away from this week?
I take away the importance of being in exchange and contact with other colleagues in the research group and in the lab, and how helpful it is to speak several languages since there are often international colleagues in the research groups. And of course, it is also very important to always tidy up and clean up when finished and to refill things when they are empty, which also contributes to the community.
