QuVa Pharma Summer 2020 Interns
It’s National Intern Day and we’re celebrating by highlighting six of our best & brightest 2020 interns — an up-close, QuVa Qu&A to discern what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown along the way. These budding professionals hail from a variety of backgrounds — from mathematics, biochemistry, and human resources to molecular biology, economics, biomedical engineering, and pre-med — and we’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished in their brief tenure at QuVa.
Mariah Banks
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Wyoming
Major: Molecular Biology
What do you like most about your internship with QuVa?
I really enjoyed being able to work in the lab (R&D/Microbiology). Additionally, I liked being part of the team in general and feeling like I made a difference in process optimization.
What have you learned so far while at QuVa?
Working with Visio and supply chain management while in the shipping department. The importance of SOPs for production. Literally everything while in lab — HPLC, event analysis in micro, filtering).
Include a quote or something you would like to share about your experience.
“I love talking about science, so come bother me anytime.” — Syntia Kwende (Supervisor, Microbiology)
“We have goody bags for y’all.” — Management/Natalie Reed (Environmental, Health, & Safety Specialist)
“Thank you for developing my professional skills and being so accommodating to the interns.” — Mariah (herself)
Jeremiah Glaspie
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
College: Texas Lutheran University
Major: Mathematics
What do you like most about your internship with QuVa?
Being able to rotate throughout each department and learn how they operate. There is so much that goes into being a top pharmaceutical company.
What have you learned so far while at QuVa?
Coming into the internship, I didn’t know much about how a pharmaceutical company operates. I have been an intern here for about a month and I have learned about the drugs used here at QuVa and their purpose.
Include a quote or something you would like to share about your experience.
This internship has helped me step outside of my comfort zone. It has enhanced my ability to communicate effectively and it has also improved my ability to be more detail-oriented.
Bianca Chen
Hometown: Houston/Katy, TX
College: Rice University
Major: Economics, Pre-Med
What do you like most about your internship with QuVa?
I enjoyed meeting everyone during rotations and learning about the individual experiences of all the employees. Everyone seems to enjoy their work at QuVa and they’re very helpful in explaining what they do and why they do it. There is a lot of flexibility in my schedule, which I appreciate because they’re able to tailor the internship to my interests.
What have you learned so far while at QuVa?
I learned about the whole process of how a drug is made and all the steps taken until it ends up at a hospital or clinic and ultimately administered to a patient. The quality team at QuVa is so thorough both in their work and their explanations of every check that is made before a drug gets to the customer, and it makes me confident in the company’s reliability and trustworthiness.
Include a quote or something you would like to share about your experience.
I believe anyone who’s interested in the medical field and/or pharmacy should intern to understand the processes behind the drugs they will work with in the future. It was a great experience since the planning team really makes sure that you are receiving the most applicable, interesting internship possible.
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Garcia
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Houston
Major: Human Resource Development
What do you like most about your internship with QuVa?
My favorite thing about by internship at QuVa is that the people care about me as a person and about my professional growth. There is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals, all revolving around making QuVa a better place.
What have you learned so far while at QuVa?
Before I started my internship, I only had a basic understanding of HRIS databases, but now I have learned how to properly use HRIS databases to help benefit a company towards their goals.
Include a quote or something you would like to share about your experience.
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” — Dale Carnegie
Gisselle Solis
Hometown: Pasadena, TX
College: University of Houston
Major: Biochemistry
What do you like most about your internship with QuVa?
I liked learning from the managers in various departments and gaining new experience. I also liked learning about the pharma industry and the regulations that are in place to keep everyone safe.
What have you learned so far while at QuVa?
I have learned about 503B and the regulations that must be followed. I also learned the process from picking, compounding, verifying in ILP, to shipping the drugs, as well as how micro checks for sterility and R&D does HPLC. I was able to participate in a project to improve shipping productivity, which allowed me to learn a little about Six Sigma and Visio.
Include a quote or something you would like to share about your experience.
I had no knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, but I am glad everyone was welcoming and wise. I now leave with many experiences, knowledge, and mentors.