Program Outcomes

Anusha Bansal

MBiotech '25

Before joining the MBT program, Anusha studied biology and completed an undergraduate thesis on T-cell receptor structure, focusing on how protein structure drives immune function. Passionate about applying science to real-world challenges, she was drawn to biotechnology as a way to turn biological insight into impactful therapies.

Anusha chose the MBT program for its one-year format, emphasis on industry internships, and unique integration of science and business. Her favorite course, MCB 153: Molecular Medicine, offered practical case studies on drug development. Through the program, she built skills in bioinformatics, business strategy, and communication.

During her internship at Addition Therapeutics, Anusha worked on the corporate development team, focusing on strategic indication selection and competitive intelligence. She hopes to continue working in biotech strategy and, long-term, help lead ventures advancing innovative therapies—particularly in gene therapy. Anusha values the MBT program for helping her grow beyond the bench and preparing her to lead at the intersection of science and strategy.

Aaditi Gaikwad

MBiotech '25
Scientist I, Stealth Biotech Startup

Aaditi earned her B.S. in Genetics and Genomics from UC Davis, where she also worked as a research specialist studying plant genetics. Drawn to applying science in healthcare, she pursued the MBT program at UC Berkeley to bridge academic research with real-world biotech applications. Inspired by Berkeley’s MCB faculty and the program’s integration of technical and industry-focused training, Aaditi found it to be an ideal next step.

Her favorite experience was the summer research boot camp, which strengthened her technical foundation in cell culture and molecular biology. Aaditi interned at a stealth-mode biotech startup in South San Francisco, where she supported data generation for AI-driven therapeutics development. Through MBT, she developed strong communication skills, confidence in presenting scientific work, and a strategic understanding of the drug development pipeline. Passionate about the intersection of AI and biotechnology, Aaditi aims to contribute to more efficient, accessible drug development and ultimately take on leadership roles in translational research.

Sophie Judge

MBiotech '25
Staff Research Associate, Lewis Lab

Sophie joined the Master of Biotechnology (MBT) program after earning her B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a focus in Computer Science. With prior research experience at Stanford and in precision medicine, she entered the program to bridge biology and technology in innovative ways. Drawn to the MBT program’s interdisciplinary structure and Bay Area location, she found the curriculum well-balanced and industry-connected.

For her capstone, Sophie joined the Lewis Lab at UC Berkeley, studying how saturated fatty acids affect mitochondrial DNA replication. She gained hands-on experience with confocal microscopy, staining techniques, and data analysis. Courses like the summer lab and Molecular Medicine elective further shaped her interest in therapeutic development.

Sophie plans to pursue further graduate studies and aims to work at the intersection of AI, precision medicine, and biotech innovation to develop patient-specific therapies in neurodegenerative and metabolic disease.

Stephen Lin

MBiotech '25
Junior Specialist, DuPage Lab

Stephen earned his undergraduate degree in Bioinformatics from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and spent a year as an exchange student at UC Berkeley, where he was inspired by the academic environment. He returned to pursue his MBT degree, seeking to bridge his academic background with hands-on industry and lab experience.

His favorite experience was the MBT summer bootcamp and capstone project, where he gained independence in designing and executing experiments. Stephen interned in the DuPage Lab at UC Berkeley, contributing to cancer immunology research through both in vitro CRISPR work and in vivo mouse models. He credits the MBT program—especially its mentorship and practical training—with helping him develop project management, scientific communication, and research skills.

Stephen plans to pursue a Ph.D. and is passionate about cancer immunotherapy. Whether in academia or industry, he hopes to contribute to meaningful translational science that drives real-world impact.