CariGenetics Concludes 2026 Summer Internship
CariGenetics has successfully concluded its 2026 Summer Internship Programme in Bermuda, providing interns Nia-Rene Outerbridge and Kaelyn Fleming with approximately eight weeks of immersive, hands-on experience in genetics, genomics, laboratory science and scientific research.
A spokesperson said, “The internship, conducted at the CariGenetics laboratory in Bermuda, formed part of the organisation’s wider commitment to developing scientific talent across the Caribbean and creating opportunities for young people to gain meaningful exposure to rapidly advancing fields such as genomics, pharmacogenetics and precision medicine.
“Throughout the programme, Outerbridge and Fleming were introduced to the day-to-day operations of a working genetics laboratory while receiving guidance and mentorship from members of the CariGenetics laboratory team.
“Rather than simply observing, the interns were given opportunities to better understand the processes and disciplines that support modern genomic research. Their experience included exposure to laboratory procedures associated with DNA and whole-genome analysis, including the extraction and preparation of genetic material and the processes involved in sequencing whole genomes.
“The programme also introduced the interns to pharmacogenetics, an important and growing area of science that examines how an individual’s genetic makeup may influence their response to medications.
“By introducing young scientists to these areas at an early stage in their academic development, CariGenetics aims to encourage greater Caribbean participation in genetics and genomic research and help build the scientific capacity needed to advance precision medicine within the region.
“The experience extended beyond human genetics. The interns also gained insight into conservation genetics and the role genomic science can play in understanding and protecting important species, including learning about the recovery of the Bermuda Petrel, commonly known as the Cahow.”
For intern Kaelyn Fleming, the programme provided both scientific knowledge and greater confidence working within a laboratory environment.
She said, “Thank you for having me in the CariGenetics lab over the summer. I had such a fun and engaging time learning the intricate processes involved in pharmacogenetics. During my work placement, I enjoyed learning how to extract, prepare, and sequence whole genomes, as well as gaining valuable knowledge regarding the recovery process of the Bermuda Petrel.”
Fleming also highlighted the important role mentorship played throughout her experience, saying, “Your kind, patient laboratory team made my internship engaging and educational. Their continued encouragement and mentorship greatly contributed to the overall positive experience I had this summer.”
She added that the experience strengthened both her confidence and her preparation for the next stage of her education.
“This experience has allowed me to grow my confidence and knowledge in the laboratory environment, an advantage I hope to apply in my studies abroad. Thank you once again. I hope to see and contribute to more CariGenetics projects in the future.”
Building Caribbean Scientific Capacity
A spokesperson added, “For CariGenetics, programmes such as the Summer Internship Programme represent more than an introduction to laboratory science. They are an investment in the future of Caribbean research and in young people such as Outerbridge and Fleming who are developing their knowledge and experience within the sciences.
“The Caribbean possesses extraordinary genetic diversity, yet populations of Caribbean ancestry remain underrepresented in many areas of global genomic research. Developing the next generation of Caribbean researchers, laboratory professionals, geneticists and health scientists is therefore an important part of creating a future in which Caribbean communities are not simply participants in scientific research but are also helping to lead it.
“Through practical laboratory exposure, mentorship and access to experienced scientists, CariGenetics hopes to show young people that careers in genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine are attainable and that meaningful scientific work can be conducted within the Caribbean and its wider diaspora.
“Over the approximately eight-week internship in Bermuda, participants were also able to develop skills beyond laboratory techniques, including scientific curiosity, attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, responsibility and confidence within a professional research environment.
“CariGenetics is proud of Nia-Rene Outerbridge and Kaelyn Fleming for their participation in the 2026 Summer Internship Programme and is grateful to its Bermuda laboratory team for the time, patience, knowledge and mentorship invested in their development.
“As CariGenetics continues its research and expands its work throughout the Caribbean, the organisation looks forward to creating further opportunities for young scientists to learn, contribute and become part of the region’s growing genetics and genomics community.”
Read More About
Category: All, News, technology
