Student Spotlight: Rhonda Walsh

Breathe BioMedical (BBM) is proud of our partnerships with post-secondary academic institutions who provide the opportunity to hire a wealth of emerging talent for student work experiences. Student interns are a great addition to our organization, and we benefit from their eagerness to work and learn as we build our pipeline for future permanent hires.?????

Rhonda Walsh is a fourth year Bachelor of Science student at Dalhousie University majoring in Biology. She has taken the co-operative education route for her degree, which has allowed her to get real world experience in different areas of the work force. Rhonda joined our team as a Clinical Research Intern in September of this year.??

As a Clinical Research Intern, Rhonda has been involved with several of BBM’s clinical sites. Earlier this fall, she was able to join the Clinical Team on a monitoring visit to the Saint John Regional Hospital, where Dr. Naz and her team have been conducting a breast cancer proof-of-concept study using our technology. When asked about her involvement with this clinical site, Rhonda said, “I am proud of the work I have been able to support for the breast cancer study in Saint John. It was a rewarding experience to meet our researchers in person and witness the progression of the study.”?

Throughout her internship, Rhonda has also been involved in the preparation of future studies. She has been able to witness conversations with researchers, academics, advocates and more. “Being involved in the preparation of future studies is interesting. It is exciting to witness how clinical studies come together,” Rhonda says.??

When Rhonda saw the job posting for the Clinical Research Intern position, she was fascinated by the technology. “The technology and innovation caught my eye. The whole idea of having a simple breath test with the goal of detecting breast cancer intrigued me. I have many loved ones who have been affected by cancer, so the company had a special emotional attraction to me,” said Rhonda. She also was interested in learning about clinical research and the medical device industry.??

When asked how impactful this internship has been for her future, Rhonda said, “I have gained a lot of clinical knowledge and experience that I believe will be beneficial in any kind of future career. I have also gained a much better understanding of the medical device industry and the challenges that can come along with it. I am so grateful for the connections I have been able to make because of this internship.”?

In her spare time, Rhonda volunteers with the Biology Concept Room at Dalhousie, where she helps first and second year students with their coursework. She is also a member of the Dalhousie Association of Biology Students (DABS). Outside of school, Rhonda enjoys singing, swimming and spending time outdoors.???

Rhonda is a great addition to our team, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish throughout the rest of her work term!???

If you are interested in intern opportunities at Breathe BioMedical, please email [email protected].