Reflecting on professional growth at the BIO5 Institute: Q&A with Shiv Shukla
University of Arizona undergraduate Shiv Shukla reflects on how his experience as an BIO5 Ambassador intern and student staff shaped his career goals in business and science.
Part of the mission of the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona is to equip the next generation of researchers and innovators with the skills they need to change the world. In line with this mission, BIO5 offers multiple avenues for students to work within the institute, from student staff to the BIO5 Ambassador Internship program.
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Economics major Shiv Shukla served as a BIO5 Ambassador during his freshman year at the university (2023-2024) and then continued on as student staff on the Phoenix campus for the 2024 summer. He discusses how his time with BIO5 have helped him grow professionally to connect business and science as he pursues a career as a health care administrator.
Q&A with Shiv Shukla
Who have you been working with over the summer, and what did you enjoy most about your role?
This summer, I worked as a student assistant with Marissa Starks Banh, the strategic engagement coordinator for the BIO5 Institute in Phoenix. I developed industry databases, compiled life science information, handled financial documents, and created onboarding procedures.
The most enjoyable part of my role this summer was engaging with University of Arizona staff based in Phoenix as well as individuals from other universities and organizations based at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus.
I could sense a strong sense of community and purpose the minute I stepped onto campus, and I was proud to learn that a key part of my role was in helping to facilitate collaboration and positive relationships between key players on campus.
How did this experience help shape your journey and change your career aspirations?
As someone who strives to enter a career in health care, I am acutely aware of the importance of administration and business.
My work with BIO5 in Phoenix deepened my knowledge of managerial and financial operations, which I plan to apply as a health care administrator.
This experience highlighted the value of positive impact and service. Interacting with BIO5 staff and students reinforced the institute's commitment to serving the university, state, and humanity, motivating me to incorporate service and contribution into my future career decisions.
What was the biggest area of growth you had throughout your experience as a BIO5 Ambassador?
The biggest area of growth I experienced as a BIO5 ambassador was in regards to my professional development.
Since beginning the internship, I have become more confident and capable in my ability to communicate in both a scientific and administrative capacity. I feel more equipped to handle problems rising from disparities between science and business, and hope to someday be an “ambassador” between these two complementary fields.
How has your mindset changed after your BIO5 Ambassador experience?
The BIO5 Ambassador experience has transformed my mindset with respect to business ventures in health care and research.
While I have always valued a deep understanding of natural and quantitative sciences, coupled with a solid business foundation, the program emphasized the importance of personal growth as well.
Now, whether I'm presenting on applicative neuroscience or engaging in a casual conversation with an office staff member, I see business as a powerful tool to connect with people and bring their ideas to life.
What are you looking forward to next semester and what are your next steps?
This upcoming semester, I am looking forward to continuing my work in the lab of BIO5 member Michael F. Brown, studying the biophysical chemistry of rhodopsin absorption.
My lab is one that accepts students from BIO5's KEYS Research Internship for high school students, allowing me to collaborate with individuals of all academic backgrounds and experience levels. I intend to continue my education in both science and business through mixed methods.
While the classroom setting is a valuable learning space, the university campus provides abundant chances for real-world learning, such as the Ambassadors internship itself. I hope to take advantage of these opportunities to grow professionally and personally.