We are pleased to welcome Mel Sabumba to BioCote® as our new Microbiology Intern. During her time with the business, Mel will learn from our experienced technical team and build her understanding of the science behind antimicrobial additives for a wide range of materials and manufacturing applications.

An internship is an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with industry insight, explore new ideas and understand how microbiology supports product development in the real world.

We spoke with Mel about what inspired her interest in the field, what she hopes to learn during her time at BioCote® and the interests that keep her busy outside work.

1. To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your academic journey so far?

A: My name is Melatia Sabumba and I’m a Biomedical Science student at Coventry University. So far, I’ve really enjoyed studying modules such as the Genetic Basis of Disease, the Microbial World and Applied techniques in Biology. These modules have helped me develop a strong interest in microbiology and have made me particularly curious about the practical side of science, in understanding how microorganisms interact with their environment and how this knowledge can be applied in an industrial setting.

2. What first sparked your interest in microbiology?

A: My name is Melatia Sabumba and I’m a Biomedical Science student at Coventry University. So far, I’ve really enjoyed studying modules such as the Genetic Basis of Disease, the Microbial World and Applied techniques in Biology. These modules have helped me develop a strong interest in microbiology and have made me particularly curious about the practical side of science, in understanding how microorganisms interact with their environment and how this knowledge can be applied in an industrial setting.

3. What attracted you to an internship with BioCote®?

A: What really attracted me to BioCote was the opportunity to see microbiology being applied outside of a traditional clinical or academic laboratory, particularly how it can be applied directly to the development of manufactured products. I believed that BioCote would give me a unique opportunity to develop my practical microbiology skills while also seeing the commercial impact of the science behind antimicrobial technology.

4. Before joining the team, what did you know about antimicrobial additives and their use in manufactured products?

A: I had a basic understanding of antimicrobial agents and how substances such a silver can have antimicrobial properties, mainly from my university studies. What I didn’t fully appreciate was the complexity of incorporating antimicrobial technology into manufactured products and then demonstrating that it actually works.

5. Which part of your role are you most looking forward to exploring?

A: I look forward to carrying out my own research projects and having the opportunity to investigate questions independently.

6. Is there a particular area of microbiology or professional skill you would like to learn more about during your internship?

A: I would like to develop a deeper understanding of antimicrobial technologies and how they can be applied to different materials and products. From a professional perspective, I wish to improve my scientific communication and data analysis skills.

7. What has surprised you most about how microbiology is applied within a commercial business?

A: I would like to develop a deeper understanding of antimicrobial technologies and how they can be applied to different materials and products. From a professional perspective, I wish to improve my scientific communication and data analysis skills.

8. How do you think practical industry experience will complement your studies and influence your next steps?

A: This experience will allow me to apply the scientific knowledge from my degree in a completely different environment. At university, you learn the theory behind techniques and experiments, whereas in an industrial setting, you learn and appreciate the importance of consistency, documentation, time management and producing reliable and reproducible results. Looking ahead, my scope of degree application will no longer be limited to healthcare environments, but to wider industrial settings as well.

9. What qualities do you think help someone succeed when working in a scientific team?

A: I believe effective communication is the most important quality one should have, the rest flow from it. From gaining good communication skills, reliability and attention to detail easily come with and propel someone to succeed when working in a scientific team.

10. If you could contribute to a project involving any material or product, what would you choose and why?

A: I would be interested in contributing to a project involving antibacterial materials for wound care, particularly materials designed to help manage the risk of infection in chronic wounds such as polyurethane. It encompasses several areas that I’m interested in, microbiology, antibacterial technology, materials science and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

11. Outside microbiology, what subject or activity are you especially passionate about?

A: I really enjoy being involved in community or group activities. I enjoy bringing people together, helping organise events and contributing to things that involve working with other people and this is particularly relevant to singing and music in general. I find it’s a great way to express myself, relax and connect with other people.

12. What is one goal (professional or personal) you would like to achieve this year?

A: One of my main goals this year is to become more confident and independent as a scientist.

13. What does your ideal day away from work look like?

A: My ideal day away from work involves spending some me time watching Homeland or doing something light and enjoyable with friends.

14. Finally, what is one interesting fact your new colleagues might not yet know about you?

A: I listen to such a wide variety of music that it’s probably impossible to pinpoint my music taste from just one listen to my playlist!

We’re pleased to welcome Mel to the BioCote® team and look forward to supporting her professional development throughout her internship. Her curiosity and fresh perspective will bring real value as she expands her understanding of antimicrobial technology and its commercial applications.

Discover how BioCote® antimicrobial additives and technical expertise support manufacturers throughout the product development process, contact our team to learn more.