CariGenetics has concluded its 2026 summer internship programme in Bermuda that is part of a wider investment in the future of Caribbean research.

Nia-Rene Outerbridge and Kaelyn Fleming enjoyed approximately eight weeks of immersive, hands-on experience in genetics, genomics, laboratory science and scientific research.

The internship, held at the CariGenetics laboratory in Bermuda, formed part of the organisation’s commitment to building talent across the Caribbean and creating opportunities for exposure to rapidly advancing fields such as genomics, pharmacogenetics and precision medicine.

Ms Outerbridge and Ms Fleming learnt about the day-to-day operations of a genetics laboratory while receiving guidance and mentorship from CariGenetics lab staff.

Ms Fleming said: “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.”

Ms Fleming said the lab team members made her internship engaging and educational.

She added: “Their continued encouragement and mentorship greatly contributed to the overall positive experience I had this summer.

“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.”

The interns were exposed 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 them to pharmacogenetics, a growing area of science that examines how an individual’s genetic make-up may influence their response to medications.

They gained insight into conservation genetics and the role genomic science can play in understanding and protecting important species.

CariGenetics said its programmes represent an investment in the future of Caribbean research and in young people.

A spokeswoman said: “The Caribbean possesses extraordinary genetic diversity, yet populations of Caribbean ancestry remain under-represented 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.”