Intern Spotlight: Adam Helton’s Real-World Impact as a Battelle Intern

A Day in the Life with Adam Helton  

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be an intern at Battelle? We asked Adam Helton, a third-year Ph.D. student in molecular genetics at The Ohio State University, to tell us about his experience firsthand. This summer, Adam is serving as a non-viral gene delivery intern, applying his academic expertise in a hands-on setting that’s shaping the future of gene therapy. Read on for a glimpse into his daily work and what keeps him motivated in the lab. 

Adam first discovered Battelle during a professional development event hosted by his university. Graduate students were invited to explore post-graduation industry paths, and that’s where Adam met Dr. Andrea McCue, now his mentor. Their conversation sparked his interest and ultimately led him to join Battelle for the summer.  

Now fully embedded in the research environment, Adam spends his days testing the transfection capabilities of newly developed polymers in vitro. Using flow cytometry, a high-precision, laser-based technology, he analyzes how effectively these polymers can deliver genetic material into cells. It’s a critical step in the development of non-viral gene therapies, and Adam is the heart of bringing that science to life. 

First Task of the Day 

For Adam, the day begins not with rushing into experiments, but with quiet focus and deliberate planning. Upon logging in, his first priority is the cornerstone of his scientific process: documentation. “As a scientist, documentation is everything!” he emphasizes. In a field where precision and accuracy are paramount, this measured start helps Adam stay prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Far exceeding basic note-taking, documentation serves as a comprehensive scientific record that upholds the integrity and reproducibility of his work. When asked to elaborate, Adam explained: 

“Documentation entails the precise recording of all experimental parameters, protocols, observations and outcomes to ensure data integrity and transparency within the research workflow.”  

Afternoon Hustle 

Afternoons are when Adam’s passion really shines. “Usually, I run flow cytometry. That is my specialty.” Explained Helton. This technology allows him to perform detailed, multiparametric analyses of cells suspended in fluid, measuring characteristics like cell size, complexity and specific protein expression. By labeling cells with fluorescent markers, Adam can precisely evaluate how effectively new polymers deliver genetic material into cells. The setup for those kinds of experiments takes three to four days, and sometimes they don’t always work. He states, “I think when you love science, you also have to fall in love with the grind and the potential of failure.” His passion for the process and the resilience to keep going even when things don’t go as planned make Adam’s work so rewarding. 

Dr. Andrea McCue, a Biologist III and Adam’s mentor, highlights the value of the Battelle internship experience: 

“The Battelle internship experience can provide a broader perspective for individuals who are still in training in academia, helping them to make informed decisions about their future career path, while networking for those next steps. 

Beyond the Lab 

After a full day of scientific discovery, Adam finds balance in the simple joys of everyday life. His evenings often end with a peaceful walk alongside his dog, Bill, a routine that helps him unwind and reflect. This summer has also been extra special for Adam, as he got engaged to his best friend. “I am so excited for the next chapter of our lives!” Congratulations Adam! 

Thank you, Adam, for sharing your day and your journey! Stay tuned for more intern spotlights and inspiration from our Battelle team.