A year as an intern at Paragraf – insights from Samuel Jeffery
At Paragraf, we’re fortunate to work with some of the brightest young minds in engineering and materials science, and Samuel Jeffery’s story is a testament to the power of an immersive internship experience. Sam, a bioengineering student from Loughborough University, joined us for a research internship, working with both the graphene biosensor (GBS) and graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) teams on ground-breaking projects that directly tie into his studies and career aspirations.
Finding parallels: Why Sam chose Paragraf
Sam applied to Paragraf because of the strong alignment between his course and the work we do. “There were a lot of parallels with the work here,” he explained. Bioengineering at Loughborough, part of the materials department, emphasizes hands-on skills like assay development, biosensor design, and material characterisation—all essential elements of our projects on the GBS device.
A supportive work environment
Internships can be daunting, but Sam highlights the positive, supportive culture at Paragraf. “The work environment here is very social and nice, and I’ve been blessed to have a great line manager. He’s given me a lot of confidence and supported me throughout the year,” Sam shared. Our company values inclusivity and mentorship, ensuring that interns feel empowered to contribute and grow.
New skills and real-world experience
Throughout his time here, Sam gained not only technical expertise but also valuable interpersonal skills. His hands-on experience with material characterisation and wet lab work taught him the nuances of working in a dynamic, fast-paced company like Paragraf. “I’ve learned so much about the industry, how processes work, and how to interact with people in a professional environment,” he said. For Sam, adjusting from university life to a professional setting was a challenge, but he adapted well and found the experience fulfilling.
A step towards future goals
Sam’s time at Paragraf helped clarify his career path. With an additional internship in research lined up back at Loughborough and aspirations for a master’s degree, Sam is eager to continue pursuing his passion in bioengineering and research. “My experience here has really made me want to take on more research projects,” he noted. While he’s still considering his next steps, his internship has provided a solid foundation for his future endeavours.
Memorable moment: Being part of a milestone
One of Sam’s standout moments at Paragraf was being part of the GFET launch. “It was our first commercial product, and I’m pretty proud of the work we’ve done,” he shared. Celebrating these milestones and seeing his contributions come to fruition gave him a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Advice for future interns
To future interns, Sam offers this advice: “Get involved with everyone, be curious, and ask lots of questions. People here aren’t afraid to have a chat, so make the most of it.” His recommendation reflects the spirit of Paragraf—open, supportive and always ready to innovate.
In a word: Enthusiastic
When asked to sum up Paragraf in a single word, Sam didn’t hesitate: “Enthusiastic.” It’s a fitting description for a company that’s constantly evolving and striving to push the boundaries of technology. His journey with Paragraf has been one of learning, growth and excitement—a true reflection of what we aim to offer our interns.
