As a Quality Control Microbiology co-op student at Sanofi, Doyin Adeoya plays a vital role in ensuring that the vaccines produced by the pharmaceutical company are safe. As a co-op student she is making an impact–the products she monitors are a part of the series of vaccines babies receive in their first year of life, but she also is learning about the field of biotechnology and creating opportunities for her fellow students to do the same.
“A lot of things my team and I do day-to-day in quality control impact the final product that will be administered to a baby. I’m one of the moving blocks that ensures we produce a quality product,” she says. Sanofi was the first worldwide supplier of injectable polio, influenza, meningitis and rabies vaccines.
The year-long co-op placement is a part of her cell and molecular biology studies at the University of Toronto. Her studies have prepared her to work in a lab where she processes samples that help monitor areas for any microbial growth.
She is among a large cohort of co-op students that are hired continuously by Sanofi. “I’ve met students from all over Canada. It’s a big program and while there are specific tasks assigned to co-op students. There’s always room for growth and be supported throughout your placement,” she says.
One of the aspects Doyin enjoys most about her placement is the networking and learning about different roles in the field of biotech and biopharma. She chose to become a lead facilitator of the company’s Co-op Lunch and Learn program, that brings speakers in to share with co-op students about the nature of their work. Through this, she has gained connections and insight into Sanofi’s other departments. “I like hearing about their journeys how they got to where they are now,” she says.
She’s discovered many of these journeys are not linear. “I’ve learned that a lot of the professionals have moved around a lot. That’s been my favourite part too is exploring everything that the company has to offer through these connections,” she says.
“As the Lead Lunch and Learn Facilitator, I have a committee of about 15 people, and they often tell me that they’re surprised I’m able to reach out to people and just strike up a conversation. I think it’s a testament to the leadership experience I gained at St. Mike’s, where I was able to meet and connect with people from so many different backgrounds.” she says.
Throughout her co-op placement, Doyin continued to stay connected to the St. Michael’s community. Last year she was the Vice President of International Community Outreach for the St. Michael’s College Student Union. She has also served as a Residence Don.
She has also served as a biology mentor for UofT Discovery, which provides high school students with the opportunity to participate in university-level experiments with mentorship provided by post-secondary student volunteers. When she returns for her final year of study this fall, she will take on a more leadership role in the organization and play a hands-on role in the experiments.
She is also looking forward to serving as co-president of the Biotechnology Innovation and Development Club at U of T. She will bring her experience in facilitating mentorship opportunities to bring industry partners and biotechnology students together.
As she prepares to graduate in 2026, she appreciates the clarity she gained from her co-op placement. “I’m finishing my placement with a clearer vision of what I would like to do in the future,” she says.