Biotech Beat

Zita is a fourth-year graduate student researcher in Systems Biology at the University of California, Irvine. Zita shares how a high-school biotech program and community-college training helped launch her research career, and describes her work in a research lab studying evolutionary epigenetics. Zita also discusses the transitions from community college to university and graduate research, finding support and confidence in the lab, and why biotechnology is a growing field with many different employment opportunities.

City College of San Francisco Biotech Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology

Williams is a senior pharmaceutical associate at Sampson Biologics in Rockville, Maryland. Williams was initially drawn to biotech to help people. Outside work, he enjoys fixing up his house and outdoor activities. Williams started as an apprentice, progressing to a senior role over five and a half years. He credits his Montgomery College and the apprenticeship for his success. Now Williams has financial stability and independence. Williams advises students to explore non-traditional education paths, like apprenticeships, to gain practical experience and avoid college debt.

In this episode you’ll meet Juan, a manufacturing associate and shift coordinator at Novo Nordisk. Juan discusses his journey into the biotechnology industry. He heard about the Bioworks certificate at Johnston Community College (JCC) and despite initial job search challenges, Juan secured a role at Novo Nordisk because of a four-day internship in JCC’s Bio Blend program. Juan highlights the extensive documentation in biotech, the benefits of Novo Nordisk's two-to-three shift schedule, and Novo Nordisk's education reimbursement program. Juan advises aspiring biotech professionals to explore the field's diverse career paths.

JCC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html

Careers at Novo Nordisk: https://www.novonordisk.com/careers/find-a-job.html

Stephanie, a lab technician at the NIH, discusses her career path from pre-vet studies to a biotech certificate at Montgomery College. At the NIH, Stepnhanie works with patients from around the world, processing blood and bone marrow for clinical trials. Stephanie highlights the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and being flexible in the workplace. She advises those interested in biotech to pursue their passions and embrace continuous learning, as her experience at NIH has been both challenging and rewarding.

MC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html

Careers at the NIH: https://hr.nih.gov/careers/career-fields/student-recent-graduate-careers

In this episode you’ll meet Devyn, a lab tech at Pharmaron in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Devyn was inspired by cancer in his family history to pursue a career in science. Devyn attended Montgomery College, where he learned skills like homogenization and traceability, which helped him secure his job at Pharmaron. Devyn advises students to embrace mistakes and maintain routines for better time management.

AJ is a quality assurance specialist at BIOQUAL in Rockville, Maryland. AJ shares how his interest in epidemiology led him to a career in biotech. AJ chose Montgomery College for its strong biotech program, and low cost tuition. At BIOQUAL, AJ works on data generation, SOP development, and auditing processes. AJ emphasizes the value of networking, continuous professional growth, and hands-on experience for aspiring biotech students. AJ encourages students to actively seek opportunities and build meaningful industry connections.

MC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html

Careers at BIOQUAL: https://bioqual.com/why-join-bioqual/

In this episode, you’ll meet Lena, a Renasant Bio scientist, whose journey into biotech began in 2014. Lena credits the Bridge to Biotech program at City College of San Francisco for building hero biotech knowledge and lab skills. Over the years, Lena gained experience at four biotech companies- specializing in assay development and high-throughput imaging. Lena’s advice to community college students is to be flexible, stay resilient, and let personal drive guide you past early challenges.

Stephanie, a lab technician at the NIH, discusses her career path from pre-vet studies to a biotech certificate at Montgomery College. At the NIH, Stepnhanie works with patients from around the world, processing blood and bone marrow for clinical trials. Stephanie highlights the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and being flexible in the workplace. She advises those interested in biotech to pursue their passions and embrace continuous learning, as her experience at NIH has been both challenging and rewarding.

Jennifer works in biotech at Novo Nordisk in Clayton, North Carolina. She pursued biotechnology through a program at Johnston Community College. Jennifer's professional roles evolved from entry-level production to management, leveraging her skills and the company's training programs. She emphasized the importance of practical experience and professional growth opportunities within Novo Nordisk. Jennifer advised aspiring biotechnologists to stay focused, believe in themselves, and take advantage of educational and career development opportunities.

Johnston Community College BioWork Certificate Program: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/biowork.php

Careers at Novo Nordisk: https://www.novonordisk.com/careers/find-a-job.html

Dalton is a technician at Grifols Therapeutics in Clayton, North Carolina. Dalton shares his journey from high school to his current role, highlighting the impact of the BioWork class he took in high school. He details his daily responsibilities, including working in buffer prep and the importance of detailed reporting. Dalton shares his experience of adjusting to a rotating shift schedule and the pride he feels in contributing to life-saving work. Dalton advises aspiring biotech professionals to be passionate, dedicated, and curious.

Johnston Community College BioWork Certificate Program: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/biowork.php

Careers at Grifols: https://www.grifols.com/en/careers