Biotech Beat: A High School Class Made ALL the Difference
Elizabeth Stewart, InnovATEBIO
The Biotech Beat Podcast, from the Alumni and Industry Engagement ATE project (DUE 2202011), delivers fresh episodes each month. Tune into their November 10, 2025 episode where Dalton shares his journey from his BioWork class in high school to his current role at Grifols Therapeutics in Clayton, North Carolina.
Dalton credits his Johnston Community College BioWork class that he was able to take in high school with getting him interested in biotech--in fact he said that biotech "sounds like a dream, and he had to have it!". He lives close to work, and when he comes home he takes care of his bearded dragon lizard and loves to read and listen to music.
At Grifols, Dalton is a Technician I, and he wears scrubs and coveralls in his role. He is new to his role, only 4 months, so he is still training but often is making media and cleaning. There is a lot of paperwork to keep track of the different prep steps but he knows what he is doing he is helping to save lives, so although his first day was terrifiying, it was also thrilling. He sees this as a career, and looks forward to growing with Grifols.
Before he worked at Grifols he worked at Dunkin' Donuts, so this was a big jump but Dalton feels that working in food service really helped to prepare him for his current role. But he feels that BioWork was the key part of his preparation. It familiarized him with lab processes and terminology--even surface level knowledge really helps.
Dalton says that it took him about a month and lots of applications to land his "dream job"--and he is really happy, even with his rotating shift schedule. Caffeine helps!
Dalton says if you are going to go for it, take it seriously and be dedicated and pasionate! AND, ask questions--be interested and invested.
Tune in on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts for more of Dalton's journey and the advice he shares--be passionate, dedicated, and curious.
If you're a community college graduate, they'd love to hear about your journey on Biotech Beat. Please get in touch with Cassandra at cassandra.mitchell-nothaus@austincc.edu.