Biotech Beat: Biotech and Graphic Design Work Together

Tune in to the November 1, 2025 episode of Biotech Beat where you can hear Eroica talk about her role as a lab assistant at Austin Community College (ACC) and how her interest in graphic design informs her biotechnology work.

Growing up, although Eroica was interested in the sciences, particularly biology, she did not see a career path that would fit her, given that medicine and academia seemed to be the only two choices and she was not interested in either one. After high school she started at ACC, taking both biology and graphic design courses. When a family member suggested taking biotechnology, she discovered an applied route that really clicked. 

Outside of work, Eroica builds the artistic art side of her life, and baking too. She also reads comics, with a favorite being Gunnerkrigg Court. Her day to day role varies depending on what is needed, but generally material prep, demo-ing for students, cleaning, testing new materials, and pitching in for whatever is needed. She enjoys watching the students progress through the classes that she had taken when she was in the ACC biotechnology program.

Eroica said that starting her job in biotechnology was very scary but the whole team was supportive and she really enjoys what she does. Her role has also grown as she had opportunities to collaborate with UT Austin as well as other labs.

Eroica feels her graphic design training has helped with her biotechnology--both due to the visual aspects of both fields, and the organization skills needed to make sure communication is clear and efficient. She also feels her classes at ACC helped her practice her presentation skills and gave her skills that opened doors in her life. Her job has shown her the surprising number of applications for biotechnology training--she feels it opens a multitude of avenues a student could take in their career.

Her advice? Say yes to new opportunities and don't underestimate the power of your connections.  Eroica said that her father worked as a semi-conductor engineer for most of her life, and on a work trip he met Dr. Linnea Fletcher, the Biotechnology Department Chair at ACC. A conversation between the two travelers led to Eroica enrolling at ACC, a pivotal decision on her part. A chance meeting leading to a strong career choice.

Tune in on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts to hear Eroica tell her story.