Biotech Beat: First-Gen College Student to Compliance Auditor--Science with a Twist!
Tune in to the May 5, 2025 episode of the Biotech Beat podcast, where you will get to hear Natalie Marquez, a first-generation college student and now an Austin Community College (ACC) alumna, talk about her training and developing career in the field of biotechnology. Natalie works at Clinical Pathology Laboratory (CPL) in Austin, where she is a Compliance Audit Specialist.
Natalie was not sure what she wanted to do after high school but she liked to write, and biology was one of her favorite subjects. She also knew she wanted to go to college, and one of her first courses at ACC was with a biology professor who was so passionate in his teaching that the experience solidified her decision to pursue a career in science. After that, her first class in the ACC biotechnology program helped launch her path to a biotechnology career and that career started with a post-graduate job as a Research Assistant in a clinical laboratory, helping with blood draws. After that she moved into the research laboratory, working with samples before being furloughed during Covid and so then taking a reagent manufacturing technician position. Next, she got another position as a research assistant at a women’s health clinic and it was there that Natalie began to take on more of the administrative side of the work. She found that fit her interests well, and so then took her next step to CPL. Natalie feels that her experiences in the clinical lab and in manufacturing, helped prepare her for her current role. Natalie’s current work at CPL includes investigating HIPAA compliance incidents, reviewing phlebotomy sites, and both writing and implementing new policies and procedures. She has only been there 8 months but already has opportunities for further growth, something that CPL encourages.
Natalie admits there were some challenges during her ACC time, mainly due to inexperience with the administrative processes of college, but she believes the strong support ACC gives to its students made all the difference. Long bus rides made for long school days, but she feels it was all worth it.
Natalie’s words of advice on how to get that first post grad job? Start during school—get experiences, build your network and don’t be afraid to take risks. Also, research the possible careers in biotech, there are so many different opportunities so look for the one that would be a great fit for you!
Tune in on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts for more of Natalie's story and see why a biotechnology degree sometimes leads you to science, with a twist!