Biotech Beat: From Pre-Nursing Student to Formulation Scientist Lead

Sometimes, the career path you are on turns out to be not a good fit. What can you do? Keep you eyes open, talk to trusted advisors, and take a chance at a new path. Listen to the August Biotech Beat Podcast as Rachel's describes her successful career journey as she changes course from aspiring nursing candidate to successful Biomanufacturing Formulation Scientist Lead while staying true to her passion--helping people.

Rachel started out at CCSF (City College of San Francisco) wanting to be a nurse. But as she moved through her prerequisites she realized that the nursing program was not a good fit for her. An astute advisor suggested she pivot to Biotech, and complete the CCSF Stem Cell Technology Certificate Program. She now works at Thermo Fisher Scientific in their Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). Thermo's CDMO develops and manufactures products based on clients' specifications--products such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells (CAR T cells).  These cells are taken from a patient's body and modified to attack the patient's cancer cells - a form of personalized medicine.

Rachel's path to Thermo Fisher started her education at CCSF, during which she often worked two jobs to be able to support herself. It continued with an internship at BABEC (Bay Area Bioscience Education Community), a non-profit biotech company. After that she joined Twist Bioscience, where she worked in serveral positions over 4.5 years. When the company moved to Portland OR she decided she wanted to stay in San Francisco and so applied to Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Rachel's advice that she would give to anyone thinking of going into the biotechnology field? Check out what your local community college has to offer, its often compatible with working adults' schedules. There is a lot of funding available, especially in California. Technology skills are important, but soft skills are important too. Be polite, and be politely persistent. Everyone likes the person that makes sure the biohazard bins are taken out!

The Biotech Beat Podcast (funded by DUE 2202011) has new episodes every month. Hear all of Rachel's interview on Spotify,  iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts
 
Are you a community college graduate and interested in being on the podcast? Please email Cassandra @ cassandra.mitchell-nothaus@austincc.edu