Biotech Beat

Alumni and Industry Engagement Project
  • 5.0 (1)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Biotech Beat Podcast is a podcast about technicians and education in the biotech industry. Each Biotech Beat is an interview with a community college alum in the biotechnology industry.

  1. 12/22/2025

    Jennifer - JCC Alum - Manager of Aseptic Processes

    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

    15 min

  2. 11/10/2025

    Dalton - JCC Alum - Lab Technician 1

    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

    14 min

  3. 11/01/2025

    Eroica - ACC Alum - Lab Assistant

    Eroica, a lab assistant at Austin Community College (ACC), discusses her journey into biotechnology. Initially interested in biology and graphic design, Eroica discovered biotech through a recommended course. Her role involves cleaning, material prep, and demos, which she enjoys. She collaborates with UT Austin on projects with students and highlights the importance of connections, citing a pivotal meeting on a plane between her father and a biotech leader that led her to the biotech program at ACC. Eroica advises students to seize opportunities and value connections. Austin Community College Biotechnology Program: ​​https://programs.austincc.edu/science-engineering-and-math/biotechnology/

    21 min

  4. 08/14/2025

    Darrin - CCSF Alum - Associate Scientist

    Darrin, a biotech professional at Conception Biosciences in Berkeley, CA, talks about his journey from being inspired by Jurassic Park and marine biology to his current role as an Associate Scientist. He highlights his educational path, including a break from undergrad, a return to City College of San Francisco's biotech program, and a stem cell technology certification. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, grit, and honesty in scientific careers, noting the rapid changes and collaborative nature of biotech research. Careers at Conception Biosciences: https://conception.bio/

    19 min

  5. 08/01/2025

    Lashanda - JCC Alum - Manufacturing Associate

    Lashanda, a manufacturing associate at Novo Nordisk in Clayton, North Carolina, shares her journey from Johnston Community College to her current role. Inspired by a field trip to a biotech facility, she applied and was accepted into a summer program. Lashanda discusses her daily responsibilities, including monitoring processes and sampling, and highlights the benefits of her job, such as a 401(k) plan and health benefits. She emphasizes the predictable schedule and the significant salary increase, which has improved her quality of life as a single parent. Lashanda encourages others to pursue biotech careers, noting the industry's growth opportunities and benefits. Careers at Novo Nordisk: https://www.novonordisk.com/careers.html

    16 min

  6. 06/04/2025

    DaMone' - ACC Alum - Lab Operator Level 3

    DaMone', is a Lab Operator Level 3 at Emerald Cloud Labs in Austin, Texas. DaMone’ talks about how he got interested in biotech and how his role at Emerald Cloud Labs involves tasks dictated by software, including preparing stock solutions and running HPLC. DaMone' highlights the importance of internships, citing his experience at XYZ Laboratories and the University of Houston, which provided practical knowledge. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of biotech work, influenced by industry trends and contracts. DaMone' advises aspiring biotech professionals to network and seize opportunities, as his professional connections helped him secure his first biotech job.

    20 min

  7. 05/05/2025

    Natalie - ACC Alum - Compliance Audit Specialist

    In this episode of the Biotech Beat podcast, you’ll meet Natalie Marquez, a compliance audit specialist at Clinical Pathology Laboratory in Austin, Texas. Natalie shares her journey into the biotechnology field, starting from her education at Austin Community College to her various roles in the industry. She discusses the importance of compliance in biotech, her career progression, and the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student. Natalie also offers advice for aspiring biotech professionals, like participating in professional networking events and being open to different opportunities within the biotech industry.

    14 min

  8. 04/09/2025

    Adia - JCC Alum - Bioprocessing Associate

    Adia, a community college alum, discusses her journey into the biotech industry. Inspired by her family's involvement, she pursued a career in biotech, working at Humacyte, a 20-year-old startup in Durham, North Carolina. Adia works in 2D bioprocessing. She balances her role with studying online at East Carolina University. Adia highlights the importance of community college education, including her Biowork Certificate and associate degrees, in preparing her for roles at Grifols and  Humacyte. She advises aspiring biotech professionals to persist, as working at biotech startup companies can be rewarding despite challenges.

    15 min
See All (18)

About

The Biotech Beat Podcast is a podcast about technicians and education in the biotech industry. Each Biotech Beat is an interview with a community college alum in the biotechnology industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Alumni and Industry Engagement Project
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alumni and Industry Engagement Project
  • Show Website
    Biotech Beat