Bioscience Student Success Stories
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Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Rachel Rivas
“My name is Rachel Rivas, and I graduated from Citrus College in 2016 with an Associate of Science degree in Biological/Physical Science and a certificate of achievement in biomanufacturing. I was in the first cohort of students to complete the college’s biotechnology program. Now, I am working as the quality systems/compliance supervisor for Bimeda, a global manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals. In my position, I am responsible for managing the production facility’s quality management systems, ensuring we remain in compliance with U.S. and international regulations for pharmaceuticals. Much of my day is spent writing and reviewing investigations, quality control testing, and planning corrective and preventative actions, as well as reviewing product manufacturing documents and confirming that our facility is making a product that consistently meets our high-quality standards. I enjoy the challenges I encounter in my work; I find difficult tasks more engaging than things that are easier. Maintaining our high standards and finding areas that can be improved is also rewarding.
The biotech curriculum at Citrus College prepared me well for these types of challenges; when I entered the workforce, I had a good foundation of knowledge in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, as well as the technical skills that helped me greatly in my first positions as a laboratory technician and microbiologist. The college’s biotechnology program is a great option for students who are looking to gain those technical skills and seek employment in the industry, as well as for students who are interested in transferring to pursue an undergraduate degree in biotech.”
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Akosua Acheampomaa
Currently employed as a Tissue Culture Expert in a local agricultural research company, Akosua Acheampomaa valued the practical training in the Biotech program. The interactivity and training occurred even during Shelter in Place through the use of virtual labs as well as home labs for hands-on experience. Akosua says,
The Biotech program prepared me with applicable coursework in tissue culture, plant biotechnology, and other laboratory techniques. The professor went above and beyond to assist students in finding work.
Also helpful to Akosua was networking, which she says effectively assists students in job hunting and finding internships to build work experience.
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumn Kenton Chung
Background: No science background prior to the CCSF Biotechnology Program.
Programs: Bioscience Internship, Stem Cell Technology Certificate & CIRM Bridges Stem Cell Trainee Program
Bioscience Internship: Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Development Unit (ABPDU), LBNL
Currently: Research Associate, Meunch Lab, Vitalant
I took the plunge into the Bioscience Internship Program because I wanted to see what was waiting for me after I completed my degree. CCSF’s extensive network quickly got me into contact with both industrial and academic professionals interested in helping me build my career – and the program’s professional support enabled me to keep up the pace with them. During my five-month internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to and present tangible, meaningful research, build my contact list, and renew my interest in my field of study.
I also decided to shoot for certification in stem Cell Technology, which can conveniently be completed alongside the internship program. CCSF’s biotechnology certifications are built from no-nonsense, industry-standard training in techniques universities don’t offer that not only go directly onto your resume but also count as progress toward the above internship. The Stem Cell Technology certificate also makes students eligible for a paid, 9-month long internship in stem cell research at a local laboratory through the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine.
Involvement in this program has given me the tools, experience, and training I need to lay the foundation for a successful career in bioscience.
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Duy Masuno
Duy Masuno Went from Business Major to Biotech Pro
Duy Masuno was born in Vietnam. When she was a teenager, her mother asked if she wanted to study abroad. Duy jumped at the opportunity. She moved to Los Angeles, where she completed high school.
When family in the Bay Area told her mother that there was a community college right next to their home, she decided to give Contra Costa College’s Business Administration program a try.
An internship in that program changed her life. She hated it.
“If it is a career that you plan to do for the rest of your life,” she explains, “it’s no use just to take the classes and get good grades. It’s very important to take the classes, get good grades, and then go out and apply what you’ve learned. An internship or professional shadowing will give you the feel for whether you want to do something for the rest of your life.”
It turned out that she didn’t want to become a business administrator at all.
She was still deciding what she wanted to do instead when a month-long trip back to Vietnam forced her to try some creative scheduling. Online and short-term classes were her only options that semester.
The first online class she took was Introduction to Biotechnology. “Because,” she explains, “I was able to finish it from across the world.”
“I didn’t really know anything about the biotech industry or what it could be applied to. I thought, If somebody is studying biology, they have to become a doctor, they have to become a nurse, which I do not want to do.”
But what Duy came to love about biotechnology is the diversity of options it presents.
“Anything you can apply microbiology to,” she explains, is touched by biotech. “Biofuel, pharmaceuticals, gene editing, cancer research. It’s everyday uses, too, like making tires or cosmetics. Biotechnology has opened so many doors for me. That’s why I like it.”
“At the moment,” she says, “I’m interested in biofuels and also drug discovery.”
With a change of major, Duy suddenly found herself surrounded by people who shared her interests and values.
“It just became a homey environment for me after I decided to change my major. It felt really good.”
She credits the Center for Science Excellence for helping her through everything from choosing classes to transferring to a four-year school. She also found a new mentor in a USDA program she connected with through the CSE.
In 2015, Duy graduated with associate degrees in biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics and science, economics, and business administration. (She only had one or two classes left to complete the last two, so she decided to just go for it.) In 2017, she graduated from UC Berkeley.
Duy just returned from an internship at a molecular genetics lab at Osaka University in Japan, where her work involved DNA replication.
“If Contra Costa College wasn’t there,” she says, “I don’t think I would be here, at this point. Not graduating from UC Berkeley, not looking at tech internships.”
“It’s the place where I learned everything. I learned how to study. I learned what career paths I could take. I learned that I could get help from school support services. I learned that if I speak out and build my confidence, I can get what I want.”
“So, basically, Contra Costa is like a big monument in my life. It’s a point where I changed my life. I learned that I should invest time to develop myself. I think that’s my personal greatest achievement. I learned to be confident in myself, and to go for it.”
“Go for it,” by the way, is her advice to the world. “Try it out. If you don’t like it, just try something new.”
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumn Andrew Relopez
Marine veteran Andrew Relopez was driving along South Coast Highway in Encinitas a few years back when a billboard touting MiraCosta College’s new bachelor’s degree program in biomanufacturing caught his attention. “I went on the internet to find out what biomanufacturing was all about,” Relopez recalled. “I said, yeah, I can get into that.”
Indeed. On May 22, Relopez will be the student speaker when the first cohort of graduates in the groundbreaking biomanufacturing program are honored during a reception and recognition ceremony. Relopezz’s years of moving from job to job after leaving the Marine Corps are over. Instead, he’s establishing a new career in an in-demand industry that is experiencing explosive growth.
“It was hard work, no doubt,” said Relopez, 32, who credits his wife, Andrea Relopez, with providing the support that has been critical to his success. “A lot of long days and long nights. But if you want to achieve something great, you’re going to have to put in the work.”
Relopez is making history. MiraCosta was among just 15 community colleges in the state securing approval to offer a bachelor’s degree under the California Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program. The limited number of colleges were allowed to offer one degree that would prepare graduates with the skills needed in high-demand professions and in a major that wasn’t duplicating a program at a nearby University of California or California State University campus.
Relopez couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Born in Long Beach and raised in Hemet, he enlisted in the Marines after graduating from San Jacinto High School. Relopez served with the Marine Corps infantry from 2005 through 2009 based at Camp Pendleton and saw combat during his seven months in Iraq during the surge of 2007. He tried college a couple of times while transitioning to civilian life but gave up the books for a series of jobs ranging from a security guard at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station to a bouncer at a bar in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
He recalls becoming intrigued with the sciences while watching a scene in the movie The Martian in which Matt Damon played a stranded botanist learning how to survive on the red planet. The next day, Relopez happened to drive by the billboard in Encinitas promoting the MiraCosta College biomanufacturing program.
After researching the profession, Relopez met with a counselor, set up an education plan, and began taking the prerequisites needed to join the initial cohort of 23 students enrolling as juniors in the fall of 2017.
All but one of those initial 23 students will be graduating in May.
“I like the idea of being in a profession where I can contribute to saving people’s lives,” said Relopez, who has already landed a job as MiraCosta College’s interim science laboratory technician supporting upper and lower division courses in the biomanufacturing program.
“It’s a very unique degree to have,” Relopez added. “It is very specific to the biotech hub we have here in North County. All the coursework was developed in consultation with the industry, which identified special skills that were needed. It’s not theoretical. This degree prepares you for life-saving research that is going on just down the street in our community.”
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Kendelle Gallagher
Kendelle Gallagher appreciated being introduced to many different aspects of biotech, some of which she had never considered.
One of my favorite topics was fermentation because of how many ways it can be applied. Remarkably, fermentation is used not only in foods but also in pharmaceuticals!
Kendelle is currently working at Thermofisher as part of a design transfer. She helps the COVID controls team create part numbers and documents for the COVID products.
Being a part of Cabrillo’s Biotech program helped prepare me for what working in the science industry would be like. Professor Petersen did an amazing job of sharing local job opportunities and encouraging students to pursue careers in science. Having someone so knowledgeable about the industry willing to answer questions was amazing.
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Lisa Uribe
Lisa Uribe is on her path toward applying to the medical lab technician program at Folsom College. She credits the Biotech program for “helping me narrow down my educational goal by providing real-world experience and expertise from the professors.”
Lisa says the Biotech program offered great hands-on experience in the lab. This challenged her to learn more about this field that she had no experience in.
The possibilities are endless and the professors are immensely helpful and encouraging. My advice to anyone thinking about working in the field is to enroll in this program. It provides you with job opportunities and many tools needed in the workforce.
Lisa appreciated the program’s help in preparing her for a job in the biotech industry through resume and interview training, and internship opportunities. Her internship at Startup Sandbox provided her with the necessary work experience.
It was a great experience working with remarkable people who also helped me succeed!
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumn Gabriel Simpson
As Gabriel Simpson stood in front of the room at MiraCosta College sharing his biomanufacturing pitch, it was hard to believe how much had changed in such little time.
Less than three years ago, Simpson was taking on odd jobs just to manage. He had recently moved back to San Diego after struggling in a university system where he felt unsupported, and the prospect of going back to school was far from a priority.
Then, one day, his mother told him about a new biotechnology certification program in the area. Despite the challenges at the previous university, she knew Simpson remained passionate about science and thought this would be a good opportunity for him to reengage in the field.
“By then, it had been a few years since I was in a classroom,” recalled Simpson. “It was definitely hard to get back into the groove, but I knew the certificate would open doors.”
Shortly after completing the program, Simpson received his first internship and soon set his sights on even greater ambitions—the MiraCosta College Biomanufacturing Program.
After having some success through the certification program, Simpson knew he was ready to continue in higher education and pursue his bachelor’s degree. The only problem was that his grades were not as strong as many of his peers.
“I actually started crying when filling out the MiraCosta College application,” shared Simpson. “I was looking at all the Fs on my transcript and felt hopeless.”
Nevertheless, Simpson filled out all his statements, completed the requirements, and submitted his application for review. Then the response came. Simpson’s application was declined for acceptance into the competitive bachelor’s degree program in biomanufacturing.
For many, that could have been the end of the story. But for Simpson, it was just another obstacle to overcome, and a prime example of what sets MiraCosta College apart from most.
The MiraCosta College staff recognized Simpson’s work ethic and passion for the sciences, and together worked to build a plan that would allow Simpson to join the Biomanufacturing Program the following semester.
“To this day, I still think back to my start at the previous university where no professors or staff took the time to help me. I felt so isolated. Here, the MiraCosta staff and professors encourage me and are invested in my success,” explained Simpson. “MiraCosta College provides an empowering education. That can make all the difference in the world for students like me. It can change the entire trajectory of someone’s life.”
Today, Gabriel and his mother frequently reflect on how much his life has changed in just a few years. He knows he still has a lot to do, but he recognizes that all his struggles have made his current successes that much more special. Something he will never forget as he completes his bachelor’s degree and begins his career in the local biotech industry.
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumna Olga Cisne-Thompson
Background: No science background before the Bridge to Bioscience Program. Previously working in retail.
Program: Bridge to Biosciences, Lab Assistant Certificate, Stem Cell Certificate, and Associates Degree in Biotechnology.
Bioscience Internship: Redding Lab, UCSF
Current Career: Research Assistant, Tenaya Therapeutics
Previously a Lab Assistant in the Huang Lab at the Gladstone Institutes culturing and differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into primary cortical neurons for compound testing. Olga has also worked as a Manufacturing Associate at Audentes Therapeutics.
See Olga’s CCSF Biosymposium poster from her internship at UCSF
Listen to Olga’s journey – Talking Technician’s Podcast
If you find science interesting and can see yourself working in that field, I believe the CCSF Biotech program is a great step into that path. This program is not only filled with amazing knowledge, but it offers a lot of hands-on experience, which will come in handy if you want to work in a biotechnology/biology lab and/or company. I was that person who really wanted to work in a science-related field. The CCSF Biotech program helped me realize along the way, that I want to work in research. I had never been in classes where teachers were so invested in their students.
I understand that as a biology major or chemistry major, you need to take core classes, but I strongly and highly recommend taking classes from this program as they will not only prepare you with laboratory skills but also set you apart from everyone who has taken the same courses as you. I have met students who have come back to take courses from this program to gain techniques that were required by jobs they wanted and graduate school. What I wish I had known about the program is how independent you will be once you obtain a job. You must take the initiative to learn as much as you can on your own by reading articles or shadowing anyone on your team. Everything else, all the teachers advise you very well on what to expect so don’t forget their advice. I believe this program prepared me with a great base of knowledge, skills, and advice, that I use and think of every day.
Spotlight: Biotechnology Alumn Luis DeLuna
MiraCosta College helped Luis De Luna turn his life around and find his future. Enrolled in the Biomanufacturing Baccalaureate program at the Oceanside Campus with plans to earn a Ph.D. in the molecular sciences, De Luna has now become the first MiraCosta College student to earn the prestigious DREAM Scholar recognition from Achieving the Dream.
De Luna will be honored in Chicago this month at the DREAM annual convening, the national organization’s 2023 signature event.
“Guidance and support had been missing in my life until I connected with the educators here at MiraCosta College, said De Luna. “Being a DREAM scholar is an absolute honor because it means that I finally have gained direction in my life again.”
Achieving the Dream is a nationwide nonprofit that provides integrated, tailored support in guiding community colleges toward sustainable institutional transformation that will improve student success through an equity lens. The DREAM Scholars program is an experiential learning opportunity for community college students designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and networking skills. Every year, up to eight DREAM Scholars are selected through a competitive application process to participate in a learning experience that culminates in attending and sharing their experiences at the annual DREAM convening. DREAM Scholars are nominated by their college and selected for their leadership, initiative, and commitment to improving higher education.
“Luis is a burgeoning Latino scientist who has overcome a lot of personal challenges to pursue his education,” said Dr. Barbara Juncosa, a professor of biotechnology who encouraged De Luna to enroll in the baccalaureate program. “He represents the enthusiasm, drive, and grit of our MiraCosta College students.”
Born in San Diego, De Luna grew up in Escondido for most of his childhood and, along with two younger siblings, was raised primarily by his mother. “I was not the easiest kid to take care of, getting in trouble and doing things I shouldn’t have been doing,” he said. “Getting a good education,” he added, “was more of an afterthought than any sort of strategic plan.”
De Luna’s prospects began to change when his family left Escondido for an affordable housing opportunity in Del Mar and he enrolled at Torrey Pines High School. He found teachers who believed in him and his potential, and he took part in the school’s AVID program. But De Luna wasn’t prepared academically or professionally when he arrived at California State University San Marcos. He felt he didn’t belong. He failed nearly every class in his first year. He dropped out with a GPA of 1.23.
“Disheartened and depressed, I considered myself a living failure,” said De Luna, who was preparing to find a job and get on with his life.
Not before giving MiraCosta College a try. During his first semester, he earned his first ‘A,’ which changed his life. With a level of assistance, encouragement, and advocacy that he had never seen before, De Luna shined.
“The old mindset that I had began to grow cracks at the foundation, and with time I realized that I loved learning, especially in the sciences.”
He’s become a scholar, made the President’s List, and was accepted into the Biomanufacturing Baccalaureate program, one of just 15 community college bachelor’s degree programs in California.
“MiraCosta has helped me transform myself,” he continued. “The education is significantly better than what I had experienced anywhere before. The professors are there to teach, they’re there to make sure you get what you need, and they’re there for you. Plus, the available resources make it so much easier to navigate. Student services, the food pantry, and academic support. The STEM Center. The library alone has an infinite number of resources. You have a staff that cares. Plus, it’s a beautiful campus. You can’t get much better than being right next to the ocean.”
The support has him reaching higher than he ever thought possible. Recognition for Achieving the Dream is icing on the proverbial cake.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from MiraCosta College, De Luna plans to a Ph.D. at UC San Diego in molecular sciences. His long-term goal: is a career in gene and cell therapies. Or, perhaps, a professorship at MiraCosta College, where he can have the same sort of impact on others that his mentors at the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses had on him.
“I, and a lot of people I know who were unsure of what they wanted to do or where they wanted to go or who they wanted to be, came out of MiraCosta with a strong sense of direction,” he said. “With the cost of tuition for that kind of quality of education, I wouldn’t want to belong anywhere else.”
"The California Bioscience Workforce Development Hub is a leader in bioscience education. They support rigorous program development to supply the skilled workforce needed by California's vibrant biotech industry.”
Linnea Fletcher, Principal Investigator, InnovATEBIO – National Biotechnology Education Center
41%
Salary Boost in First Year after Graduating
91%
Find Employment In Their Chosen Field
72%
Recieve Promotions In Their Careers