I earned my Bachelor of Science in 2005 from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I’ve lived my entire life. After many years working directly with patients in the healthcare sector, I felt a strong pull back toward science — not just as a career shift, but as a return to something I’ve always been passionate about.

When I began exploring graduate programs, Northeastern University stood out for its rigorous online master’s in biotechnology and bioinformatics. I applied in December 2023 with full commitment, working closely with my applicant advisor. A glitch in their automated system initially disqualified me, and I was told I wouldn’t be reconsidered. But I knew I belonged in that program, and I fought hard to challenge the decision. Eventually, the College of Science agreed — and welcomed me with open arms. Sometimes, you have to advocate for yourself when the system gets it wrong.

During my first summer at Northeastern, I spent two weeks in Boston completing in-person lab requirements. By sheer coincidence, my assigned lab partner was from a town just an hour north of Tucson — and now lives even farther from Boston than I do, out in San Diego. It was one of those moments that reminded me how small the world can be.

Since returning to science, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. When I last worked in the field, the Human Genome Project had just concluded. Back then, I saw academia as the primary path for scientists. I didn’t yet grasp how expansive and innovative the biotech industry had become. Most of my peers were pre-med, and I was among them — but I often wonder how my trajectory might have shifted had I known what was possible in biotech from the start.

Still, I’m grateful for my time in patient care. It grounded me in the real-world impact of scientific progress and exposed me to the limitations of current technologies — limitations I now feel equipped to help overcome. As I’ve progressed through the program, I’ve developed sharper analytical thinking, stronger theoretical reasoning, and a deeper sense of mental discipline.

I’ve considered pursuing a doctorate, and that remains a long-term goal. But as someone making a mid-career transition, I wanted to enter the field quickly and meaningfully — and Northeastern’s Co-Op requirement has been instrumental in preparing me for that. I’ve taken multiple professional development courses and feel confident stepping into the industry.

The integration of AI into biotech has been transformative, and Northeastern has kept pace by offering cutting-edge seminars and training. These opportunities deepened my interest in bioinformatics and affirmed my decision to specialize in this area. As the field moves away from traditional animal models and toward simulation, modeling, and in silico research, I’m ready to contribute. Our coursework involved real datasets and industry-standard software, and I’ve had the privilege of learning from instructors who are not only experts in their fields but also authors of foundational texts and research.

Inspirational Quote:

"“Biological data will continue to pile up unless those who analyze it are recognized as creative collaborators in need of career paths.”

Excerpt From

The Biostar Handbook: 2nd Edition