Student profiles

The Bioscience Technology offers certificate and degree options to serve students with a wide variety of backgrounds. This includes individuals with no previous science background, as well as those with a prior degree in science or other fields. The program provides training and professional development to meet a diverse set of goals, including preparation for entry-level bioscience technician positions, development of specific technical skills to change career fields and advance, and continuing education options.

Hear from graduates of the Bioscience Technology program regarding their education and experiences in the bioscience field:

Melanie Holzer

Melanie HolzerEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2018)

Experience: Compliance, Genentech; Quality Assurance Technician, Swire Coca-Cola; Document Management System Specialist, Genentech

“I wouldn’t have been able to get the jobs I had or the job I have without BIT! With the help of my friends and instructors from the program, I was able to discern my strengths and find where they belong.”

Alex Sathler

Alex SathlerEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2019); pursuing a BS in Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University

Experience: Bioinformatics intern, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (2019); Molecular Biophysics intern, Princeton University (2020)

“What surprised me the most about the program was its ability to develop your professional skills and help you establish connections with members of the local industry…through resume writing classes or tours, the faculty in the program do their best to enable you to land a job in the bioscience industry by the end of your time in the program.”

Robert Manni

Robert ManniEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2017)

Experience: Laboratory Technician, OHSU Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute; Laboratory Animal Technician, Yecuris Corp.; Laboratory Assistant, Portland State University

“The BIT program offered the exact skills I wanted to develop professionally as a future biologist. I was concerned that I would spend my time pursuing a four-year degree only to find that I did not have the skills or experience to be competitive in the job market. Developing my laboratory and industry knowledge in this rigorous program was exactly what I wanted.”

Alec Barstad

AlecEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2019)

Experience: Laboratory Technician, Oregon Health & Science University

“The program helped me understand what I enjoyed about research and industry and the different aspects I would enjoy pursuing in both. It gave me a sense of assurance that no matter what I chose to pursue, I would be equipped with enough skills and knowhow to be successful.”

Melisa Acosta Ramirez

Melisa Acosta RamirezEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2015); BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Tsukuba (Japan, 2019)

Experience: Quality Assurance Technician, Pacific Foods; Researcher, Bonac Corporation (Japan)

“Once I entered my final research year at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, the basic laboratory skills I earned from the BIT program really helped give me an advantage in comparison to my peers. I felt much more comfortable and confident in my lab and this allowed for a smooth transition.”

David Chavez-Gonzalez

Education: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2019); prior degree: BS in Micro/Molecular Biology from Portland State University

Experience: Quality Control Laboratory Technician, SEDIA Biosciences

“My work at SEDIA is proving to be all that I hoped it would be. Many of the skills the BIT program gave me are now helping me succeed at work. Recently I was selected to be part of the safety committee, which is a welcome challenge.”

Narin Hattakitnikorn

Narin HattakitnikornEducation: AAS in Bioscience Technology (2019); prior degree: BS in Biotechnology from Mahidol University (Thailand)

Experience: Laboratory Technician, Immunology Consultants Laboratory

“I decided to take this program because I believed it would prepare me for the job market by providing hands-on practice to learn the US. industrial regulation, and opportunity for career networking.”

Kelly Fosler

Kelly FoslerEducation: Advanced Bioscience Technologist Certificate (2018); prior degree: BS in Biology from Oregon State University

Experience: Laboratory Technician, Immunology Consultants Laboratory

“I really feel that the program helped me to enter into a career with confidence and the technical ability to succeed. I highly recommend this pathway for anyone considering a career in the biotechnology field.”

Amir Shakibafar

Education: Bioscience Technician Certificate (2016); prior degree: BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tehran University (Iran)

Experience: Manufacturing Engineer Technician, Intel

“I found out that being a student in this career pathway could help me to build up my self-confidence and at the same time networking with people in different industries would open doors which were closed to me before. Employers in the Portland area believe that PCC graduate students can handle the job.”