Biotech Beat: A Career in Clinical Trials

The Biotech Beat Podcast, from the Alumni and Industry Engagement ATE project (DUE 2202011), delivers fresh episodes each month. Tune into their March 9, 2026 episode where Stephanie describes her path from pre-vet studies to clinical trial work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Stephanie, a Maryland native, started her undergrad career with a plan to go to vet school.  Along the way she realized she liked the labs better than the lectures, and that pre-vet wasn't a good fit so she pivoted to psychology. After she got her bachelor's degree she heard from her brother that Montgomery College Germantown had a great biotech program with labs.  Stephanie connected with Dr. Lori Kellman who gave her information about the certificate program. Stephanie says it was "a bit daunting" to go back to school, but after a conversation with a friend, she realized that she was in a good position to explore since she was only in her 20's and lived at home.

Stephanie's passion is to work with her hands, so the biotech certificate at Montgomery College was a great fit. Her work at the NIH also fits her interests well--she processes blood and bone marrow from patients that come from around the world to the NIH's hospital. These patients are participating in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, experimental treatments that they hope will work for them when nothing else did.

Stephanie really enjoys her work, every day is different with a wide variety of lab processes. The skills she learned in the certificate program were a great foundation for her job, although it took about a year to be fully trained.

Tune in on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts for more of Stephanie's journey and the advice she shares--keep learning and be flexible!

If you're a community college graduate, they'd love to hear about your journey on Biotech Beat. Please get in touch with Cassandra at cassandra.mitchell-nothaus@austincc.edu.