Careers in Biofabrication

Marcie Black, CEO and President of Advanced Silicon Group, explains that the biotech industry is made up of a wide variety of roles, offering opportunities for many different skill sets. From scientists and researchers who develop new technologies, to hands-on professionals who build and maintain equipment, the field needs all kinds of people. Whether you're drawn to research, problem-solving, or working with your hands, there’s a place for you in biotech.

Childhood: “I loved to take things like electronics and furniture apart to see how they worked (and sometimes got in trouble for it!)”

High School: “I learned to work with computers and even started a business making gaming computers for my friends”

College: “I got a degree in business because it seemed like a safe bet”

After graduating: “I got a job doing computer repair and realized electronics was my real interest”

High School: “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I had great science teachers who made the subject come alive for me”

Choosing a college: “I got great advice that it would be really crucial to get hands-on experience at school”

In college: “I took lots of lab-based classes to build real-world lab skills to prepare me for work”

After graduating: “I wanted a graduate program that would let me apply my skills toward making a difference in society, so I chose biotechnology”

Childhood: “I loved working on classic cars with my uncle”

High School: “I took a machine shop class so I could learn to build things”

After graduation: “I joined the Navy as a machinist and learned how to fix all kinds of things under pressure!”

After serving: “I got a job building equipment and making sure everything works in a biofabrication laboratory”

Childhood: “I loved solving puzzles”

Middle School: “I enjoyed learning about nature, life sciences, and biology”

High School: “A visiting professor sparked my interested when he explained engineering is about solving problems”

College: “I studied chemical engineering because it combined problem solving with biology”

After graduation: “I found an internship at a biofab start-up then they hired me as a full-time employee”

Childhood: "I loved playing outside and being in the woods."

Middle School: "I enjoyed reading about nature and finding animals in my backyard."

High School: "My AP Biology class convinced me I wanted to pursue a career in science."

College: "I studied Material Science Engineering and got involved in undergraduate research. I loved working in a laboratory environment. I continued my education into graduate school and Received my master's in biomedical engineering."

After Graduation: "I connected with a 3D printing and tissue modeling company at a conference and was excited to join their team."

Childhood: “You need to have a sense of wonder about the world, and you also have to love solving puzzles”

High School: “It’s really exciting to work on all different parts of a project - the electrical, the mechanical, the programming, the modeling, and the testing”

College: “I did a lot of hands-on work with robotics, and mechanical and electrical systems”

After graduating: “My everyday job is a combination of designing, building, analyzing, and testing”