160+ New Hires from 24 North Carolina Life Sciences Companies Honored at NCBiotech’s Fifth Career Celebration

Over 160 new hires from 24 North Carolina life sciences companies were honored at NCBiotech’s fifth Career Celebration, held during North Carolina Life Sciences Week. They also represented 10 community colleges and universities providing training for life sciences careers. Roughly 35 hires were celebrated in person alongside their peers, mentors, employers, family, and friends.

Many of the honorees were supported through initiatives funded by the $25 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant, which will wrap up in December 2026. Honorees completed training through various BBBRC-supported programs, including the Ambassador Program, BioWork, the BULLS Life Sciences Academy, NCGrads2Work, and the HBCU/HAIU Coalition two-week biomanufacturing training. Individuals hired after completing an AAS in Biotechnology degree and veterans employed through NCBiotech's MOVE Boots to Biotech program were also honored.

BioWork is a certificate program offered at North Carolina Community Colleges that teaches the fundamentals of working as a process technician in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing facilities. 

The celebration, sponsored by the North Carolina Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium (NCLSAC), also emphasized the importance of private-public partnerships in creating career pathways. NCLSAC includes 11 companies collaborating with academic institutions and nonprofit organizations to host apprenticeships that combine hands-on training with classroom learning.

Each new hire joined North Carolina’s robust life sciences community of 76,000 employees. Below, two honorees share their story, along with a past honoree sharing how her career has continued to grow. 

David Briggs: Took a Direct Route into Biomanufacturing

David originally considered becoming a veterinarian or zoologist. Then, he realized he was more eager to put his biology degree to work than to continue directly to graduate school following graduation. A turning point came when his favorite professor, Dr. Kaitlyn Campbell, mentioned UNC Pembroke’s inaugural two-week bioprocessing course. 

The short course prepares students for entry-level positions in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.  Because it was fully funded, he jumped at the chance and used every resource it offered.

Briggs credits the program’s instructors for giving him the tools to succeed, including Dr. Siva Mandjiny, a professor at his college, and Dr. Nathaniel Hentz. They provided hands-on preparation, technical skills, and industry insights that smoothed his transition into the workforce.

After a summer of sending applications to companies, he was contacted by Randstad, a staffing company that supports Biogen. At Biogen, David enjoys continuous learning. He believes that early success in life depends on the people around you.

Briggs finds the work rewarding and believes people from all walks of life have something to offer. “I love North Carolina life sciences with all my heart,” said Briggs.

Karol Zarazua: How BULLS Training Prepared Her for the Lab

Karol wanted to be a veterinarian since she was four years old. After high school, she began an associate degree at Wake Tech, then paused her studies to work while dealing with personal matters. A friend introduced her to the BULLS Life Sciences Academy, a partnership between Durham Tech and Made in Durham, which opened her eyes to career opportunities in life sciences. Karol graduated in July 2025, then spent nearly a year applying for upstream and downstream roles. 

Her persistence paid off in June 2026, when she joined the Medical Device Operations team at United Therapeutics after being placed through Accentuate Staffing.

Karol says her Durham Tech instructors and Made in Durham staff made all the difference. She was inspired by her instructor, Towanda Booker, and encouraged by her coach, JacQuetta Manson. 

She also credits Josephé Featherstone and Darnette Belin, and says the staff genuinely cared about students and the community. Hands-on training in personal protective equipment, standard operating procedures, documentation, and GMP prepared her for her new role. Within two to three months, she was doing testing in the lab.

Karol urges job seekers to build relationships, attend events, and introduce themselves to others because networking can open doors an application alone cannot.

“There is space for everyone in this field. Your background and uniqueness can be part of what makes you valuable,” said Karol.

The Career Celebration also demonstrated the lasting impact of programs like NCGrads2Work. Honorees not only start their careers in the life sciences but continue to grow and contribute at their organizations. Kiriayani Woolard, honored at a previous Career Celebration, is just one example. 

Kiriayani Woolard: Pivoted from Accounting to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Kiriayani Woolard considered careers in pediatrics and genetic studies. But without financial resources for university, those pathways didn’t feel attainable. While at Pitt Early College High School, she settled on accounting. Soon after selecting accounting, her friend introduced her to the NCGrads2Work program. Mike Renn of the Pharmaceutical Services Network provided a formal introduction to the industry, including current good manufacturing practices (GMP), data integrity documentation practices, and aseptic gowning. As part of the program, participants who complete NCGrads2Work training are guaranteed an interview with local employers. 

Her father had heard good things about Thermo Fisher, and her high school counselor encouraged her to apply. After she was hired as an Operator I in sterile production, experienced technicians taught her about the equipment and processes. That operator experience provided the foundational skills she needed for her next role as an R&D/Manufacturing Scientist I.

Many life sciences employers offer tuition reimbursement, meaning she could continue her education while starting a career and making life-saving medicines. 

Woolard has since earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Carolina University with Thermo Fisher’s tuition reimbursement. She urges others to try life sciences, noting the industry spans operations, quality, engineering, laboratories, and more. 

“A single decision to try something unfamiliar can lead to an education, a meaningful career, lasting relationships, and possibilities you may never have imagined for yourself,” she says.