A Circuitous Path to a Thriving Career in Quality Control
Bria Yates’ journey, from community college to Quality Control Specialist at Merck, was far from straightforward. Her story is a testament to self-discovery, resilience and resourcefulness.
Why Bria chose an HBCU—and how it shaped her career
In her senior year of high school, she enrolled in Wake Tech's online pharmacy technician course. However, by her sophomore year of college, Bria had a crucial realization: she didn’t want to be a pharmacist. 
While enrolled at Wake Tech, Bria’s best friend's mother, Dr. Yolanda Andersn, who served as the dean of Environmental Sciences at NC Central University (NCCU), invited Bria to visit the campus. That day, she met colleagues in the biology department, and everything changed. She knew she wanted to attend NCCU to pursue a pre-med degree.
"NCCU was a great fit,” Bria shared. “Attending this school shaped my confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose."
At NCCU, Bria ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. But it was one of her professors who opened the door to her current career path. Bria’s professor, Dr. Williams, encouraged her to attend an industry night, where global pharmaceutical company Merck was presenting.
At that event, Bria met Tiffany Hand, an NCCU alumnus and associate director of quality at Merck, who saw her potential but encouraged her to enroll in NCCU’s Pharmaceutical Science master's program to build on her foundational skills and become more marketable.
Overcoming unexpected challenges with community support
While enrolled in NCCU's Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences program, tragedy struck. Her grandmother passed away, and her mother fell ill.
As an only child, Bria found herself navigating profound grief while becoming a caregiver for her mother. The stress of losing a loved one coincided with new academic responsibilities and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. But NCCU's community rallied around her. Dr. Ibeanu, her professor in drug discovery that semester, other faculty members, and students became pillars of support.
"The professors were very supportive throughout this journey," Bria recalled. "They offered flexibility, giving me extra time to study, and stayed after hours so that I could catch up on tests."
Her professors provided resources, tutoring, and flexibility that allowed her to continue her education during this difficult time.
After completing her master’s degree and earning a certificate in clinical research, she continued to thrive at Merck, where she currently ensures the accuracy and integrity of live virus potency testing.
Beyond academics, NCCU equipped Bria with soft skills. At a networking event, Bria received crucial career guidance around resumes and interviewing. That pivotal moment taught Bria the transformative power of mentorship and community investment—lessons she now pays forward.
Giving back: mentorship, advocacy, and inspiration
Today, Bria remains connected to the NCCU community that shaped her, regularly returning for career fairs, resume workshops, homecoming and speaking engagements. She continues to fight for authenticity, advocacy, and access in the life sciences.
"Mentoring is my way of giving back," she explained. "I want to ensure more voices from our HBCUs are represented at every table."
Her advocacy extends beyond the lab. For example, Bria had the opportunity to represent Merck on Capitol Hill, advocating for legislation for the STEM Restart Act and Paycheck Fairness Act, drawing attention to the contributions of her congresswoman and promoting equity in the workplace.
What Bria loves most about working at Merck
For Bria, working at Merck provides both professional growth and profound purpose.
"What I love about Merck is that the medicines we make are helping people," she explained. "We've had times where co-workers would send us thank you messages because their children took a vaccine that we manufactured here."
In May 2025, Bria was promoted to quality control specialist and is thriving at Merck. In her work, she ensures that every vaccine leaving Merck's facilities is safe and effective. It's work that requires technical skills, a commitment to quality, and attention to detail. But knowing she's protecting children and families makes every day worthwhile.
Beyond traditional job responsibilities, Bria is active in The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and one of Merck’s employee business resource groups, the League of Employees of African Descent (LEAD), finding community and support that echoes what she experienced at NCCU.
Advice for the next generation of scientists
For students who are considering life sciences careers, Bria emphasizes the importance of doing your homework and self-exploration.
"It's very important to understand all the different career paths that life sciences have to offer," she advised. "I did not know initially what I could do with a life sciences degree. As you explore the many avenues, think about what would play to your strengths, what you’d be good at.”
Beyond research, Bria believes that networking with professionals in fields that interest you is incredibly valuable. Networking helps you understand the breadth of opportunities available. Most importantly, Bria encourages students to embrace the journey, even when it takes unexpected turns.