Everything You Need to Know About BioWork

BioWork is a community college-based, non-degree certificate program that prepares students for entry-level jobs in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or biopharmaceutical industry.

This month's Career Development Network event will feature a presentation about the BioWork program and a panel discussion with BioWork stakeholders. Learn how this program will prepare you for a career in the biopharma industry.

Speakers and Presenters

Cynthia Lawrence, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology Workforce Continuing Education, Wake Technical Community College

Cynthia earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership-Higher Education with a dissertation topic and passion around combat veterans' adjustment to college. She has served as Director of Biotechnology WCE at Wake Tech since April 2022. Previously, she worked at Pfizer as a gene therapy operation specialist and as a senior training specialist.

Cynthia has taught various science courses at the community college level, where she found her niche in teaching and training adult learners. What makes her happiest is to see individuals from training programs find gainful employment in industry.

Telicia Hunter, Life Sciences Program Director, Durham Technical Community College

Telicia is a passionate scientist and educator who is committed to uplifting the community in her role as Director of the Life Sciences programs at Durham Technical Community College.

Telicia obtained her B.S. in Biological Sciences/Human Biology from NC State University and began her career in biopharma as an RNA Manufacturing Associate II at Argos Therapeutics. 

At Argos, Telicia supported and cross-trained with several departments, including quality control, quality assurance, research & development and validation. She discovered her passion for education and training when she began at Durham Tech as an adjunct instructor and progressed to developing courses for the program and industry partners. Since then, Telicia and her team have committed to ensuring all students, no matter their background, have equitable opportunities to join the life sciences industry and gain a meaningful career.

Lynn Tover, Ph.D., Career Development Specialist, Life Sciences, Durham Technical Community College

Lynn holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education from NC State University. She has written and presented on career development topics in Mexico and the United States, including advancing equity in STEM career fields.

She currently serves as a career development specialist for students and graduates of Durham Technical Community College’s Life Sciences program.

Gregg Parr, Biotechnology Pathway Navigator, Central Carolina Community College

Gregg is proud to serve as the Biotechnology Pathway Navigator for Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC. In his Navigator role, Gregg supports BioWork and bioprocess technology students with resume development, interview preparation and job search strategy.

As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Gregg works to help his students identify and communicate their unique skills and talent to Biopharma employers. Prior to his current assignment, Gregg worked for IBM in sales operations.

Danielle Hussey, Biotechnology Career Navigator, Wake Technical Community College

Danielle is Wake Tech’s Biotechnology Career Navigator. She has 11 years of experience working within the career services sphere. Danielle promotes career activities and reviews and approves all the BioWork student resumes.

She also works with the directors of the Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical Technology Associates Degree programs to help students navigate their way into the workforce. 

Danielle assisted in spearheading Wake Tech’s first BioTech Career Fair and is a part of the RTP Bio, a collaboration between Durham Tech and Wake Tech that unites biotechnology, biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical talent pipelines in the RTP region.

Erica Monique Vilsaint, Executive Director, BioNetwork and Life Sciences, Economic Development Division, North Carolina Community College System

Erica earned a B.S. in biological sciences and an M.A.S. in animal science from NC State University. She remains academically engaged through MBA coursework and admission to NC State's College of Education's Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development doctoral program, where her area of study is adult, workforce and continuing Professional Education.

Erica has held biopharmaceutical and bioanalytical industry-based positions in quality assurance, control, and process improvement.

Erica's roles in professional development and marketing at the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) of NC State's College of Engineering focused on workforce development in biopharma and lifelong learning through training and education. 

She currently serves as Executive Director of BioNetwork and Life Sciences, where she is the primary contact for biotechnology-related business and industry and where she collaborates with other members of the NC Community College System. She is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), serving as co-chair of BioMADE's Education and Workforce Development DEIA subcommittee.

Lisa Smelser, Ed.D., Department Chair, Biotechnology, Central Carolina Community College

Lisa holds an M.S. in Biology with a certificate in Biotechnology in addition to earning her Ed.D. in Science from Ball State University. She is also a 2020 BioWork graduate from Wake Tech Community College.

Lisa serves as the Department Chair for Biotechnology programs at Central Carolina Community College, where she teaches and advises students in curriculum degree programs as well as continuing education courses specific to the growing need for a diverse Biopharmaceutical workforce. 

Dr. Smelser has been trained in cell and gene therapy techniques, pipetting, and automation to keep current in the field. As evidence of her dedication to student success, Dr. Smelser is the 2021 Excellence in Advising award recipient at Central Carolina Community College.

Gene Lofton, Manager, Training and Development, KBI Biopharma

Gene is a learning and development professional, who has demonstrated his aptitude for advancing employee training, diversity, and organizational structures in multiple industries to drive productivity. His expertise encompasses diversity and inclusion, organization design, and program development. 

Gene has earned Master's degrees in Adult Education and Training and Organization Development/Leadership. He has had roles at several pharma and biopharma companies in the RTP area.

Pecolia Johnson-Scott, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Novo Nordisk

Pecolia Johnson-Scott has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition. She is an experienced recruiter in the healthcare industry and more recently at Novo Nordisk.