Background: No science background prior to the Bridge to Bioscience Program. Previously working as an automotive technician.
Completed Lab Assistant Certificate, Biotechnology A.S., Stem Cell Technology Certificate & Biomanufacturing Certificate
Bioscience Internship: Culture Robotics (Now Culture Biosciences)
Current Career: Bioreactor Production Manager at Culture Biosciences
The CCSF Biotechnology Program has been instrumental in helping me transition to a new career from an automotive technician/parts specialist to a Bioprocess Technician. Back in 2012, I began exploring my options in the biotech sector by taking the Bridge to Bioscience courses where I had my first taste of what working in a lab looks like. From there, I enrolled in a wide range of biotechnology courses, including bioreactor technology and stem cell technology. Through the support of knowledgeable faculty and friendly classmates, I acquired many new skills, such as working in an aseptic environment, preparing media, handling biologics, and operating light microscopes. These classes prepared me to enter the CCSF bioscience internship program in Spring 2018 where I was a student intern with Culture Robotics. In addition to gaining valuable hands-on industry experience in bioprocessing and fermentation, the internship support class also helped me develop science communication skills, resume writing skills, and interview techniques. Soon after my internship concluded, I was excited to accept an offer from Culture Robotics where I have been working as a Bioprocess Technician. I am truly thankful for CCSF Biotechnology Program’s role in jump-starting a new career and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
Derrick Wong (center) with his colleagues at Culture Biosciences
Derrick Wong presenting his CCSF Bioscience Internship poster on his internship work at Culture Biosciences at the CCSF Biosymposium.
