Justin Mai 

"Prior to joining the CCSF biotech program, I was working different jobs part-time and exploring random educational programs. I had no background in biology. My initial worry going into the CCSF biotech program was that it would be too difficult for someone with no prior education in science. I always had an interest in the biological sciences, but I never really committed to it. I gave CCSF’s Biotech Program a try and my gut told me to continue.

I liked that the program offered hands-on experience and internship opportunities. Also, the cost of taking classes was much more reasonable at a community college than at a typical four-year university. As a tactile learner, the emphasis on performing lab benchwork at CCSF really helped me understand a lot of biological concepts and theories.

During my internship at the Vitalant Research Institute, I was exposed to various studies focused on blood and blood disorders. Blood research has become one of my interests and I hope to continue pursuing research in this field.  Having just received an APIA scholarship, my plans after the stem cell internship are to transfer and complete a B.S. degree in molecular and cell biology."