Pfizer (Rocky Mount)
Automation System Analyst; (Current)
The pharmaceutical industry was something I had yet to explore, and I wanted to learn more about some of the tools and techniques that are utilized for production. I joined the Automation Department at Pfizer's Rocky Mount facility in April 2023. Primarily, I am part of an effort to historize and retrieve all data at the site using AVEVA PI System products, but I am involved on multiple efforts to maintain critical systems. I am also tasked with understanding and being able to decipher various logical programs such as those found in the controllers utilized at the plant.
This continues to be an opportunity that I learn much from as I also involve myself in efforts to maintain proper documentation and good manufacturing practices sanctioned by the FDA. I look forward to working with and learning from various colleagues within the Pfizer network as I continue my efforts in this position.
University of California, San Francisco
Graduate Student Researcher; (Left Jan. 2023)
Obsessed with bridging the gap between biochemistry and computer science, I accepted a position as a graduate student in the Biophysics PhD program at UCSF. It was here that I was able to participate in some of the cutting-edge research being performed with a large focus on de novo protein design using computational methodology. I was able to rotate with Dr. William "Bill" DeGrado to learn more about this and how his lab approaches this realm of research.
In addition to the academia side of things, moving to the West Coast was a big transition for me. It brought me to a very diverse campus and city that exposed me to topics and interests that I was unaware of or had no access to previously. Ultimately, I realized that while the research was interesting I was lacking industry experience. Therefore, I sought to look for a position that would allow me to delve deeper into this.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. Computer Science, Neuroscience Minor; (Graduated 2022)
Being part of the Research Triangle, UNC-CH fostered an environment that provided an overwhelming number of opportunities. From peers to professors, the campus pushed an interdisciplinary focus on education that guided me to learn, expand, and even challenge my perspective.
The experience as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar in Dr. David Lawrence’s lab ingrained in me a passion for learning and research. Particularly, it translated topics I learned in the classroom to application-based approaches to biological phenomena. I was involved with two research projects, with one being published in the Journal of Chemical Education, which you can access here.
UNC-CH instilled in me a passion for learning and inspired me to continue to think outside of the box.