Growing up, Micah Gelfand was always intrigued by science in the natural world.
“I remember when I was growing up, sitting outside watching ants going in and out of their holes, watching them do their thing. I’ve always been interested in how things work; in particular, living things.”
Micah’s parents were very supportive of his scientific curiosity. When Micah was five, his dad gave the family a fish tank, which increased Micah’s fascination.
“I was and still am, fascinated by fish, especially how they raise their young. All the different strategies different fish species employ. From laying tons of eggs, shockingly eating their own eggs right after laying, to some that give birth to live babies to others that spend great care sheltering babies in their mouths.”
To this day, Micah keeps a fish tank, and he enjoys kayaking on the Puget Sound.
“I like paddling around, just being on the water and floating on the waves. It’s a real treat to see orcas. They are so fast! They pop up and then the next time you see them they could be a mile away.”
After high school, Micah moved from Massachusetts to Washington to attend The Evergreen State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He seemed well on his way to a career in science and fulfillment of his childhood interests.
However, he discovered that finding a career in the field he wanted could be very challenging.
“When I was applying for jobs, I was often competing in a sea of applicants with bachelor’s degrees. I really struggled honestly; it was so hard getting rejected over and over. Eventually, I realized how much specialty certifications could help candidates rise to the top.”
Discouraged, he pivoted to manufacturing, receiving a certificate in Manufacturing from Shoreline College, and soon a related manufacturing job in Everett. While the job didn’t serve all his scientific interests, it was a decent job, and that was good enough. Unfortunately, however, during the COVID-19 pandemic he was laid off.
“I’d always wanted to get back into biology or science in general. But I felt like it was too late, like it had been too many years since my degree. I thought I’d have to get a master’s degree which was unappealing to me as I did not want to spend more years in school.”
Then Micah discovered Shoreline College’s Essentials of Biomanufacturing Certificate program, a uniquely rapid ten-week program offering students a fast-track to a career in biomanufacturing. Created through a partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb and Seagen (now part of Pfizer), the program prepares students to assist in the development of medical treatments and connects students to paid internships within the industry.
“The internship was critical to getting the career in biotech I’d wanted to get for so long. I’m still here, four years later, at AGC Biologics working as an Associate Scientist. I love my job. Having first-hand, hands-on experience, very concretely made the difference. I could spot the trick question in my job interview because of what I learned at my Seagen internship. All in all, I wouldn’t be here without my experience at Shoreline College. Professor Rachel Rawle especially, is a fantastic educator. She’s passionate about science and biotech. She inspires her students, myself included!”
Now Micah has a job he enjoys in a scientific field he always wanted to pursue.
“Working in biopharma is a multi-disciplinary and very interesting career. There’s chemistry and biology working together among other disciplines, so I learn every day. Fundamentally, people need the medicine we’re making. There’s a stability to that. Furthermore, I feel a real sense of pride knowing I’m making an impact in people’s lives.”
Thanks to generous contributions from industry partners, Micah also noted that the equipment used at Shoreline College is the same as what he’s using in his current role.
“There are Vi-CELL cell counters – we use that every day for cell culture. Centrifuges, thermocyclers, you name it, all these instruments you can see and use as a student in the Shoreline labs are the same or very similar to ones used in industry. It’s clearly a program designed to put people in the field.”
Appreciative of Shoreline College’s contribution to his career, Micah is determined to pay it forward in whatever ways he can. He’s returned to the classroom multiple times as a guest panelist to share what it’s like working in biotechnology.
“People think of how intimidating science can seem, like you must know everything, memorize everything. I try to make it less scary for the students to imagine themselves in the field. My attitude is to break down complex procedures into understandable steps. If things are so complicated that it takes a genius to do it, there’s something wrong! Furthermore, you’re going to make mistakes and can always improve and learn.”
“Paying it forward, being on these panels, talking to students, is about helping someone succeed. I was fortunate to have so much support from my family and institutions, especially Shoreline College. It feels important to help others.”
To learn more about the Essentials in Biomanufacturing Program visit Shoreline.edu/programs/biotechnology. If you’d like to learn more about being an alumni mentor at Shoreline College, email alumni@shoreline.edu.