Building a career in biotech requires more than scientific knowledge—it demands regulatory understanding, business acumen, and hands-on experience.
Biotech is one of the fastest-growing and most impactful fields in science today, offering opportunities to create treatments and therapies that improve lives worldwide. We sat down with Kendall McWilliams, ’20, Chemical Engineering, M.P.S. Biotechnology, to discuss how UMBC’s biotech graduate program helped him navigate the complexities of the industry and prepare for a meaningful, purpose-driven career.
Watch the full episode on YouTube!
Discovering the Path to Biotech Careers
Dennise Cardona.: What first drew you to the UMBC Biotechnology Graduate Program, and what were you hoping to gain when you enrolled in the program?
Kendall McWilliams: One of my good friends recommended the program. I realized it teaches everything you need to navigate the biotech industry. As a chemical engineer, I had emphasized bioprocessing in my undergrad, so it was a logical next step. After taking six months to work in the industry, I decided it was the right time to deepen my knowledge of biotech. This program felt like the perfect way to continue building a career in biotech.
Passion for Purpose-Driven Work in Biotech
Dennise: What do you love most about the biotech industry right now?
Kendall: The most exciting part is transforming a promising discovery from a university lab into a clinical treatment. Seeing data translate into effective therapies is deeply fulfilling. Delivering a new drug or monoclonal antibody to patients gives purpose to every experiment and decision in the lab. Programs like UMBC’s make it possible to combine education and experience for building a career in biotech that truly impacts patients.
Integrating AI into Biotech Innovation
Dennise: With AI advancing rapidly, how does it fit into biotech?
Kendall: I first explored AI in 2016, creating evolutionary algorithms for Sudoku and later calculus learning programs. Building a career in biotech has allowed me to apply similar AI techniques to real-world problems.
In biotech, I now use neural networks to optimize bioreactor conditions. For example, we increased protein production by 50% by modeling temperature, pH, and feed parameters. AI acts as a highly capable assistant, but building a career in biotech has taught me that human oversight is essential to ensure data quality and meaningful results.
Learning From Experienced Mentors
Dennise: How has the program prepared you for the realities of working in biotech?
Kendall: The professors and guest lecturers are invaluable when building a career in biotech. They provide insights into industry ethics, operations, and management that you won’t find in textbooks. Mentorship has been key to building a career in biotech, helping me understand how to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining quality standards.
Applying Graduate Training to Real-World Biotech
Dennise: How has your time in the program helped you in your current role?
Kendall: My chemical engineering background gave me strong scientific knowledge, but the program filled gaps in management and regulatory understanding. Courses in project management, business practices, clinical trials, and facility design prepared me for hands-on biotech operations and regulatory compliance across various products.
Balancing Graduate School With Work Responsibilities
Dennise: How do you balance graduate school with your professional responsibilities?
Kendall: Working in upstream biotech means long days. Understanding the ultimate goal—helping patients—keeps me motivated. The program also connects students who work while studying, creating opportunities to share strategies and learn from different biotech experiences.
Lifelong Learning in a Career in Biotech
Dennise: Will completing the program make your workload easier?
Kendall: Even after graduation, the learning continues. Biotech evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous education, understanding new technologies, and identifying ways to improve operations. UMBC’s program provides a strong foundation for lifelong growth and is essential for anyone serious about building a career in biotech.
Ethical Responsibility and Purpose in Biotech
Dennise: It seems purpose drives your work.
Kendall: Absolutely. My first engineering mentor emphasized protecting the public. In biotech, that translates to improving patient outcomes through safe, effective medicines. This is a guiding principle for every engineer and scientist in the field.
Why UMBC’s Biotech Program is a Strong Career Choice
Dennise: What would you say to someone considering UMBC’s biotech graduate program?
Kendall: UMBC’s program prepares students for multiple biotech career paths. You can transition from science to business, move into quality assurance, or explore medical devices. The program provides hands-on skills and regulatory knowledge to expand your opportunities. It ensures you’re not limited to one specialization but can navigate the entire industry confidently.
Final Thoughts
Building a career in biotech is challenging but rewarding. UMBC’s M.P.S. in Biotechnology equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship needed to succeed across science, management, and regulatory landscapes. For aspiring biotech professionals, this program offers both purpose and practical preparation to make a real-world impact.
Watch the full recorded podcast on YouTube to hear more on Kendall’s insights.