Bringing life changing medicines to patients starts with skilled professionals who understand both science and manufacturing.
In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Dennise Cardona ’23, M.A. speaks with bioprocess engineer and UMBC biotechnology graduate Chidera Igbokwe ’22. Their conversation explores graduate education, industry impact, and the responsibility of delivering life changing medicines to patients worldwide.
Watch the full episode on YouTube!
Completing a Biotechnology Graduate Program for Advanced Therapies
Dennise:
You recently graduated from UMBC’s M.P.S. in Biotechnology. You completed the program this past December, which is a major accomplishment. How does it feel to reach that milestone?
Chidera:
It feels great, honestly. School was enjoyable, but it was still school. I feel relieved and proud to finally complete the program.
Balancing Work, Life, and Graduate Studies in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Dennise:
Many professionals worry about balancing full-time work and graduate school. How did you manage that balance during the biotechnology program?
Chidera:
The program structure made balancing work and school manageable. Classes met in the evening, which allowed me to focus during working hours. I dedicated one evening per course and stayed organized with assignments. It was demanding, but the setup made success realistic.
Graduate Education That Supports Life Changing Medicine Development
Dennise:
Hard schedules often lead to the greatest growth. The sense of accomplishment after finishing can feel incredibly rewarding.
Chidera:
I completely agree. I gained knowledge that directly applied to my role in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
That growth helped me contribute confidently to more technical conversations at work.
Building Expertise in Bioprocessing for Life Changing Medicines
Dennise:
Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to UMBC?
Chidera:
I work as a bioprocess engineer at a pharmaceutical company in Rockville, Maryland. I support manufacturing processes for life changing medicines. Although I studied chemical engineering, I wanted deeper biological process knowledge. The UMBC biotechnology program helped me understand the “why” behind manufacturing decisions.
Learning From Industry Experts and Regulatory Leaders
Dennise:
It’s powerful when academic learning aligns with real-world work.
Chidera:
Absolutely. The program connected us with FDA professionals and industry leaders. I could finally ask questions about regulations and global manufacturing standards. Those insights clarified decisions we make every day in pharmaceutical production.
Working With New Technology in Bioprocess Engineering
Dennise:
What is your current role today?
Chidera:
I now support a new manufacturing facility as a bioprocess engineer. The facility uses modern single-use technologies instead of traditional stainless steel systems. Seeing both legacy and advanced facilities strengthened my understanding of scalable production.
How Graduate School Accelerates Career Growth in Biotechnology
Dennise:
Many listeners wonder whether a graduate degree is truly necessary. How did this program support your professional growth?
Chidera:
The program broadened my understanding beyond my specialization. I learned how upstream cell culture connects to downstream purification processes. In class, I could ask questions freely without slowing down business meetings. That learning environment made a significant difference.
Gaining Industry Exposure Beyond One Company
Dennise:
Exposure to diverse perspectives often changes how professionals approach their work.
Chidera:
That exposure was invaluable. Guest speakers shared experiences from different companies and regulatory environments. Hearing those perspectives expanded how I think about manufacturing life changing medicines.
Collaborating With Diverse Biotechnology Professionals
Dennise:
What was it like working with classmates in the program?
Chidera:
We completed many group projects with students at different career stages. Those collaborations revealed fresh perspectives and challenged fixed thinking. I learned to stay flexible instead of defaulting to workplace habits.
Applying a Growth Mindset in Biotechnology Education
Dennise:
That approach reflects a strong growth mindset.
Chidera:
It really does. Approaching projects as a learner helped me stay curious and open-minded.
That mindset encouraged better teamwork and stronger learning outcomes.
Exploring Ethics in Life Changing Medicines Development
Dennise:
Which course stood out most during your studies?
Chidera:
The bioethics course stood out the most. A law professor led discussions on clinical trials and ethical responsibility. It challenged me to consider patient impact beyond daily engineering tasks.
Understanding the Responsibility Behind Life Changing Medicines
Dennise:
What was your biggest takeaway from the UMBC experience?
Chidera:
I learned that this industry extends far beyond individual roles. Everything we do affects patients who rely on life changing medicines. That responsibility explains the industry’s strict focus on quality and documentation.
Finding Support Within the UMBC Community
Dennise:
Was there anything else that stood out about your experience?
Chidera:
The UMBC community felt incredibly supportive throughout the program. Professors responded quickly and classmates stayed engaged and committed. I always found help whenever I needed guidance.
Navigating UMBC as an International Biotechnology Student
Dennise:
Can you share your experience as an international student?
Chidera:
The international student office provided exceptional support. They helped with documentation, internships, and work authorization questions. That support made the entire graduate experience far less stressful.
Professional Advice for Biotechnology and STEM Careers
Dennise:
What is the greatest professional advice you’ve ever received?
Chidera:
No question is a stupid question. Asking questions prevents costly mistakes in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Graduate school offers a rare chance to learn deeply, so stay present and engaged.
Final Thoughts on Bringing Life Changing Medicines to Market
This conversation highlights how education, curiosity, and responsibility intersect in biotechnology careers. Through hands-on learning and industry exposure, UMBC graduates help deliver life changing medicines safely and effectively. Their work reminds us that behind every treatment lies dedication, ethics, and lifelong learning.
Watch the full recorded podcast on YouTube to hear Chidera’s insights in her own words.