Interdisciplinary Study
Biotechnology
Leveraging microbial innovation to advance medical solutions and sustainability
Relevant Coursework:
-Biotechnology
-Design Manufacturing
-Material Science Biomaterials
-Tissue Engineering Technologies
-Core Technologies in Molecular and Cellular Biology
-Microbial Biotechnology
Engineering
Gaining advanced knowledge of mathematics, physics, and coding languages to utilize in practical physical, mechanical, and electronic applications
Relevant Coursework:
-Physics for Engr. I & II
-Biomedical Mechanics
-Biomedical Electronics
-Calculus I-III
-Applied Differential Equations
-Computer Methods in BME
-Microsoft Suite
Science
Understanding biological and chemical processes at the micro and macro levels to support biotechnological advancements
Relevant Coursework:
-General Biology
-General/Quantitative/Organic Chemistry
-General Microbiology
-Biotransport
-Biochemistry
-Human Physiology (Mechanial and Electrical)
-Human Nutrition
Business
Conducting and communicating market and supply chain analyses to make cost-efficient decisions in pharmaceutical industries
Relevant Coursework:
-Biomedical Product Development and Implementation
-Biomedical Ethics
-Global Regulatory Affairs
-Interpersonal Communication
-Research Methods in Marketing
-Consumer Behavior
-Current Topics in Biosciences Management
Scientific and Technical Background
Upstream
Mammalian cell culture (growth, harvest, viability, fixation, dehydration, infiltration; fibroblasts, endothelial (NHEK) cells), paraffin embedding, sectioning, staining and mounting, imaging, PCR, gel electrophoresis, living skin equivalents (LSE) models, microscopy, micropipetting
Coding
Java, MATLAB, Arduino (C/C++), Unix, HTML, CSS, Python
Downstream
Colorimetric microplate assays, gel electrophoresis/SDS-page, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), buffer exchange/ultrafiltration, mechanical cell lysis, TOC, MALDI-TOF, HPLC, ddPCR, autoclaving, solid phase extraction (SPE)
CAD
SolidWorks, Fusion360
Manufacturing
GxP, GMP documentation, SOPs, protocol writing, verification, validation, LIMS/EDMS, FMEA
Microsoft Suite
Word Expert, PowerPoint, Excel Expert
MMB Program Overview
Overview
The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program at NCSU is an all-encompassing, two-year, non-thesis, hybrid curriculum designed to set students up for success in the biotechnology industry via practical application. Throughout the program, students engage in both science and business coursework, including hands-on, collaborative industry projects, internship experience, MBA-level coursework, and invaluable networking opportunities.
The program highlights professional development, evidence-based methods, and project management. Through this, students learn about flexibility, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and effective verbal and written communication.
As a Biomedical Engineering student, I decided to partake in the MMB program to truly strengthen my knowledge of the scientific background behind the innovative processes I was studying while simultaneously learning about process development and the financial and ethical considerations that must be made along the way. As I seek to become a well-rounded individual, I believe that my diverse knowledge and skill set will allow me to provide invaluable insights in the workplace.
MMB Practicum Project
Semester-long industry collaborations
Semester 1
Novonesis: Developing a Sustainable Landscape for Biosolutions
RESEARCH & BRAINSTORM
Investigating opportunities in the supply chain to integrate various substrates and by-products of food upcycling to align with Novonesis' sustainability initiatives
ANALYSIS
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Complete market analysis for industry sectors and substrates
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Identify leaders and targets for production
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Assess stakeholder needs
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Establish federal framework discussing regulatory barriers
PRESENT FINDINGS
Present aggregate research findings for areas of potential development to Novonesis business development leaders including recommendations and potential setbacks
Semester 2
Orsini: Developing a Digital Marketing Strategy for Speciality Pharmacy
RESEARCH & BRAINSTORM
Analyzing various customer segments, channels, and relationships to provide tactical digital marketing strategy recommendations based on an extensive analysis of the competitive landscape of digital marketing
ANALYSIS
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Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to Orsini’s current digital positioning.
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Analyze competitor's digital positioning to help inform Orsini about the market and identify gaps.
PRESENT FINDINGS
Develop an informed digital marketing strategy by researching approaches to build and strengthen both current and future patient and biopharma relationships.
Semester 3
Ad Astra Diagnostics: Evaluation of Reporting CBC Parameters at the POC
RESEARCH & BRAINSTORM
Expand the clinical utility of a CLIA-waived hematology device by assessing whether adding parameters like MCH, MCHC, RDW, IG#/IG%, and NLR improves point-of-care decision-making while meeting FDA requirements.
ANALYSIS
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Propose exact Allowable Total Error (ATE) standards for MCH, MCHC, and RDW, grounding these metrics in established RBC criteria.
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Quantify POC impact by measuring how including these five parameters affects patient management, usability, and diagnostic decisions at the point of care.
PRESENT FINDINGS
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Create a risk-benefit profile for each of the aforementioned parameters for CLIA-waived devices/products.
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Develop a portfolio of case studies that showcase the clinical value of these five parameters, offering practical insights to support real-time decision-making at the point of care.
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Provide regulatory and scientific justification in a formal document with the rationale required to support the adoption and waiver status of the proposed ATEs for MCH, MCHC, and RDW.
Semester 4
Capstone Project: Exploring Increased Customizability for Decaffinated Coffee
RESEARCH & BRAINSTORM
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Develop a solution and business plan for a biochar-based coffee filter that reduces caffeine during brewing to expand low-caffeine options within specialty coffee.
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Address the limited availability of high-quality decaffeinated choices by enabling caffeine control without compromising flavor.
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Evaluate how this approach supports a more personalized, health-conscious coffee experience for consumers at home and in cafés.
ANALYSIS
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Conducted stakeholder interviews across the coffee value chain—including customers, specialty coffee shop owners, entrepreneurs, regulatory professionals, and academic and industry advisors—to gather insights on product feasibility, user needs and operational fit
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Performed market analysis to identify target customer segments, evaluate competitors and potential partners, and develop market strategies, including positioning, pricing, and effective sales channels for the product
PRESENT FINDINGS
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Developed a comprehensive Business Model Canvas outlining key components such as customer segments, value proposition, channels, revenue streams, cost structure, and key partners to define the overall business strategy
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Presented findings and and identified strategies for customer acquisition and retention, and exploring opportunities for scaling and long-term company growth
MBA Coursework
Jenkins MBA Program in the Poole College of Management
The Jenkins MBA Program is a STEM-designated and AACSB accredited program with a focus on innovation, analytics, and leadership. It is ranked the #11 online MBA program and #6 online MBA in employability in North America, serving as the top business school for business analytics and AI and #1 in the Southeast for graduate entrepreneurship. With Raleigh being one of the top five emerging tech hubs in the world, the Jenkins MBA well-prepares students for leadership in the emerging biotechnology industry, particularly in the RTP/Triangle area.
MBA 562- Research Methods in Marketing
A systematic approach to structure, implementation and analysis of marketing research for decision making. Models of consumer demand and firm behavior analyzed in a marketing context.
Students conducted a project to conduct market research, perform statistical analysis, and report findings to a mentor. This semester, students worked on improving the marketing strategy for Thriftronix, an electronic thrift store based in Fuquay Varina, NC, to increase visibility and customer traffic and support the mission to fund Alzheimer's research.
MBA 585: Current Topics in BioSciences Management
Business processes and strategies across the global BioSciences value chain, including the R&D realities, product life cycles, key elements of product discovery and development, intellectual property, regulatory trials, government approval, production, sourcing, logistics, sales, marketing and customer service. The complete value chain of a new biotechnology-based product.
Students explored real-life case studies following various trends in the biotechnology industry from a unique business perspective, including acquisitions, mergers, innovative efforts, etc. This semester, students worked collaboratively to explore a sector, such as biomanufacturing or agricultural technology, to determine the environmental, social, and global impacts of current ideas and make recommendations pushing for the success of a business in this space.
MBA 561: Consumer Behavior
Consumer perception of products and brands, including the role of product design and development of consumer attitudes. Analysis of how consumers make decisions and how those decisions can be influenced by messaging, pricing, and emotions.
Students explored a multitude of aspects surrounding consumer behavior, such that their decisions may be less spontaneous than they might think. Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate real-life scenarios and the internal and external factors that influence our everyday decisions, being whether or not to purchase a product or service.