Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs
Prospective Students Current Students Faculty

Home / Academic Programs / Advanced Biotechnology / Highlight on Students Printer Friendly

Highlight on Students

Students pursuing a Master of Science in Biotechnology have a variety of professional backgrounds, and often have different career goals. Students include lab scientists, medical scientists, computer scientists, business professionals, lawyers, administrators, and science teachers. Students come from the biotechnology industries, medical research laboratories, law firms, and government agencies.

Beth Biederman
Biotechnology Student, Beth Biederman"I have always been interested in infectious diseases, their effect on the body, and their spread through the environment. However being married with 2 young children and working full-time as a microbiologist at Beckon Dickinson in Hunt Valley, MD, it was difficult to find a program that would fit my other priorities in life, because the majority of science-related Masters programs require day classes or full time study.

The Advanced Biotechnology Studies Program was a perfect fit to my life and future development. The evening classes are ideal for the working adult - and more so for the working parent. I have chosen the Biodefense pathway which will prepare me for this exploding field in today's world. It incorporates my interest in diseases and how to combat them.

I have been impressed with the faculty, guest speakers, and students I have been with for the past 3 years. The professors are knowledgeable and engaging and helpful. Most of faculty and students hold full time jobs in the biodefense field and bring their job experiences to the classroom to share and are also excellent contact sources. I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in furthering their education in the biotechnology field."

Lesley-Anne Boxill
Lesley-Anne BoxillWhile working as a research assistant at Edge Biosystems in Maryland, I decided to enter the Masters in Biotechnology program at Johns Hopkins University. I learned so much more than the course content. I was impressed by the diversity of professional experiences of the faculty and how willing they were to share their expertise. For my Independent Research Project, I was particularly pleased to work at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute on the effect of cardiac pressure overload on cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase G-1 (PKG-1) activity in murine heart muscle. My hope is that this research will contribute to the development of a range of drugs to treat the devastating effects of heart failure. I will graduate from the program in May 2007 and I have received a scholarship to study medicine at Saint George's University in Grenada. I plan to eventually specialize in Cardiology.

Carrie Brown
Carrie Brown"I started working toward an MS in Biotechnology because I wanted to add some practical science and business knowledge to my undergraduate background in biology. Throughout the time I've spent at JHU, first in the MS program and now in the dual MS/MBA program, I have been impressed with the curriculum, the faculty, and the students. JHU Biotechnology program offers courses dealing with specific areas of the biotechnology industry, which allows students to learn about current issues in the field. From bioterrorism, to emerging diseases, to bioinformatics, Hopkins is willing to add new classes to the curriculum as students express an interest in new topics or as innovation provides new areas to study.

"The faculty at Hopkins bring to the classroom real world work experience. They serve as an excellent resource for students trying to determine what paths they would like to take in their careers. In addition, guest lecturers brought in by the faculty provide students with an opportunity to interface with industry leaders and people working on the cutting edge in a variety of fields. Another advantage of part-time continuing education is that the other students in the classroom all bring unique experiences from their professional lives. Student backgrounds vary greatly and interaction between classmates can provide an invaluable network for career advancement and for gaining a better understanding of the biotechnology field."

"Being a part of JHU's Biotechnology program has been a great opportunity for me. I have been able to take classes in areas of personal interest as well as gain exposure to new topics. I have interacted with faculty and speakers who are experts in their fields and who enjoy being in the classroom. I have met other students who have not only become friends, but have become advisors. I am looking forward to continuing my education at Hopkins, and have no doubt that I have an enriching experience ahead of me."