Friends in Biotechnology
CSULB Biotechnology Club
CSULB Biotechnology Club
Our goal is to provide connections and opportunities for students at CSULB. Our group has a heavy emphasis on professional development and a firm belief that this part of our education should be fun.
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We are looking forward to our workshops and speaker series this semester, and we hope you can join us!
Our Mission
The CSULB Biotechnology Club is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in biotechnology and life sciences. Through professional development programs, we focus on skill-building, industry insights, and networking opportunities to empower the next generation of biotech professionals.
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As a student-run organization, we are committed to enriching the biotech-driven student community at CSULB. We help students build confidence, explore lesser-known career paths, and gain a competitive edge through workshops on interviewing, public speaking, and career development.
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Have suggestions? We’d love to hear from you- reach out and help shape the future of our club!
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Upcoming Events and Schedule Bulletin
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General meeting times are every Friday at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Molecular and Lifesciences Center (MLSC) unless otherwise stated here or on Discord.
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No general meeting on Friday, March 21st!​
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Meeting times don't work for you? Help us choose one that does! Fill out our scheduling form to share your availability.
Curated Internship Listings
As our club members apply to internships this summer, their listings are compiled here! These jobs are well-suited to any who may be considering working in the biotech space! Many might even lead to full-time employment after interning! New internship opportunities are uploaded weekly.
Distinguished Speaker Series
Navigating Biotech Partnerships &
Al-Driven Innovation
Mailyn Nishiguchi, current Senior Manager in Alliance Management at Tempus is not only a skilled scientist, but an exceptional mentor. With a background in assay development and computational sciences, find out more about her journey to biotech, what it's like in her current role, and her thoughts on career development for those looking to work in this sector.
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Date and Time of Speaker Talk: May 2025
Session Location: Zoom
Immunology Research and Development
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Ayla Manughian-Peter got her bachelors degree, masters degree, and biotechnology certificate at CSULB. She now works as a scientist at Johnson and Johnson in an immunology research and development team. Beyond her current role, Ayla has diverse experience in different industry roles and is deeply knowledgeable about many different aspects of clinical research, biotech R&D and strategic career planning.
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Date and Time of Event: Friday, March 28th - 2:00 p.m.
Session Location: Zoom
Epigenetic Product Development & Product Management
Huaiyu Xie will discuss her role in developing epigenetic tools for cancer screening, the challenges of biotech product management, and her experience working in biotech research and development. Initially brought on to her team to develop in-vitro diagnostics, she is now a product manager for an epigenetic assay to detect early-stage bladder cancer. Additionally, Huaiyu is one of three guest speakers who have found early career success with only an undergraduate degree. She would be a great person to ask about what it was like competing with others who may have already completed a graduate level education.
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Date and Time of Event: Friday, April 11th - 6:00 p.m.
Session Location: Zoom
Protein Research and Development​
Edurne Gonzalez de la Vega will share her journey into protein sciences and product development, insights into biotech R&D roles, and career development advice for students looking to enter the field. Edurne has spent the last five years working in different startup and corporate research environments. She is an expert on protein purification and a beacon of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenging startup culture.
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Date and Time of Event: Friday, April 18th - 5:30 p.m.
Session Location: Zoom
Biomanufacturing to Technical Writing- All in the Details
Katelyn Nuñez got her start in biotech working in GMP production environments. She will discuss her transition from GMP manufacturing to technical writing in biotech, highlighting career paths beyond traditional lab roles and how students can apply their technical skills in alternative biotech careers.
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Date and Time of Event: Friday, March 21st - 1:00 p.m.
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​Missed our talk? Check out our follow-up with Katelyn on our blog!
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Automation in Biotech
Gabriel Golez got his undergrad in chemistry and his masters in biotechnology. He made the pivot from bench work to automation before ultimately deciding to pursue his MBA. Gabe is an automation expert and a strategic career planner- he will share his story of growth in biotech and why he ultimately decided to pursue a different path.
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Date and Time of Speaker Talk: TBD
Session Location: Zoom
Bioagriculture: Microbial Strain Design and Automation Specialization
Lindsey Grimes and Jazmin Jimenez Mata both got started in scientific research while working on different projects in the same lab at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Lindsey has been working on microbial strain engineering projects at Novonesis for the past six years. Aside from her background in molecular microbiology, she is a passionate artist and an endlessly talented human being.
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Jazmin has a diverse background in biochemistry and molecular biology and has been supporting her team in automation development and process efficiency. Over the years, she has mentored many students and, at times, struggled with her own journey into biotech. Her story of persistence and professional introspection will likely resonate with many.
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Date and Time of Event: Friday, April 25th (time TBD)
Session Location: Zoom
Professional Development
Interview Prep
Effective interviewing requires more than just preparation- it demands adaptability and confidence in new settings. This interactive and engaging workshop offers a structured opportunity to practice with peers you may not know, simulating real interview conditions in a low-stakes, supportive environment. Participants will refine their responses, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence in handling different interview formats.
Speaker Series
The Speaker Series brings in accomplished professionals- many of whom I’ve worked with personally. These sessions offer a chance to learn directly from industry leaders, researchers, and innovators as they share their experiences, challenges, and insights. More than just a lecture, this is an opportunity to engage in real conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and gain perspective on different career paths. It’s also a reminder that a strong professional network starts now- your peers and colleagues today may become the experts and mentors of tomorrow.
Resume Workshops
A well-crafted resume opens doors, but making yours stand out takes strategy and feedback. This interactive workshop provides a space to refine your resume with expert guidance and peer review. You'll practice presenting your qualifications to new audiences, simulating real-world scenarios where your resume speaks for you. Whether you're building from scratch or refining the details, this session will help you highlight your strengths, tailor your resume for different roles, and approach the process with confidence.
Mentorship
We’re all at different stages in our professional journeys, and mentorship allows us to learn from each other. Whether seeking guidance or offering it, mentorship is about shared knowledge, meaningful connections, and professional growth.
Our club facilitates mentorship opportunities that help students and early-career professionals navigate academic paths, research, and industry transitions. More than just advice, mentorship builds confidence, strengthens networks, and reinforces that everyone has something to offer- and something to learn.
Student Research Spotlight
See How Long Beach Students Are Driving Progress in Science
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Austin Esparza
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I study how cyanophages interact with Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus in the North Pacific Ocean. Using computational tools, I analyze metagenomic data to understand their role in microbial communities and ocean ecosystems.
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