🔬Today in STEM: Milestone Moments

In partnership with

Good morning, STEM enthusiasts! On this day, February 21, 1953, one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in history was made—the discovery of DNA’s structure! 🧬 DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is basically nature’s blueprint, carrying the genetic instructions that make you, you. This discovery revolutionized science, paving the way for advancements in genetics, medicine, and even forensic science!

Today’s issue:
❤️Job Spotlight: Biotech Manufacturing Technician
❤️Celebrating Black History: GPS Genius — Dr. Gladys West
❤️Career Development Tips: Connect & Boost Your Wok Vibes

STEM JOB OF THE WEEK
Biotech Manufacturing Technician

(Getty Image)

A Biotech Manufacturing Technician plays a key role in producing biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other biotech products by operating and maintaining specialized equipment in a regulated environment. They follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality, monitor production processes, troubleshoot equipment issues, and document data accurately. Working in cleanrooms, they handle tasks like cell culture, filtration, and purification, collaborating with engineers and quality teams to maintain compliance and efficiency in biotech manufacturing.

Succeeding as a biotech manufacturing technician isn’t just about pushing buttons on high-tech equipment—it’s about mastering a mix of technical know-how, industry knowledge, and essential soft skills. Whether you're monitoring a bioreactor, troubleshooting a filtration system, or ensuring every step follows strict regulatory guidelines, excelling in this role means staying sharp, adaptable, and detail-oriented.

Major:
Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related STEM field.

Skills Needed:
🔬Technical Skills:   Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), aseptic techniques, equipment operational, troubleshooting, process monitoring, data entry, basic Chemistry and Biology Knowledge

💡Soft Skills:   attention to detail, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, time management, adaptability, and the willingness to learn.

Salary Landscape:
💰The salary range varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
- An entry-level Clinical Data Analyst can expect an annual salary ranging from $28,620 - $71,058, with the average at $51,210 per year in the United States.  (Source: Zip Recruiter)

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.

SPECIAL EDITION
Celebrating Black History: Meet Dr. Gladys West: GPS Genius

Dr. Gladys West

If you’ve ever used GPS to find the fastest route to work or navigate a road trip, you have Dr. Gladys West to thank. Though her name isn’t as widely known as some tech pioneers, her work was essential in shaping the Global Positioning System we all rely on today. Dr. West is a brilliant mathematician whose work is literally in your hands every time you use a smartphone or car navigation.

Born in 1930 in rural Virginia, West had big dreams and a love for math. She earned a degree in mathematics and, in the 1950s, landed a job at the U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory—one of the few Black women working in STEM at the time. Some of her accomplishments include:

  • GPS Innovation: Created groundbreaking algorithms to correct distortions in Earth’s shape, forming the foundation of modern GPS technology. 📡

  • Revolutionizing Remote Sensing: Designed advanced satellite systems to monitor oceans from space, transforming how we study Earth's waters. 🛰️

  • Supercomputer Breakthroughs: Developed powerful mathematical algorithms that push supercomputers to their limits, driving scientific and technological advancements. 💻

  • Hall of Fame Honors: Inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018 for groundbreaking contributions. 🏆

  • Royal Recognition: Awarded the prestigious Prince Philip Medal by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021 for engineering excellence. 👑

Dr. West's career is built on her passion for finding innovative ways to incorporate math into everyday life. 🔭🔭

CAREER DEVELOPMENT TIPS
Connect & Boost Your Work Vibes

Networking at work is just as important as making connections outside the office. Building strong relationships with colleagues can lead to mentorship, career growth, and exciting collaboration opportunities. Here are some practical ways for new STEM hires to connect and build relationships on the job:

Here are 4 easy ways STEM professionals can level up their networking skills:

  1. Start with Your Team:  Introduce yourself to your colleagues and learn about their roles, participate actively in team meetings and discussions, and offer to help on projects to show initiative and collaboration.

  2. Engage with Cross-Functional Teams:  Understand how different teams contribute to company goals and build relationships across departments by asking about their work and challenges.

  3. Attend Company Events and Social Gatherings: Participate in lunch-and-learns, as well as company outings.

  4. Join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Get involved with ERG groups to help expand your network beyond your immediate team.

    Building strong workplace relationships early in your career can make a significant impact on your professional growth.

RESOURCES
How to recover from a Bad Interview: We’re diving into how to bounce back from a bad interview, tap into your network without feeling awkward, and stay ahead of the game by finding job openings before they’re even posted! 🚀💼

Job ghosting:   Job ghosting and fake job postings are driving applicants crazy! A BioSpace poll revealed these are the top frustrations job seekers face right now. 👻💼

SalarySurfer:  Not sure what kind of paycheck your degree can get you? 💰 Salary Surfer has the answers—check it out and see what you could be earning! 🚀

How to Thrive in Your First 30 days3.59 MB • PDF File

How did you like today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.