Overview: MMB Program
The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program is a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program that integrates training in biotechnology with business and professional development. Graduate students obtain experience in real-world practicum projects with biotechnology companies, acting as graduate consultants. The curriculum includes MBA courses at the Jenkins School of Management, along with simultaneously taking graduate STEM coursework in microbiology, genetics, and biotechnology.
Education
Master of Microbial Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
2024-2026
2019-2023
MBA Coursework
MBA 585:
Current Topics in BioSciences Management
Comprehensive understanding of business processes and strategies across the global BioSciences value chain, including R&D, product life cycles, product discovery and development, intellectual property, regulatory trials, government approval, production, sourcing, logistics, sales, marketing, and customer service.
This paper below provides a strategic analysis of evolving trends in clinical trial design and management—focusing on AI integration, decentralized trial models, and preclinical outsourcing—and offers actionable insights for Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to stay competitive in a rapidly transforming landscape.
MBA 545:
Decision Making Under Uncertainty
Applied structured decision analysis to complex business problems under uncertainty, using quantitative modeling, probability, and value-of-information frameworks to evaluate tradeoffs and optimize outcomes. Developed and communicated data-driven recommendations through case studies, projects, and spreadsheet-based modeling, strengthening analytical rigor and strategic decision-making skills in real-world contexts.
Scientific Experience & Coursework
BIT 588: Directed Evolution
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Gained hands-on experience with experimental evolution in yeast, including serial passaging, growth curve analysis, mutant isolation, and genomic DNA preparation.
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Executed evolution experiments under defined selective pressures using yeast hybrids with altered mitochondria; analyzed fitness changes over time and interpreted sequencing data to connect genetic variation with evolved phenotypes.
BIT 510
Manipulation of Recombinant DNA
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Gained hands-on experience with modern molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, Gibson assembly, transformation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and fluorescence-based screening.
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Designed and executed cloning and expression experiments (CaMPARI system) in both E. coli and mammalian cells, including hypothesis generation, plasmid construction, protein purification, and quantitative analysis.