From a young age, biomanufacturing student Aamina Usmani was captivated by the world of science.

Her aunt, a dedicated doctor, would share stories of her medical adventures with her extended family, and Aamina couldn’t help but be inspired.

Shared Aamina, “I was young, but I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

However, Aamina's journey was not without its challenges, and it was only when she found her way to MiraCosta College that her dreams began to flourish.

Aamina's path initially led her to Fullerton College as a microbiology and premed student. But the environment wasn’t conducive to Aamina’s needs. While in school, Aamina was caring for sick family members, all while trying to complete a host of coursework at night. This often meant riding the bus late at night, which wasn’t the most comforting situation for an 18-year-old. After a while, the situation was just untenable and Aamina struggled in the classroom.

After failing a chemistry class, Aamina attended a science club where she was introduced to micropipetting and decided to give it a try. Aamina enrolled in an introductory biotechnology class at Fullerton College and was later introduced to MiraCosta's biomanufacturing program by the professor.

The program piqued her interest so much that Aamina decided to make a change.

Realizing that the current higher education atmosphere may not offer the best support that fit Aamina’s needs, she enrolled in MiraCosta College to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“These classes were an entirely different world from what I was seeing in chemistry class,” said Aamina. “We were provided with proper PPE at Fullerton College and MiraCosta College where professors from both colleges taught us lab techniques that we got to practice each week.”

As Aamina described, that’s when everything changed.

MiraCosta College offered Aamina something she had yearned for: extensive hands-on experience. While students at other colleges paid more and received less practical training, Aamina found herself immersed in a supportive community.

Aamina was introduced to the MiraCosta College biomanufacturing program and soon started to see a future for herself in the local biotech industry. She became the Vice President of the MiraCosta College chapter of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), honing not only her technical skills but also her social abilities. She also received scholarship support, further easing the financial burden of higher education and allowing Aamina to prioritize her studies.

The college's commitment to her success was evident, and Aamina thrived in this nurturing environment.

“I knew I was in the right place,” explained Aamina.

What truly set MiraCosta College apart were the industry connections. Aamina discovered that she was receiving better training and mentorship than her friends at four-year universities, as evidenced by her success at her summer internship last year.

In 2023, Aamina began an internship with local biotech company Open Biopharma Research and Training Institute. Facilitated by Keau Wong, the Director of MiraCosta College’s Bioscience Workforce Development Hub, Aamina’s internship provided the opportunity to expand on the skills she learned in the classroom and receive mentorship in an industry setting.

“Every day, we were learning so much and getting on-the-job experience that is so important for the getting a job after graduation,” shared Aamina. “It was also a validation for the type of education we have been receiving. Me and my fellow interns from MiraCosta College came in on day one with so much hands-on experience and understanding of proper lab techniques, especially compared to interns from other universities.”

Now, as Aamina prepares to graduate this spring, she is using what she learned through her internship and courses at MiraCosta College to kickstart the next chapter of her life.

Through her internship with Open Biopharma Research and Training Institute, Aamina deepened her passion for the research and development side of biotechnology, and hopes to use that industry experience to secure a job where she can help further the research and innovation of the biotech industry as a whole.

“It’s incredible what a supportive environment can do for someone,” shared Aamina. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for the MiraCosta College professors and staff. I’m excited for what’s next.”