Many students enter college unsure of their final career path, and Translational Life Science Technology helps turn that uncertainty into direction.
Some follow a straight line, while others take an unexpected turn that leads to meaningful work. Samantha Petro's, B.S. '23, Translational Life Science Technology journey shows how the Translational Life Science Technology program at UMBC–Shady Grove transformed her scientific curiosity into a hands-on biotech career.
Today, she works at the NIH in antibody discovery and protein purification, using the exact lab skills she developed through TLST training. Below, Samantha explains how TLST helped her move from film to science, build confidence in the lab, and launch a career in antibody research.
How Translational Life Science Technology Sparked a Hands-On Science Career
Dennise: What made you decide to enroll in the Translational Life Science Technology program at UMBC-Shady Grove?
Samantha: I started college as a film major and later made a complete shift into science. That change felt overwhelming at first, but I wanted work that created real impact. I struggled with theory-heavy classes and wanted learning that felt tangible and career-focused.
I took an introductory virology course and immediately felt drawn into the science world. I began searching for programs that offered practical experience, and the TLST program stood out as a new and exciting option. The program offered a clear path toward hands-on lab work, industry-ready skills, and real career direction.
Why UMBC Shady Grove's Translational Life Science Technology Program Builds Biotech Career Readiness
Dennise: Why did you choose this program at UMBC–Shady Grove?
Samantha: TLST offered the perfect blend of biology lab techniques and biotech industry-focused courses. I did not want only chemistry or only biology. I wanted hands-on experience with lab tools, machines, and real procedures.
The Translational Life Science Technology program emphasized working directly with equipment like pipettes and protein purification systems used in real biotech labs. Faculty designed the TLST curriculum with input from industry professionals, which made the training feel practical and job-ready.
Small class sizes in the Translational Life Science Technology program helped me build strong relationships with advisors and feel supported during my transition into science.
Using Translational Life Science Technology Skills in NIH Antibody Research and Protein Purification
Dennise: Can you share an example of how the program prepared you for the work you're doing now?
Samantha: My experience with protein purification systems in the Translational Life Science Technology labs directly prepared me for my current role. Seeing and using these machines during TLST classes made me easier to train in the workplace.
One capstone project in the Translational Life Science Technology program required us to map a manufacturing pipeline using MATLAB. That project mirrored work I later performed in a previous position. I still reference notes from my TLST classes today.
Growing from Student Mindset to Confident Lab Professional
Dennise: Before starting the program, how did you see yourself professionally—and how has that changed?
Samantha: Before entering the Translational Life Science Technology program, I still saw myself mostly as a student trying to figure things out. The transition from film to science left me unsure of my direction.
The TLST program helped me shift into a professional mindset and build real confidence in the lab. Through hands-on TLST lab training, I learned that mistakes and challenges are part of scientific growth. I now approach lab work with confidence instead of hesitation.
Building Industry-Grade Lab Skills and Scientific Communication
Dennise: What skills or confidence did you gain through the program that you didn't have before?
Samantha: I gained industry-level lab skills that require precision and diligence. I also strengthened my scientific communication skills significantly.
TLST taught me how to explain complex science to non-scientists clearly. I also learned strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, which are essential when experiments do not go as planned.
Using Manufacturing and MATLAB Training in Real Lab Work
Dennise: Can you share an example of how the program prepared you for the work you're doing now?
Samantha: My experience with protein purification systems in the Translational Life Science Technology programdirectly prepared me for my current role. Seeing and using this equipment during my TLST training made me much easier to train in the workplace.
One capstone project in the TLST program required us to map a manufacturing pipeline using MATLAB. That project closely mirrored work I later performed in a previous position. I still reference notes from my TLST classes today.
Supportive Faculty and Small Classes That Build Confidence
Dennise: How would you describe the support you received from faculty, advisors, or the learning environment?
Samantha: The faculty and advisors provided incredible support and truly cared about student success. Their real-world experience made classes practical and engaging.
Small class sizes helped me build strong relationships with mentors. I still keep in touch with several advisors who guided my career interests.
The Moment Hands-On Lab Success Builds Real Confidence
Dennise: Was there a moment during the program when you realized, "I can really do this"?
Samantha: Completing successful purification runs during my Translational Life Science Technology lab work gave me a huge confidence boost. I had never even used a pipette before starting the program.
Seeing experiments work after careful effort felt incredibly validating. Those hands-on experiences in TLST helped me believe I belonged in the lab environment.
Turning Potential Skills into a Tangible Biotech Career
Dennise: What does earning this degree mean to you personally or professionally?
Samantha: The degree helped me turn potential into real, marketable skills. TLST strongly launched my professional career and opened doors I never expected.
Advice for Students Considering a Translational Life Science Technology Degree
Dennise: What would you say to someone who's considering this program but isn't sure if it's right for them?
Samantha: Reach out and ask questions because advisors in the Translational Life Science Technology program truly want to help. If you want hands-on lab work and faster career readiness, TLST delivers that experience.
The Translational Life Science Technology program bridges academic learning with applied industry skills. Alumni take many different biotech career paths, including bioinformatics, genetics, and immunology. The flexibility of TLST allows you to shape your own direction.
Building Real Biotech Careers Through Hands-On Learning
Samantha's story highlights how Translational Life Science Technology combines hands-on lab training, industry-relevant coursework, and supportive mentorship to prepare students for real biotech careers. The Translational Life Science Technology program bridges classroom learning with applied lab experience, helping students gain confidence and job-ready skills. For anyone seeking a practical path into biotechnology, Translational Life Science Technology at UMBC–Shady Grove offers a direct route into meaningful scientific work.