Bioversity Meet Our Students
Cohort Five – 2024
Our last training cohort of the year graduated on October 31st. With the addition of these 11 students, Bioversity graduated 65 people through its Biotech Career Foundations 8-week, free training program in 2024. This makes us the biggest biotech certificate training program in Massachusetts. Please meet these 11 awesome students who are eager to start their new career in the life sciences industry. You can access the Cohort 5 resume book here.
Elizabeth Auguste
Lives in: East Boston
Relevant Experiences: A.S. in Engineering from Roxbury CC; Medical Records Specialist
Get to Know Me Better: “I’ve been a preschool teacher, PCA, office manager, and massage therapist, and I also attended culinary school. My dream is to launch a non-profit R&D biotech company.”
Gerald Dortichon
Lives in: Brookline
Relevant Experiences: Worked as Lead Lab Technician at the Broad Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic
Get to Know Me Better: “I have a Bachelor’s and I’ve also obtained a certificate from Per Scholas in IT.”
Flor Duarte
Lives in: Chelsea
Relevant Experiences: Operations Supervisor; Front Desk Agent; Cook/Kitchen Supervisor
Get to Know Me Better: “Science has been a big part of my life since I have been young, and although I may not be able to be become a scientist I can be someone of use to the community. I want to built a new career and Bioversity is the start.”
Marajuj Jaman
Lives in: Roslindale
Relevant Experiences: FedEx Driver; EMS/Housekeeping, VA Healthcare
Get to Know Me Better: “I was born in Bangladesh and moved to the U.S. when I was 7 with my mom and dad.”
Damali Jawarakim – HIRED!
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Practice Assistant, Private practice; Practice Coordinator, Tufts Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “I enjoy biking and swimming, watching anime, and doing puzzles with my daughter.”
Garfield Josephs II
Lives in: Brockton
Relevant Experiences: Software programming consultant; Delivery route manager
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m from Boston originally. I was pursuing a full-time career making music and art before seeking out additional training in software programming, and now at Bioversity.”
Cassandre Kaincy Jean-Baptiste
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: U.S. Army veteran
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m originally from Haiti and I’m working hard to provide my two sons with a brighter future and better opportunities than I had when I was a kid.”
Anastasia Pimentel
Lives in: Arlington
Relevant Experiences: Downstream Technician, Marine Polymer Technologies
Get to Know Me Better: “I am a game designer. I have successfully launched one self-published game and have been working on my own table top role playing game which I am hoping to launch soon.”
Yvenel Prosper
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: B.S. Civil Engineering; CNA/Nurse Assistant; Dialysis Warehouse Assistant
Get to Know Me Better: “I volunteered for the Haitian Red Cross for three years as a facilitator in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Luis Romero
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Food server; Grocery stocker
Get to Know Me Better: ” I love working out, trying new restaurants, and thrift store shopping.”
Dominique Tinsley
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Peer specialist; Residential counselor
Get to Know Me Better: ” I love reading, playing video games with my kids, as well as hair styling and makeup.”
Cohort Four – 2024
Our fourth training cohort of 2024, comprised of 11 amazing students, graduated on August 29th. These students bring a wide-range of relevant work experience, skills, and education to their job search. We have highlighted each of these students below including a link to their individual resume. You can also access the full cohort resume book here.
Evelyne Altidor – HIRED!
Lives in: Hyde Park
Relevant Experiences: Nurse, Water for Life (Haiti); Fluent in French, Creole, Spanish, and English
Get to Know Me Better: ” I want to dedicate all my time to learning so I can serve society.”
Jason Brito – HIRED!
Lives in: Jamaica Plain
Relevant Experiences: Material Handler, FedEx; Maintenance, Ewing Real Estate
Get to Know Me Better: “I chose Bioversity because I’m interested in biotechnology, and I like the aspect of working in a lab and learning something new.”
Naleyah Cesar-Bone – HIRED!
Lives in: Jamaica Plain
Relevant Experiences: Internal Communication Co-Op, Vertex; Quality Assurance Coordinator Intern, Vertex
Get to Know Me Better: “I enjoy making music and doing crafts. I try to fit these things in whenever I have downtime.”
Jessica Daniels – HIRED!
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Residential Counselor, Italian Home for Children; Certificate in Human Services, Roxbury Community College
Get to Know Me Better: “I’ve worked in different environments with a lot of different kinds of people. I’ve picked up a variety of ways to do things, and learned how to be around different personality types.”
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Prepy Jean – HIRED!
Lives in: Malden
Relevant Experiences: Paramedic, National Ambulance Center (Haiti)
Get to Know Me Better: “Outside of work and education, I am passionate about playing basketball, running, and walking outdoors. These activities help me clear my mind, stay active, and connected to nature.”
Alexander Liriano – HIRED!
Lives in: Jamaica Plain
Relevant Experiences: Seven years of retail experience
Get to Know Me Better: “Outside of work, a hobby that brings me joy is playing basketball, gaming, and spending time to myself.”
Emily Lout – HIRED!
Lives in: Brighton
Relevant Experiences: Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Emergency Group
Get to Know Me Better: “Some of my interests outside of work are animals and spending time with friends and family.”
Denise Mitchell – HIRED!
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: 19 years of customer service experience; Bachelor’s in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University
Get to Know Me Better: “I spend a lot of time writing and hanging out with my daughter. I also enjoy spending time in the woods camping and hiking.”
Katherine Reyes-Aguilar
Lives in: Jamaica Plain
Relevant Experiences: Inventory Specialist, Rooted In
Get to Know Me Better: “I enjoy creative outlets and biking and 3D art/sculpture. I enjoy learning about concepts and systems and how they work together.”
Deron Smoot
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Life Science Lab Coordinator, Dartmouth High School
Get to Know Me Better: “Outside of Bioversity, I am learning more science and math. I also read and explore philosophy.”
Danaysha Thompson
Lives in: Hyde Park
Relevant Experiences: Over five years of retail and food service experience
Get to Know Me Better: “During my free time, I enjoy drawing.”
Cohort Three – 2024
Congratulations to our 3rd cohort of 2024 graduating on June 27th. All 12 students who were initially accepted into this cohort graduated. Each and every one of them have the skills and relevant experience to go into an early career scientific operations role at a local life sciences company. One of them even received and accepted a job offer before graduation.
We have highlighted each of these students below including a link to their resume, but you can also access the entire cohort resume book here.
Carl Cadet – HIRED!
Lives in: Mattapan
Relevant Experiences: Project Leader at Astro Pak Corp. including experience in CGMP settings.
Get to Know Me Better: “I love coaching youth football and the opportunity to connect with youth and to support the community. In my spare time, you’ll find me reading new books.”
Africa Crosson – HIRED!
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Mail Handler/Acting Supervision at the United State Postal Service
Get to Know Me Better: “Hobbies that bring me joy are listening to music, watching sports, video games, working out, cooking, and going to concerts.”
David Foy – HIRED!
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Events Manager; Real Estate Sales
Get to Know Me Better: “I love to travel and see the world. In my spare time, I like to workout and play basketball.”
Christian Grant – HIRED!
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Laborer/Carpenter Apprentice; Events Staff
Get to Know Me Better: “A passion of mine is writing music. I fell in love with it and do it during my free time. I plan on investing in recording equipment to set up a studio.”
Sydney Habie-Mattie – HIRED!
Lives in: Norwell
Relevant Experiences: Over ten years of retail experience
Julissa Maldonado
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Customer Service Associate, United States Postal Service
Get to Know Me Better: “I am currently enrolled at UMass Boston pursuing my undergraduate degree. I am deeply passionate about various forms of art and creative expression. I manage several entrepreneurial ventures, including painting, nail, hair, and lash services, as well as crafting floral arrangements.”
Rakaiyyah Malik – Marchan – HIRED!
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Pharmacy Technician
Get to Know Me Better: “I am born and raised in Boston. I come from a big family. I enjoy spending time with my two children. We like to dance and listen to music together.”
Dariana Ocasio – HIRED!
Lives in: Fall River
Relevant Experiences: Dental Assistant; Orthodontic Assistant
Get to Know Me Better: “A hobby I have that brings me joy since childhood is sewing garmnts and doing my own nail sets.”
Karina Ramirez – HIRED!
Lives in: Quincy
Relevant Experiences: Dental Assistant; Orthodontic Assistant
Get to Know Me Better: “I love spending time with my young daughter. I embrace this time to invest in her growth.”
Indira Ramos – HIRED!
Lives in: Dorchester
Relevant Experiences: Program Director, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Get to Know Me Better: “I am currently a student at Quincy College while I look for a full-time position. I’m the mother of a teenaged daughter.”
Jasmine Staples
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Image Archive Assistant, Beth Israel Lahey Health Center
Get to Know Me Better: “Two of my greatest sources of joy are reading and doing yoga.”
Jacqueline Wingard – HIRED!
Lives in: Roxbury
Relevant Experiences: Image Archive Assistant, Beth Israel Lahey Health Center
Get to Know Me Better: “My passions include nature, experiencing the outdoors, writing, reading, and spending time with my children.”
Cohort Two – 2024
On May 2, 2024, 15 students from Cohort Two graduated from Bioversity eager to start their new journey in the life sciences. These students are now actively seeking early-career scientific operations roles in the Greater Boston area, including lab ops, facilities, EHS, warehousing, logistics, inventory management, supply chain, accessioning, or bioprocessing.
We have highlighted each of these students below including a link to their resume, but you can also access the entire cohort resume book here.
Manoj Adhikari – HIRED!
Lives in: Cambridge
Relevant Experiences: Histotech Technician Training and Lab Aide at Inform Diagnostics
Get to Know Me Better: “I love nature and usually go for a hike or long walk with friends or family when I get a chance on weekends or vacation time. I also love reading fiction and writing as well.”
Jonathan Barnes – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Recently obtained a HVAC certificate from Franklin Cummings Tech (f.k.a. Benjamin Frankin Institute of Technology)
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m a JV basketball coach at a school in Dorchester. I love music and watching a good film.”
Trayce B. Booth
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Longtime human services advocate
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m on the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association Board, am a proud parent of a Shih Tzu, and care give to my 92 year old mother.”
Camryn Daniel – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Community ambassador for the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Co-Op
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m a recent graduate from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Sciences where I was part of the Naval Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps. I also danced and taught ballet for over ten years.”
Yannet Fernandez – HIRED!
Lives in: Braintree
Relevant Experiences: Kitchen designer, commercial designer, architect
Get to Know Me Better: “I love listening to music as it complements my love for dancing. Baking is one of my true passions and I’m always on the lookout for the perfect recipe.”
Monique Fontes
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Lead Phlebotomist, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Get to Know Me Better: “I love cooking so I look up new recipes to try and perfect. I also spend a lot of time taking pictures, drawing, painting, and listening to music.”
Idilia Galloza
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Dental Instructor, Lincoln Technical Institute
Get to Know Me Better: “I love spending quality time with my daughter to make sure I can give her lasting memories.”
Daniel Harris
Lives in: Belmont
Relevant Experiences: After school teacher, Tutor
Get to Know Me Better: “I play the guitar and enjoy heavy metal music.”
Jean Julian
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Medical Translator, Boston Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “I have a deep interest in history, geopolitics, and philosophy. I regularly read and host my friends to have debates about international and domestic politics.”
Alessandro La Monica – HIRED!
Lives in: Natick
Relevant Experiences: JV Soccer coach
Get to Know Me Better: “I was originally born in Brazil and spent the first eight years of my life living in Rome, Italy before moving to Massachusetts.”
Raushan Ledgister
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Mail Services Operations Specialist, Harvard University
Get to Know Me Better: “I love problem solving, coming up with a creative solution to a challenging dilemma.”
Terry Manning – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Enterprise Sales Account Manager, Boston Globe Media
Get to Know Me Better: “I have a passion for sci-fi, graphic novels, and American history.”
Derick Modesto – HIRED!
Lives in: Everett
Relevant Experiences: Operations Specialist, Apple Store
Get to Know Me Better: “I love to build computers and play electric guitar.”
Anya O’Neal
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Sterile Processing Tech certificate from Penn Foster.
Get to Know Me Better: “Some of my hobbies include crocheting, writing poetry, and reading. I also adore animals.”
Shayla White – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Floating Nurse, Tufts Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “I love traveling the world. I’ve been to five countries so far and have plans to see many more soon.”
Cohort One – 2024
Out of more than 150 applicants, 18 students were selected for Bioversity’s inaugural certificate training cohort. Launched on January 8th, 2024, 16 students graduated on February 29th prepared to be successful from day 1 in early-career scientific operations roles, including lab ops, facilities, EHS, warehousing, logistics, inventory management, supply chain, accessioning, or bioprocessing.
Together, this group of students is eager, engaged, and inquisitive. Individually, they are all amazing people who have pro-actively made the decision attend Bioversity, switch careers, and pursue a new professional journey. Take a minute to meet these students, check out their resume, and reach out to interview them today.
(Each student’s resume is linked below in their profile section. You can also access the entire resume book here.)
Torrie Armstrong – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Medical Assistant at Mass General Hospital
Get to Know Me Better: “I read every chance I get. This is something that I always do no matter how demanding life can get. I find a way to incorporate it.”
Keyshawn Barnes – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Plumber Helper at Heichel Plumbing (FL)
Get to Know Me Better: “I’m head coach of the JV boys basketball team at Tech Boston Academy.”
Rashaan Bryant – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Property Manager, The Carter Group; Outreach Manager, Open Streets Boston
Get to Know Me Better: “Some of my main hobbies are cooking, spending time outdoors, and watching sports.”
Malanny DePina
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Courier at Boston Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “I love my church and spiritual family so much.”
Lilyan Garrison – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Pharmacy Technician at Children’s Hospital Boston
Get to Know Me Better: “I love documentaries and also learning more about homeopathic remedies.”
Christina Jones – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Patient Service Representative at Codman Street Health Center
Get to Know Me Better: “A hobby of mine is interior design/decorating. I love to decorate and design my home. I feel it’s a reflection of who I am and it’s my safe haven. I also enjoying reading thriller and self-help books in my spare time.”
Isaiah Lawton
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Pharmacy Technician in Training at Boston Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “What brings me joy is DJ’ing. Playing music is a whole vibe itself but playing on the turn tables and just mixing songs together gives me a good feeling… especially when doing a mix for a while.”
Taylor Lopez – HIRED!
Lives in: Norwood
Relevant Experiences: Home Health Aide at Cornerstone Caregiving
Get to Know Me Better: “I am born and raised in Boston and I have a 10 year old daughter.”
Devonte Medley – HIRED!
Lives in: Brockton
Relevant Experiences: Patient Care Technician at Averhealth
Get to Know Me Better: “Outside of work and school I like to watch anime and sports, and enjoy playing recreational sports.”
Aaron Onyango
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Team member at Sweetgreen for 6+ years.
Get to Know Me Better: “I have an Associate in Science in Business Administration (Accounting Major) degree from Bunker Hill Community College and provided volunteer tax preparation services while I was getting my degree.”
Clarissa Ramirez – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Lead Dental Assistant Instructor at Lincoln Technical Institute
Get to Know Me Better: “I love to write. I love to be able to express and connect with others by sharing some poems. I love spending quality time with my son. This small person brings so much joy into my life.”
Lazaro Rivera Almonte – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: 10+ years of hospitality experience
Get to Know Me Better: “I have a clothing brand that I work on with my friends in my free time.”
Phyllis Robinson – HIRED!
Lives in: Randolph
Relevant Experiences: Substitute Teacher at Boston Public Schools; Patient Care Coordinator at MGH
Get to Know Me Better: “I really enjoy spending time singing at karaoke bars. It has become a passion of mine.”
Luis Toribio – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Cleanroom, BSL2 Lab Contamination Control Cleaner at Harvard University
Get to Know Me Better: “I am originally from the Dominican Republican and am a native Spanish speaker. One of my hobbies is watching sports like basketball and baseball, and I love play with my kids.”
Jelissa Vega – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Senior Team Leader at Target
Get to Know Me Better: “One thing I really love doing is traveling, even if it’s just going a few hours away.”
Josiah Wade-Green – HIRED!
Lives in: Boston
Relevant Experiences: Material Handler II at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Get to Know Me Better: “I found my passion for instruments when I got to high school, the first bilingual high school in Massachusetts, where I learned to play the saxophone and the trombone.”