From Chemical Engineering to Biotech Innovation: Turning Science Into Impact
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Kendall McWilliams, ’20 Chemical Engineering, M.P.S. Biotechnology Student, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in biotech.
Kendall shares his journey from chemical engineering into the biotech industry, and why pursuing graduate education was the logical next step. He explains how understanding quality systems, GMP regulations, clinical trials, and business operations transformed how he approaches his work—especially in bringing promising therapies from research to patients.
The conversation also dives into how AI and data modeling are being used responsibly in bioprocessing, why human judgment still matters, and how constant learning is simply part of the profession. Kendall offers honest insight into balancing full-time work with graduate school, navigating different roles within biotech, and staying grounded in the industry’s ultimate purpose: protecting and improving lives.
This episode is especially valuable for working professionals considering graduate study, career-changers exploring biotech, or anyone curious about how science, regulation, and ethics come together in real-world biotech work.
Learn more about UMBC’s M.P.S. in Biotechnology: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/biotechnology/
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In this episode, we sit down with Kendall McWilliams, ’20 Chemical Engineering, M.P.S. Biotechnology Student, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in biotech. Kendall shares his journey from chemical engineering into the biotech industry, and why pursuing graduate education was the logical next step. He explains how understanding quality systems, GMP regulations, clinical trials, and business operations transformed how he approaches his work—especially in bringing promising therapies from research to patients. The conversation also dives into how AI and data modeling are being used responsibly in bioprocessing, why human judgment still matters, and how constant learning is simply part of the profession. Kendall offers honest insight into balancing full-time work with graduate school, navigating different roles within biotech, and staying grounded in the industry’s ultimate purpose: protecting and improving lives. This episode is especially valuable for working professionals considering graduate study, career-changers exploring biotech, or anyone curious about how science, regulation, and ethics come together in real-world biotech work. Learn more about UMBC’s M.P.S. in Biotechnology: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/biotechnology/