MCC Student Advancing Career in Biotech w/ Hands-on Experiences

With a talent for paying close attention to detail and a passion for helping others, Frank Dolan, of Londonderry, N.H., was led to the biotechnology industry and Middlesex Community College by an alum of the program. At MCC, Dolan gains technical knowledge and hands-on experiences to advance in his role in the biotech field.

“MCC will help me reach my goals by providing me with the skills needed to succeed, as well as a built-in network of alumni and other networking opportunities through the biotech club,” Dolan said. “Connections are highly important in the biotech industry, and MCC truly helps in making those connections.”

In MCC’s program, Dolan learns from guest speakers and alumni about their professional journeys. He credits MCC’s Professor & Chair of Biotechnology Dr. Mariluci Bladon for maintaining these connections to help students jumpstart or advance in their careers. He also believes these experiences allow the college to stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Working with Dr. Bladon one-on-one has also helped Dolan have a clearer understanding of complex concepts, as well as better retain the information he learns in his classes. Already working full-time in the biotech field, he has found that the college’s recently renovated, state-of-the-art lab has prepared him to perform important and relevant techniques at his job.

“Lab experiences have been fundamental to my success,” he said. “As a hands-on learner, labs have provided me with the guidance to become proficient in skills that are needed in the industry and have provided the perfect opportunity to enhance the technical skills I have a natural aptitude for.”

At Middlesex, Dolan is part of the Biotech Club, New England Parenteral Drug Association, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering. He received financial assistance from the college’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Starter Academy, which makes STEM students more aware of the opportunities available to them, as well as assists them toward completing their programs and graduating.

The first in his family to attend college, Dolan is also a member of MCC’s TRiO Student Success Program in support of first generation students. Through the federally funded program, an advisor works with him to explore his options, save money on the costs of college, be successful in his classes, and stay on track to graduate on time.

“My meetings with TRiO have helped me gather my thoughts and organize, which has been helpful in my educational journey,” Dolan said. “The support of everyone at MCC made me feel that I could be successful in continuing my education.”

Dolan graduated from MCC with a certificate in biotechnology in May 2024. A combination of his positive experiences and encouragement from his professors led him to stay at Middlesex to complete his associate degree. After graduating, he plans to advance in the industry.

He feels MCC has helped him build a foundation of knowledge and networking contacts to progress in his career.

“The biotechnology industry has a hub in Boston, and the earning potential and job opportunities are boundless,” Dolan said. “It is a great opportunity to not only provide for myself, but to help others by manufacturing pharmaceutical products and enduring safe and effective medicines reach patients.”