NJIT Graduate Takes a Multidisciplinary Path to Biotech
Gbocho Obo’s entrée into biotechnology came via the science, technology and society bachelor’s he earned at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
The multidisciplinary degree from NJIT's College of Science and Liberal Arts appealed to his interest in how science and tech impacts people of color like himself.
“My major gave me the skill to understand the reasons why the statistics concerning people of color and other minority groups are what they are, scientifically speaking,” Obo said. “I loved most the gathering of quantitative and qualitative data, personal experience testimonies, reviews of legal documents and graphic illustrations, which allowed me to figure out the solutions or at least the steps that my community must take to advance in this rapid tech-evolving society.”
Classroom to workplace
Now, as he takes on the role of aseptic cell-gene therapy technician at BioCentriq, he feels empowered by the hard work of earning his degree, as predicted by University Lecturer Daniel Estrada and his academic advisor, Heidi Young. As Estrada put it, “It may look gloomy when tasks are getting the best of you but once completed, it’s freedom of knowledge. Your degree will never be taken away from you. You own that bachelor’s for life.”
BioCentriq, a Contact Development and Manufacturing Organization that develops cell and gene therapies, was born at NJIT’s New Jersey Innovation Institute, which nurtured it before selling it to a South Korean company in 2022. In fact, news of the sale — as posted on a digital message board in the Student Center — first introduced Obo to the startup, which is based in New Jersey. Subsequently, he researched its operations, applied for a job and landed it before his Class of 2024 commencement.
Future plans
Beyond academics, Obo embraced social life on campus, playing rugby and joining the Iota Phi Theta fraternity.
“They were some of the best experiences as I got to know individuals from different walks of life and countries,” he said.
Five years from now, Obo plans to still be working in biotech but as a leader, maximizing his earning potential. Seems like he has the knowledge, experience and work ethic to get there.
