Buzzin’ Brood: Student Spotlight – Brendan Shields, FCC Biotech Bootcamp Graduate

Brendan Shields took a winding path to biotech, starting his career in the financial sector before realizing his true passion lay in science and innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Planning from Towson University, he was drawn to Frederick’s growing biotech scene, eager to contribute to products that have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Now, through the FCC Biotech Bootcamp, Brendan is getting hands-on lab experience and immersing himself in the industry. Read on to hear what’s inspiring his journey!

How did you get here?

After college, I ended up working for a few financial institutions, which was great for getting experience, especially with communication skills, but for a while, I’ve wanted to shift more toward science and, specifically, products that have a concrete positive impact on people. Since I moved to Frederick a few years ago, the Biotech industry was a natural fit, and I’m excited to be exploring opportunities in the area!

What is currently blowing your mind right now? 

The sheer scale of some of the operations that I’ve been able to get a first-hand look at are super impressive, and I haven’t even seen the enormous multi-level bioreactors that have been mentioned at other companies. And it’s incredible just how many Biotech companies are innovating in the area, I would have never known all that’s going on just nearby if I hadn’t made a move toward the industry!

If you could explain yourself right now in only emojis, what would those be? 

I like to keep a positive outlook and stay active. I enjoy playing music with friends and at events when possible. I’m a big nerd and love reading, and I love my dog! And I’m excited to put on a lab coat and start a new career!

If you could travel in to the future… what does your LinkedIn Headline say?

It’s tough to say for the far future. I’m excited to get a first-hand look at the industry and see where my interests lead me from there. Honestly, in the mid-term future, it would just make my year to have my actual job title be “scientist”; that would make 10-year-old me so happy.

If you had unlimited resources to start your own company, what problem would you solve? What would be the name of your company? 

With truly unlimited resources, I would channel them into funding research towards treatments for Alzheimer’s. I am sure that I would need some help coming up with a name, but I would probably look for something related to the word “Mind”.

Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn and follow along as he takes the next step in his career!