Student finds inspiration in San Jac’s biomanufacturing technology program

Christopher Soza chose psychology because it felt like the surest way to do what mattered most to him — help people. 

“I learned about San Jac in Dobie High School and became a Promise Scholar, which made it possible to start college right after graduation,” Soza said. “I was set on becoming a psychiatrist, ready to spend at least 12 years in school.” 

Then a random encounter at an event at the San Jacinto College South Campus sent him in an unexpected direction. 

One afternoon after a tough biology lab practical, he headed downstairs in the science and allied health building, where a career fair was underway.  

“I saw lots of tables with pharmaceuticals, physics, and just a bunch of different stuff,” Soza said. “I noticed biotech was the only one that wasn’t busy or as flashy as the others, except for a mannequin dressed up in lab gear.” 

When Soza approached the table, Dr. Nicole Bradley, biotechnology program director, was ready to answer his first question: What is biotechnology?  

After getting his first glimpse into the field and a flyer about one of the San Jac’s newest programs, Soza was intrigued.  

“I went home and Googled ‘What is biotech? What does biotech include? What are the benefits for me?’” he said. “I learned that it is a rising field, which means more job opportunities are opening up.”  

Soza was excited to learn that biotechnology offered a way to join the medical field and learn science much faster than his original major. Better yet, he could do so without direct patient care and still fulfil his dream of improving the lives of others.  

I realized it’s behind-the-scenes work, and that was appealing. They make medicine for people. It’s cell and gene therapy, vaccine development, tumor and cancer research, and I realized this is something I really want to do because this work is extremely important.

Life-changing decision 

Within two weeks, after a follow-up meeting with Bradley and biotechnology instructor Kevin Rodriguez, Soza decided to change his major and join the program’s first cohort. 

“Everything is a little different from your typical biology lab or normal science class,” he said. “But you’re getting hands-on experience, which they told us is the equivalent to industry-level training.” 

Students learn amino acids, peptides and pH balance — familiar chemistry concepts Soza always enjoyed — and the instructors simplify the material, making it easy to understand.  

They also learn to use industry-specific equipment like biological safety cabinets, micropipettes, bioreactors, and roller machines, along with strict aseptic techniques and contamination control.  

That part surprised Soza. 

“I learned how easily something can get contaminated and compromise products,” he said. “Imagine ruining a cure for someone or a drug, making it not as strong or potentially harmful.”  

Professors are great motivators 

For Soza, the faculty have helped make a new field seem doable. 

“Dr. Bradley, she’s amazing,” he said. “She engages with everybody in the classroom and makes sure we’re understanding all the material. She breaks down all the technical information and keeps the point clear.” 

 Soza appreciates how Rodriguez, a San Jac graduate himself, keeps the lab environment upbeat. 

“He makes labs so much fun, a lot less stressful,” Soza said. “He makes it seem exciting. He really cares about all of us and whether we’re learning. It’s comforting to know he’s been in our shoes, and he knows how to approach teaching from a student’s perspective.” 

 The future looks promising 

On track to graduate in spring 2026, Soza is already looking ahead to industry opportunities. 

“I already have a potential internship lined up,” he said. “I’m excited about it and eager to use all the stuff I’ve learned in the program in the real world.” 

Whether he ever circles back to psychology or keeps moving forward in biotech, Soza said San Jac helped him find a path that feels right.  

“I’m excited about the future, knowing I’ll be helping others in a way that really matters,” he said. 

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.