Exploring Careers in Biology & the Sciences

Where can a background in biology and the sciences take you? Explore the many career paths available beyond traditional laboratory or clinical roles and hear directly from professionals who have built careers in education, clinical research, environmental science, and laboratory science.

Join us for an engaging panel and networking event during Healthcare | Science | Research (HSR) Career Community Week. Our panelists will share their career journeys, how they’ve applied their academic backgrounds in the workplace, the skills that have helped them succeed, and advice for students exploring their own career paths.

Featured Panelists

• Claudia Sandoval — Secondary Science Teacher, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  Former practicing veterinarian who transitioned into secondary science education and is pursuing a Master’s in Science Education at NC State.


• Erin McLaughlin — Clinical Research Coordinator II, Carolina BioOncology Institute
  UNC Charlotte Biology alumna who works in Phase I oncology clinical research and is completing an MS in Clinical Research Management.


• Matthew Peine — Environmental Specialist II, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
  UNC Charlotte alumnus whose work focuses on water quality, environmental monitoring, pollution prevention, and watershed protection.


• Tyrese Williams — Lab Analyst II – Organics, Charlotte Water
  UNC Charlotte Biology alumnus working in laboratory science and environmental testing with the City of Charlotte.

Moderator:
Dr. Farzana Ferdous — Director, Graduate Certificate Programs & Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte

What You’ll Learn

Panelists will discuss:

• How their education helped prepare them for their careers


• Different ways to apply a biology or science background


• Career paths students may not have considered


• Internships, graduate education, and other experiences that helped them advance


• Skills employers and organizations value


• Advice for students preparing for life after graduation

Following the panel, students will have an opportunity to network one-on-one with the panelists and continue the conversation.

• Tuesday, October 6, 2026

• 4:00–5:30 PM

• Career Center – Atkins Annex (next to the Main Library)

Come explore where your biology and science education can take you!

Hosted by the Career Center in partnership with the Department of Biological Sciences, as part of HSR Career Community Week (October 5 -9, 2026). Please visit: to see list of events.