North SGV News

Q&A with Biotechnology Alumna Elvira Elena Katus

Q: What year did you graduate from the Citrus College Biotechnology program?A: I graduated in June 2022, and I received an associate degree in biotechnology.

Q: Where do you work and what is your job?I have been working at Avrok Laboratories LLC as a laboratory associate since September 2020.

Q: What are some of your job responsibilities?A: My responsibilities are extraction of samples, DNA quantification, and preparation and execution of PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests. I also perform numerous procedures with respect to DNA sequencing, including extraction and purification of RNA/DNA samples, preparation of libraries, quantification of libraries, and preparation of pools for sequencing, as well as the DNA sequencing process. Other responsibilities are to assist the laboratory scientist with the execution of precision and accuracy tests. Besides the laboratory work, I help maintain and validate our electronic inventory system for existing and new assays, maintain the laboratory inventory, and help with the calibration of equipment.

Q: What do you love most about your job?A: The thing that I love the most about my job is developing new assays [a laboratory test to find and measure the amount of a specific substance]. I feel lucky working with the primary lab scientist and learning all the necessary steps to create a new assay. Also, it is a very satisfying feeling when performing any laboratory work because it is something that makes me happy.

Q: Please share how your biotech training prepared you for your current position.A: I feel very fortunate to have found the biotechnology program at Citrus College. I have a background in chemical engineering, but I needed more specialized knowledge and training in laboratory skills. When I found the Citrus biotech program, I realized the classes would help me with my career path and I didn’t hesitate to enroll. The program teaches the necessary tools to be successful in the field, including equipment operation, biology and biotechnology concepts, math, criteria, assays, etc. For example, I learned the theory of an ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] and how to carry out this assay, because soon we will start testing trough ELISA at my job. I also feel very lucky to have had excellent instructors sharing all their knowledge with me. This is an amazing and exciting career, so I want to invite anyone who is science-driven to register in the biotechnology program. It is excellent and full of all the knowledge you need to start working!

For more information on the Citrus College Biotechnology program, contact Dr. Eleanor Tsark at etsark@citruscollege.edu or visit www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/biot 

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