Looking Back on a 'Surreal' Experience

Clarens Jarbath arrived at Northwestern Engineering's Master of Biotechnology program (MBP) this past fall ready to carve his own path toward a career related to medical devices. 

Jarbath, who received both his MS in Public Health and BS in Biology from Florida State University, quickly had to adjust to a new schedule and new climate. So far, though, he said the experience has been well worth it.

Jarbath recently took a few minutes to look back at his first quarter in the program and ahead to the rest of his time in MBP.

First off, how would you describe your fall quarter experience?

In one word I would describe it as surreal. Everything from moving to a new city, experiencing snow for the first time and actually attending classes at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world has been a surreal experience. The program directors and staff have done so much to try and alleviate the stresses that could come from moving to a new city, like doing simple things such as giving us transit cards that allow us to ride the CTA free of charge. The first quarter was very eye-opening, between the seminars, the company site visits and the exposure to everything biotechnology has to offer. 

What were your highlights from the quarter?

I would say:

• The site visits to Fresenius Kabi and LanzaTech, where they essentially pulled out the red carpet for us, 
• Touring the medical research facilities in downtown Chicago
• Going on a scavenger hunt the first week of classes
• The bonfires and socials with the previous cohort

What were two or three of the most important lessons you learned?

Personally I had to learn to ask for help from the advisors, program directors, and preceptors if the opportunity ever arose. Oftentimes I found myself thinking I had to rely on my own wits to try and navigate the challenges offered by this program when in truth, all I had to do was ask the individuals who are placed in these positions to help me succeed. I also learned that my peers and colleagues are also there to help. Finally, I learned that a good scarf can help keep you warmer than a thick coat.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in starting the program?

Having gone to a school where we used a semester system, moving to a quarter system was the most difficult challenge I had to face because the pace of study is much more accelerated. 

What are you most excited about moving forward in the program?

I am most excited about our possible site visit in the state of Washington. I am always interested in seeing what the world has to offer in terms of biotechnology and I am very excited to see what the west coast has to offer with it being one of the most forward-thinking and progressive hubs in the country. The innovations that are coming from that side of the country are eye-opening. I am hopeful that I can find something that I am truly passionate about and possibly find a career that can both help me financially and also help the community and planet in the long run.

What are your career aspirations and how do you think MBP will help you achieve those goals?

I am very interested in medical devices, especially in the realm of diagnosis and treatment. I am hopeful that I can either learn the tools necessary to launch my own startup or develop something in the realm of point-of-care testing that can be both accurate and cost-effective. I know that this program has connections in all the right places, and hopefully, I can find that one person — or people — who can either guide me or introduce me to the right path toward achieving that goal.