Micaela Herndon, Project Director, EDA Good Jobs Challenge, Biotech, Dallas College
Micaela Herndon, project director at Dallas College, leads the $8.7 million “Grow the Biotech Workforce” initiative, training underserved communities for high-paying biotech jobs. In an interview with Invest:, Herndon highlighted North Texas’ strategic advantages and collaboration with industry partners like BioNTX to sustain growth and innovation in the region’s bioscience ecosystem.
Could you describe the Good Jobs Challenge initiative and how Dallas College is deploying the related grant?
In 2022, the Good Jobs Challenge, part of the American Rescue Plan, offered Dallas College the chance to apply for funding to support workforce development. We secured a historic grant in the amount of $8.7 million to “Grow the Biotech Workforce” program. The grant capitalized on North Texas’ unique position of being one of only two U.S. regions capable of rapidly transporting critical medical supplies, such as vaccines and chemicals, internationally. Recognizing this advantage, we aimed to create a regional collaboration rather than competing individually.
We partnered with Collin College, Tarrant County College and the University of Texas at Arlington to train and place 646 individuals in biotech jobs. We’re opening pathways to jobs with prevailing wages, helping improve economic mobility within the region.
How would you describe the biotech and biomed industries in North Texas? What role do they play in regional growth?
The biotech and biomed sectors in North Texas are thriving and poised for significant growth. When we began, we worked with industry leaders to identify critical workforce skills. Many roles overlapped with other sectors like healthcare and quality control. This intersectionality underscores how biotech opportunities are interconnected in the region.
The local workforce seeks opportunities to upskill into roles that provide stability and growth. Collaboration among businesses has been key. For example, the Biotechnology & Healthcare Industry Alliance of North Texas (BHIANT), born from our grant, expanded partnerships from a handful of companies to over 30 organizations. Together, we’ve tackled issues such as talent pipelines, policy, and investment. This collaborative ecosystem has made North Texas increasingly attractive to businesses, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. The shared commitment across sectors creates a supportive environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive, making it a crucial driver of regional growth.
What training and certifications do your programs offer, and how do they align with industry needs?
To address the region’s workforce needs, we collaborated with around 10 employers to identify key competencies, which led to the creation of the Bioworks for North Texas consortium. For example, students can pursue biotechnology certifications at Collin College, which prepares them for key industry roles and credentialing exams. Dallas College provides pathways through programs like Medical Lab Technician and certifications for related fields such as patient care technician and medical assistant, offering flexibility for those interested in healthcare-adjacent biotech positions. At the University of Texas at Arlington, the focus is on biomedical, equipping students with skills applicable to good manufacturing practices, quality assurance, and other specialized areas. Similarly, Tarrant County College integrates biotechnology into its CompTIA program, blending computer science and biotech knowledge.
Beyond traditional training, we’ve worked with local high schools to equip teachers with biotechnology skills, enabling them to introduce these topics to younger students. This helps build awareness and interest in biotech careers early on. Another standout program is our Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Foundational Course, developed with Panthera BioSolutions. This course has garnered positive feedback for its focus on essential industry standards and practices. Currently, we have over 275 people enrolled in training, and 121 have already transitioned into jobs, often seeing their income double or even triple. This transformative impact highlights the alignment between these programs and the growing demands of the biotech sector.
What opportunities do you see for growth and further expanding the program?
Effective marketing has been key to program growth. We’ve focused on breaking down misconceptions about biotech — like the “Jurassic Park” stereotype — by emphasizing real-world applications such as public health and technology advancements. To attract diverse participants, we’ve translated recruitment materials into languages like Spanish and French, and that has increased inclusivity and engagement across communities.
For sustainability, we’re building partnerships to maintain these programs beyond the grant’s life cycle. Articulation agreements with four-year institutions help students continue their education, and collaborations with cities and economic development corporations (EDCs) help attract employers. The BHIANT plays a critical role in keeping training aligned with industry needs as new companies arrive and existing businesses expand. This holistic approach of marketing, partnerships and ecosystem building has been essential to our success.
How are you incorporating technologies like automation and simulations into your programs?
We’ve adopted advanced technologies to enhance training, such as virtual reality (VR) simulations. For example, VR allows students to practice in clean rooms, which are critical but expensive environments to replicate physically. With VR headsets, students can navigate clean room procedures, interact with virtual equipment, and complete assessments in a cost-effective way. Through regular meetings with our BHIANT partners, we gather input on emerging needs and adjust programs accordingly. If a skill or technology isn’t currently in our curriculum, we arrange lab days, tours or workshops at employer facilities to bridge the gap, ensuring our programs evolve alongside the industry.
Does your program support workforce development for those already employed in biotech?
Yes, incumbent worker training is a key component. As of January, four major hospital systems in DFW are using our training programs to upskill their employees. These programs help workers in entry-level lab roles gain skills for higher-paying positions. Last year, we also developed an online quality assurance course in response to requests from biotech partners. This flexibility ensures that current employees can upskill without leaving their jobs. By supporting both new talent and existing workers, we are ensuring local businesses have access to skilled workers while strengthening the overall workforce.
What is your outlook for the bioscience sector in North Texas, and what are your top priorities moving forward?
The bioscience sector in North Texas is experiencing rapid growth, with interest and engagement increasing across the board. The region is already attracting businesses, expanding training enrollments, and fostering collaboration among key players. It’s no longer a question of whether this growth will happen, it’s already underway. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and ensure that all stakeholders stay committed to developing the workforce ecosystem. My immediate priority is to help as many individuals as possible secure jobs in the biotech sector, with a focus on providing opportunities to underserved communities. Helping people transition into stable, well-paying jobs is at the heart of what we do, and it’s rewarding to see how these roles can transform lives.
Looking beyond the grant, sustaining the partnerships and programs we’ve built is crucial. We need to ensure that the progress made through initiatives like the BHIANT continues, allowing the ecosystem to expand and adapt for the future. This includes attracting new companies to North Texas, demonstrating the wealth of opportunities available, and showcasing the region as an ideal place for innovation and growth in biosciences. Ultimately, collaboration remains key. By fostering partnerships across institutions, industries, and local governments, we can continue to break down silos and create a unified approach that benefits the entire region. This spirit of shared effort and vision will be critical to driving North Texas forward in the bioscience sector for years to come.
