Biotechnology, Diversity, and Inspiration to Pursue a Lifelong Dream

When considering future careers, Tananda (Tandy) Arenas-Bertol ’14 was deeply inspired by her father's battle with sickle cell disease, igniting her passion for the field of science. She was introduced to the concept of genetic engineering in middle school and was excited by the potential of manipulating DNA through viruses. She couldn't help but imagine the possibilities – what if she could one day use viruses to eradicate her father's illness? From then on, she was captivated by the world of science. Today, she plays a crucial role in advancing science discoveries as a scientific recruiter, identifying top talent to support the efforts of our nation's foremost research institute and public health protection agency.

During her senior year, Tandy was determined to find a university that would provide her with the necessary skills to pursue her dream of becoming a genetic engineer. She focused her research on colleges that offered biotechnology programs. After browsing multiple school websites, she learned RIT was the pioneer in offering such a program at the undergraduate level, which immediately piqued her interest. She thought to herself, "If they were the first, then they are probably the best." Tandy applied to RIT and after touring the campus with her father, she knew without a doubt that she had found her perfect fit.

“I not only had access to state-of-the-art facilities at RIT, but also the privilege of being taught by top-notch professors. The diverse student body at RIT allowed me to interact with some of the brightest students from all over the world. My experience at RIT expanded my horizons and introduced me to opportunities I never knew existed.”

It was during her first year that Tandy found the Unity House at RIT where she could interact with other students from African American, Caribbean, African, and Latin American backgrounds. Through her involvement with Unity House, she discovered the Caribbean Students Association (CSA), ALANA Collegiate Association (ACA), and connected with members of the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

“Despite the fact that most of the people I met through these groups were not majoring in the College of Science, I felt a sense of comfort in our shared experiences. We often held events in the Student Alumni Union and formed a tight-knit, supportive community right on campus. One of the things that I believe RIT excels at is providing space and access for students from diverse backgrounds, such as mine.”

In her senior year, Tandy collaborated with Dr. Paul Craig on a research project and attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists in Texas. “It was a momentous experience for me as it was my first time seeing such a large gathering of Black and Brown scientists. The faculty at RIT, such as Dr. André Hudson and Dr. Michael Coleman, were not just teachers, but also mentors who inspired me every day. I saw myself in them and their success motivated me to push myself further. I will never forget the words of encouragement from Dr. Coleman during one of our pep talks when he said, "If I could do it, then you can do it." I believed in his words, and I did it. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in biotechnology and molecular bioscience!”

After graduation, Tandy explored a variety of opportunities. Knowing she wanted to live in a city with a robust transportation system, she eventually moved down to the Washington DC area to start her search there. Her first job in the sciences was a contract role at Thermo Fisher and quickly secured a full-time position at BioReliance as an Associate Scientist after that. “After losing my father to sickle cell disease during my college years, I found myself in need of a new direction. I was determined to make a meaningful impact in the field of science and I made the decision to pursue my lifelong dream and take action towards achieving it.”

After two years at BioReliance, Tandy was invited to apply for a position at Kelly Government Solutions (KGS) as a Scientific Recruiter to find and onboard scientists for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She was offered the role and has been working in this position for six years as well as taking on the responsibilities of a Program Manager.

“During my time at KGS, I have also taken on the responsibilities of a Program Manager, overseeing a contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this role, I contribute to the advancement of science by identifying and recruiting top talent to support the work of our nation's leading research institute and public health protection agency. I am also giving back to the scientific community by advocating for job seekers and providing valuable candidate perspectives to decision makers.”

Tandy credits her time at RIT for laying the foundation for her successful career. “My time at RIT laid the foundation for my career growth. As a proud Tiger, I am grateful for the experiences that have led me to where I am today.”