Five NC community college students awarded prestigious Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship

RALEIGH, NC – Five community college students have been awarded the prestigious Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship, providing up to $3,000 per student to offset the cost of tuition, fees, and books as they pursue careers in the life sciences field. 

The scholarship was established by the NC Life Sciences Organizations (NCLifeSci) to recognize and remember Sam Taylor, a founder and president of the life sciences industry trade association for North Carolina. 

The 2024-2025 scholarship recipients are:  

• Ayabami Johnson of Central Carolina Community College 
  Program: Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology 

• Hesbam Gamaan of Durham Technical Community College 
  Program: Facility Maintenance Technology 

• Kiera Darden of Durham Technical Community College 
  Program: Clinical Trials Research Associate 

• Frankie Nobles of Guilford Technical Community College 
  Program: Bioanalytical Laboratory Technology 

• Lila Bradshaw of Johnston Community College 
  Program: Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology 

“I am so proud of these students for earning this prestigious scholarship as they pursue careers in the life sciences,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “With the life sciences industry booming in our state, biotech companies are in urgent need of skilled workers, and our community college students are essential in meeting this demand.”

Ayabami Johnson, scholarship recipient from Central Carolina Community College, said the scholarship made a big difference in their academic journey. Johnson’s ultimate career goal is to become a Regulatory Affairs Agent, ensuring products comply with guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies.

“This scholarship brought me a sense of financial relief knowing that I can pursue my academic career goals without any boundaries,” Johnson said. “Thank you to the donors. You are so appreciated.”

North Carolina is home to one of the world’s largest and most mature life science clusters, and the industry continues to expand in the state, bringing more jobs that pay good salaries and have a strong career trajectory. Biotechnology is the most prominent subsector of the life sciences industry, and encompasses processes like growing food, making medicines, and developing vaccines.

The Research Triangle alone comprises 600+ life sciences companies and 24,000+ employees with industry specializations including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, according to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).

Organizations like BioNetwork are helping connect the dots between community colleges, companies, and the workforce through talent development and talent acquisition. BioNetwork was established in 2003 as the life sciences training initiative of the North Carolina Community College System. They design and deliver biomanufacturing and food production training, eLearning, lab testing services, and customized training services to community colleges.

Taylor was passionate about the life sciences sector and the industry’s products that can heal patients, feed people, and improve the environment. Taylor also recognized the benefits the industry offers in providing good paying jobs for North Carolinians. 

“Sam’s legacy is a life sciences industry in this state that is one of the strongest anywhere in the world,” said NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter. “He knew that an educated and qualified workforce is needed to drive the discovery and innovation for which the industry is known. He especially wanted our state’s citizens to have the educational opportunities and resources they need to have outstanding careers in the life sciences.”

To honor Taylor’s memory, more than 50 donors have pledged more than $250,000 to a fund established at the NC Community Colleges Foundation, Inc. to provide scholarships for students taking life sciences courses in an associate degree program. In the last four years, 18 Taylor scholarships have been awarded to 14 students.

Leadership gifts for the Taylor Scholarship fund came from Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Amgen, Biogen and Hatteras Venture Partners. Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Frankel Staffing Partners, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Thermo Fisher and Smith Anderson also made significant contributions to the scholarship fund. 

For more information, contact David Etchison, Communications Director at NCLifeSci, at davidetchison@nclifesci.org.

Learn more about Sam Taylor and his impact in the life sciences industry.

About NC Life Sciences Organizations (NCLifeSci) 
NCLifeSci is dedicated to promoting the future growth and development of North Carolina’s life sciences industry. NCLifeSci advocates for state and federal public policies that encourage the growth of life sciences companies and supports the development of a strong life sciences workforce. NCLifeSci’s ultimate goal is to help North Carolina’s life sciences community fulfill its extraordinary promise as a source of economic opportunity and improved quality of life for citizens of North Carolina and people around the world. 

About NC Community Colleges Foundation 
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1986 to support the North Carolina Community College System. The Foundation is governed by a diverse board of directors who steward the endowment; raise awareness and funds to develop and advance the System; manage several scholarship and award programs that honor excellence, and support public-private partnership programs that foster innovation. Going forward, the Foundation will lead a comprehensive campaign to drive more student, college, employer, and system success, and deliver more community, economic, and workforce development value for the state.

About NC Community College System 
The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 community colleges created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The 58 institutions located throughout the state provide easy access to low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities and academic support that focuses on increasing employability.