Reentry Student Success Stories

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This story about Citrus College alumna Melissa Palma was originally featured on November 2, 2026, in the Citrus View, a news center microsite maintained by the Citrus College Office of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs.

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Melissa Palma, a Citrus College graduate who is currently thriving in the biotechnology industry, followed a different academic journey than most of her peers.

After earning a bachelor's degree in biological sciences in 2022, Palma struggled to find a job in her field. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, her in-person laboratory experience had been cut short, and she was unable to gain the hands-on skills required for most positions.

"I felt that I missed out on an important aspect of learning and skill development," she said.

After working multiple jobs in unrelated fields, Palma discovered Citrus College. Even though she already had a degree, Palma saw the Citrus College Biotechnology program as a way to develop the hands-on skills needed to find a successful career.

"I hadn't considered a career in biotechnology but was intrigued enough to try the course and ended up really enjoying and excelling at it," she said.

While at Citrus College, Palma learned about testing procedures and documentation practices, both of which are foundational to the biotechnology industry. She also worked closely with her peers, which would prove helpful in her current position.

"Much of my time spent in the lab has taught me to manage my time and work efficiently with the help of my peers," she said. "The program is very similar to a real work environment, in which you have to learn how to work with different people."

In her current position as a full-time lab specialist at Prolacta Bioscience, Palma helps the company achieve its mission of producing human milk-based products for premature babies.

"I just knew I wanted to be helping people and making a positive impact through my work, and I can proudly say I get to do that here," Palma said. "I am grateful for the opportunities and education I've gained through this program."

Eleanor Tsark, Ph.D., a full-time biotechnology instructor at Citrus College, said Palma fully immersed herself in the lab and worked hard to achieve her goals.

"I am confident that she will continue to grow, learn new skills and challenge herself as she pursues her chosen career path in biotechnology," Dr. Tsark said.

To learn more about biotechnology at Citrus College, review the program information in the college catalog or email Dr. Tsark at etsark@citruscollege.edu.

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