NSBE - Winter 2011/2012 - (Page 12)

Mizanu Kebede of Life Technologies Building Success through diversity and Exposure By Kevin M. Briscoe L ife Technologies is a $3.6-billion, worldwide biotechnology company providing 50,000 products to more than 75,000 customers in such areas as academic research, drug discovery and development, toxicology and forensics, disease diagnostics, clinical cell therapy and regenerative medicine, and biologics manufacturing. Before these wares reach the worldwide market, one man leads the company’s efforts to ensure the highest quality among the products and confirm that they meet industry norms and all local, state, federal “Biotechnology is a thrilling field with endless possibilities and well worth the hard work.” and global regulations. Meet Mizanu Kebede, vice president, Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs. “I am responsible for ensuring quality and regulatory compliance for Life Technologies’ products and services…from research and development to manufacturing and product performance in the marketplace,” says Kebede, 50. “In addition, as part of the senior leadership, I provide regulatory consultation to the executive management on existing and emerging global regulations to drive product expansion and speed to market globally.” Kebede’s background — 20 years in the medical devices, diagnostics and biotechnology fields — makes him well-sui ted for the corporate boardroom. “I have always believed that having a diverse background in various disciplines prepares you to be a good general manager and leader,” says Kebede, who also held senior positions at Johnson & Johnson, Steris Corporation and the University of North Carolina. “As such, I have seized opportunities to lead a variety of departments and businesses, including R&D, operations, sales and marketing, and quality and regulatory organizations.” 12 • nsbe magazine • Winter 2011/12 Kebede has always been fascinated by science and its potential impact on the human condition. “I planned on becoming a medical doctor but decided to pursue my education purely in science,” says the married father of two and resident of San Clemente, Calif. “(But), when I found the biomedical sciences, which coupled both my passion for helping people and my love of pure science, it was a perfect fit.” With a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology as well as a B.S. in medical technology — both from Murray State University — Kebede has carved a trail of success, but in an area where few African Americans have tread. According to government reports, blacks received less than 8 percent of the bachelor’s degrees in biological and biomedical sciences conferred in 2008–09, and less than 6 percent of the master’s degrees in these fields. He attributes this dearth of blacks in the profession to a lack of early outreach and exposure. “By the time African-American students enter college, we have already lost too many of them to other disciplines,” Kebede says. “We need to reach our youth when they are still in grade school and educate them on the myriad of opportunities available to them in the biological and biomedical fields.” He adds: “A great example of this is what NSBE is doing with the SEEK camps (Summer Engineering Experience for Kids), showing kids that pursuing engineering and science can lead to exciting careers. However, we know that once students start college, many will drop out of these fields. Again, it’s about outreach and building community. As parents, educators and community leaders, we need to share our stories of success.” What advice would Kebede offer to NSBE members considering a biomedical career? “In deciding what field to pursue, it’s critical to get actual work experience to learn if it is actually something you would like to do,” he says. “I would encourage NSBE members to start learning about the different positions that are available in their field and begin talking to companies. In this way, they can find the niche that is right for them. “Biotechnology is a thrilling field with endless possibilities and well worth the hard work.” ■ www.nsbe.org http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - Winter 2011/2012

NSBE - Winter 2011/2012
Contents
Engagement Matters
Worth a Thousand Words
Living Abroad
Mizanu Kebede of L ife Technologies
Marques Griffin of Chevron Corporation
Chapter News
What’s New?
Membership News
Soaring in Finance, Grounded in Math
The Programs Zone
International News
NSBE Calendar
NSBE Golden Torch Award Winers
The Professional’s Perspective
Opportunities in Emerging Africa
Improving Energy Efficiency in Signal Processing
Council Selects NSBE to Help Improve the FE Exam
The NSBE Aerospace Systems Conference
Boost Your Knowledge! Join a SIG
AE Members on the Move
Advertisers Index

NSBE - Winter 2011/2012