ABE-LA Career Corner Interview (Jeremy A.)
From Curiosity to Commitment: ABE-LA is Back after 3 years Interviewing Jeremy Acosta’s Journey in Biotechnology and Mentorship
By: Samantha Leano
Jeremy’s story is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets initiative. We caught up with him 3 years later to see where he is now. Currently, Jeremy still works at CellVi Biosciences. For those that did not read the first issue of his spotlight, his company specializes in producing condition media that is used for lotions and other skin care products. As Jeremy has grown alongside the company, what began as a role focused solely on cell culture, has now evolved into a multifaceted position that keeps CellVi running.
Today, Jeremy is responsible not only for tissue culture, but also for ordering supplies, managing inventory, coordinating with vendors, overseeing production, packaging final products, and even delivering them himself. Once an hourly employee, he is now a full-time salaried professional whose expanding responsibilities reflect the trust and value his company places in him. His goal is to continue growing with CellVi, earning a promotion, gaining a new title, and having a greater voice in the company’s direction. He is particularly excited about the company’s interest in expanding from production into medical research, an area where he sees enormous potential.
Jeremy believes conditioned media is significantly under-researched and hopes to be part of the breakthroughs that could move the medical field forward.
Jeremy’s passion for science began early, sparked during his freshman year in high school honors biology class. While he had always been interested in science, learning about genetics opened his eyes to the possibilities within biology. At the time, he didn’t even know biotechnology existed. He simply knew he loved biology. That love turned into a calling when he discovered the biotechnology program at Pasadena Community College. Despite his professional accomplishments, Jeremy has gone on to complete his associates degree in biotechnology with an emphasis in STEM Biology at Pasadena Community college and is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, with plans to graduate this May!
His connection to ABE-LA came through his profession, Dr. Eversal at PCC, who encouraged him to get involved. Seeking hands-on experience, Jeremy eagerly stepped into the program, progressing from student participant to background mentor and eventually to mentor. Through ABE-LA, he was also introduced to industry opportunities, including an internship with Poseidon, and experience that further shaped his professional path.
Jeremy’s mindset is grounded in a philosophy he shared with us three years ago “Roll with the punches, keep your eyes on the prize and do whatever you need to do to get back up again.” He wishes to modify that answer to quote Wayne Gretzky: “ You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” What once felt like a simple opportunity has turned into an experience far beyond what he ever expected.
That same philosophy drives his continued commitment to mentoring with the ABE-LA Saturday Workdays. Jeremy mentors because he genuinely enjoys teaching and finds fulfillment in inspiring the next generation of scientists. He believes strongly that students should try things firsthand before fully committing to a career path, and he values the chance to share his own experiences. The diversity of perspectives and backgrounds he encounters during the workdays energizes him and reinforces the importance of inclusive spaces in STEM.
When asked what he enjoys most about working with ABE-LA, Jeremy jokes that it’s the pizza, but what truly keeps him coming back is the people. He values teaching high school and early college students, building networks, and being surrounded by individuals who share a passion for biotechnology. For him, ABE-LA is a space where diverse stories converge, creating a hub that reflects the future of STEM.
Jeremy’s journey demonstrates the transformative impact of mentorship, hands-on learning, and believing in potential, both your own and that of others. His story is not just about career advancement, but about growth, curiosity, and paying opportunity forward.