Connecting the Dots: Athens Career Academy Unveils Biotech Track, Shaping Real Futures for High School Students

Photo of Wesley Melina, John Mitchell, and Ilka McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–February 22, 2024– Athens, Georgia – The Athens Community Career Academy, part of the Clarke County School District, is ushering in a new era of education and community development with its innovative Biotechnology Track. Designed to meet the changing needs of the workforce in Athens, this program aims to prepare high school students for successful careers in the local biotech industry.

The first of its kind in Georgia, the Biotechnology Track is a three-course pathway that equips students with the skills and knowledge to use living organisms and biological processes to solve problems and create useful products in fields like medicine, agriculture, and food science. With the support of Athens-Clarke County Economic Development and local biotech businesses, this program was created for students grades 10-12, aligning with the growing demand in the biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors in Athens.

“Career Pathways offer students choices based on local workforce needs. Our goal is to continue connecting the dots between education, industry, and community, preparing students for successful careers,” says Wesley Mellina, CEO of Athens Community Career Academy.

The creation of this new program began over a year ago, driven by the vision of Ilka McConnell, Director of Economic Development for Athens-Clarke County, and Wesley Mellina, CEO of Athens Community Career Academy, in collaboration with local biotech leaders. By working closely with biotech leaders in the community, the Career Academy ensures that the curriculum meets the needs of the local biotech industry.

“One common concern [with other programs] is the lack of hands-on laboratory experience. This course is designed to better prepare students with practical laboratory skills. However, most importantly this course is designed to instill an enthusiasm for life sciences,” says John Mitchell, CEO of Athens Research and Technology. Over the past eighteen months, Athens Research and Technology has contributed both time and resources, helping to launch and make this program accessible and beneficial for students.

“The talent pipeline John Mitchell has helped us build has been tremendous. Athens Research and Technology really started looking at what level of information is needed to start a career in the industry,” says Ilka McConnell, “They’re doing a standout job at keeping their door open to the workforce and really understanding what level of education is needed to be successful in each role on their team.”

With the introduction of the Biotechnology Track, the Career Academy aims to empower students and inspire parents to see the potential in the Athens community. By offering choices for students at an earlier age and providing internship opportunities, class demonstrations, and industry engagement, the Career Academy strives to create a positive impact and showcase the long-term opportunities available in the biotech industry.

“Athens is a magical place. It’s a beautiful city,” says Ilka McConnell, “We want students to grow their skills, grow their support, and eventually grow their families here.” 

Enrolling now for the 2024 Fall semester, the Biotechnology Track is open to 10th-12th graders and offers a comprehensive pathway for students to gain valuable skills in biotech. Students who complete this program will have the chance to earn the Biotility Biotechnician Assistant certification, which further enhances their career prospects in the field.

Diversity in the biotech industry stands as a cornerstone of the Biotechnology Track’s mission. The Athens Community Career Academy, committed to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity, provides students with opportunities to explore their interests. Stepping back for a broader perspective, biology emerges as the foundational essence of all life. By raising awareness around diversity in the biotech industry and providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, the Career Academy is paving the way for a brighter future where education, industry, and community come together to create a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for the Athens Community. Image from L to R: Wesley Mellina, John Mitchell, Ilka McConnell

Media Contact:
Sydney Lucero

601-455-8590

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Georgia Life Sciences Launches New Podcast Series, Vitals, in Partnership with Cloudcast Media

October 6, 2025
Atlanta, GA — October 6 — Georgia Life Sciences today announced the launch of Vitals, a new podcast series developed in partnership with Cloudcast Media, a leader in branded podcast production. The series will spotlight the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of Georgia’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Hosted by Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe, Vitals will feature in-depth conversations with scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, policymakers, and patient advocates. Each episode will explore the challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem—spanning biopharma, medical technology, digital health, and advanced manufacturing. “Vitals gives us a powerful platform to showcase the remarkable work happening within our state,” said Maria Thacker Goethe. “By sharing these stories, we’re highlighting not only groundbreaking science but also the collaboration and talent that make Georgia such a vibrant hub for health innovation.” Cloudcast Media, known for its expertise in storytelling and high-quality podcast production, will bring industry insights and technical support to ensure the series reaches audiences across Georgia and beyond. “We’re proud to partner with Georgia Life Sciences on Vitals,” said Charles Parisi, Founder and CEO of Cloudcast. “This series will elevate the voices of innovators who are advancing science, improving patient outcomes, and building Georgia’s reputation as a global life sciences leader. We are very excited that Cloudcast Atlanta can play a role in supporting Maria and the impactful work of Georgia Life Sciences.” The first episode of Vitals launched today and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms, as well as through the Georgia Life Sciences website.

BIO Statement on Most Favored Nation Policies

October 1, 2025
September 30, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – John F. Crowley, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on Most Favored Nation policies: "For too many years, Americans have subsidized the research and development necessary to bring newer and better medicines to patients around the world. As we saw with defense spending and NATO, the solution is not to weaken a strategically important American industry, but for other countries to pay their fair share. “Today’s announcement in the Oval Office highlights the problems with a drug delivery system where half of the cost of innovative medicines goes to middlemen and distributors, and where the supply chain distorts prices paid by the American people. We support a new framework that addresses the cost of medicines by simplifying the system - and making medicines directly available to patients. “But importing socialist price controls through most-favored nation policies fundamentally does not address the imbalance in international pricing for innovative medicines. MFN will not lower the out-of-pocket prices that most Americans pay for medicines. Even worse, it will jeopardize the entrepreneurial spirit and deter the capital necessary for a vibrant and essential American biotechnology industry to thrive and may cause most harm to small and midsize biotech companies, which are responsible for discovering more than half of all new treatments. “Without these biotech innovators and a free-market system, we risk slower scientific progress, decreased access to new medicines, compromised national security, fewer American jobs and perhaps most tragically, a diminished hope for those suffering with illness and disease. There are much better ways to address this problem than MFN.” ###
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