Delaware Tech Student Joins Chemical Company in New Castle

Nai Brown in a lab coat and sterile gloves standing on one side of a clear barrier while her hands perform a procedure on the other side of the barrier in a Delaware Tech laboratory

Naiesha "Nai" Brown, a Delaware Tech biotechnology graduate of the Class of 2022, is now working at Croda Atlas Point, a sustainable chemical manufacturer that creates high-performance ingredients and technologies for some of the biggest, most successful brands in the world.

Brown previously completed a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology before pursuing her associate's degree in biotechnology at Delaware Tech, which was made possible through the support of a scholarship funded by the Delaware BioScience Association. A desire to do research led her to seek out hands-on experience and education to complete this goal.

"The Biotech program at Delaware Tech helped me gain that experience far beyond my expectations," Brown said. "I was able to get a lot of hands-on experience and had an amazing support system from my instructors."

She is excited to do research as well as continue her education and obtain a master's degree in Biotechnology.

Delaware Tech Biotechnology Instructor Dr. John McDowell said he is excited for Brown's opportunity to work at Croda. "Nai has been an exemplary student who demonstrates the strengths of Del Tech training and education and support. The connections with the bioscience industry have been critical for establishing these opportunities for our students."

Michael Fleming, President of the Delaware BioScience Association, said he is thrilled about Brown's opportunity with Croda. "We are so excited to see her career take off. This is the beginning of a fantastic journey for Nai, and we look forward to seeing other scholarship recipients follow in her successful path."

Croda was connected with Brown following a company visit to Delaware Tech's biotechnology labs at the Stanton campus. "We learned about the science and manufacturing pathways during our visit," said, Ron Tepner, Croda's HR Business Partner at Atlas Point. "Soon after our tour, I shared the Research Technician job posting with the Delaware Tech team and Science Department Chair Dr. Lakshmi Cyr contacted me about Nai. Her experience and education at Del Tech positioned her well for the role."

"My experience at Delaware Tech led me to landing an amazing job with Croda where daily I apply the things I have learned in the program," said Brown. "I look forward to seeing where my science career goes and I am thankful for my time at Delaware Tech."

PHOTO:
Nai Brown works in a Delaware Tech laboratory.