South San Francisco, known as the “Birthplace of Biotechnology,” recently served as a live classroom for students in Skyline College’s Biotechnology program. Organized by professors Dr. Nick Kapp and Dr. Jing Folsom, this educational visit provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Genentech’s world-class pilot plant and the sophisticated processes that bridge laboratory research and large-scale medicine production. The comprehensive tour was expertly guided by Ms. Andrea Cortez, an experienced Genentech professional who demonstrated exceptional expertise in explaining the critical “scale-up process”—where biopharmaceutical innovations transition from small lab beakers to massive bioreactors while maintaining precision for life-saving biologics.
During the facility walkthrough, students gained invaluable insights into biomanufacturing infrastructure, observing the specialized engineering and modular designs that enable Genentech to pivot efficiently between different drug candidates. We learned about the rigorous quality control and compliance standards necessary to ensure every batch of medicine meets the highest safety and efficacy requirements for patients. For our students, the experience represented far more than a field trip—it was a tangible glimpse into their potential professional futures in the rapidly growing Bay Area biotechnology sector.
Dr. Kapp and Dr. Folsom, who bring valuable industry perspectives from their prior experience, emphasized the critical importance of these industry partnerships in helping students visualize realistic career pathways. Both have established an impressive track record of fostering meaningful relationships with leading biotechnology companies and consistently organizing educational visits that ensure Skyline College graduates are exceptionally well prepared for high-demand roles in the region’s thriving biotech ecosystem.
The visit concluded with an informal networking session over coffee, providing students the opportunity to ask follow-up questions and engage directly with industry professionals. Thanks to the exceptional hospitality of Genentech personnel like Ms. Andrea Cortez and the visionary leadership of Skyline College faculty, students departed with a profound understanding of how major biotechnology employers shape both local and global healthcare landscapes. This educational partnership exemplifies Skyline College’s commitment to bridging academic theory and industry practice, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with a genuine understanding of their role in advancing human health and scientific discovery.
Article written by Fabiola Moreno and Kayla Beaman
Photos by Dr. Nick Kapp and Jing Folsom
