On October 15, 2025, a group of Skyline College Biotechnology students, accompanied by Dr. Jing Folsom and Dr. Nick Kapp, visited Guardant Health in Redwood City for an educational and inspiring tour. The visit was organized by Dr. Folsom as part of Skyline’s ongoing effort to connect students with leading Bay Area biotechnology companies.
Guardant Health is a pioneering precision oncology company that develops blood-based tests to advance cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment selection. Its mission is to improve patient outcomes through innovative genomic technologies that enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Students were warmly welcomed by Senior Director Dr. Brent Witgen, Supervisor Jonah DeGuzman, and Skyline Biotech alumna Leslie Igtanloc. As one of the speakers, Leslie shared her academic journey and career growth—from starting as an entry-level lab assistant to becoming an Executive Assistant supporting the Vice President and senior scientists. Her story was both inspiring and relatable, demonstrating the professional opportunities available in the biotechnology industry.
Guardant Health representatives introduced the group to the company’s history, mission, and vision for advancing precision medicine. They highlighted the company’s supportive culture, commitment to innovation, and focus on employee growth and well-being. Speakers emphasized how employees are encouraged to continue learning, pursue new skills, and contribute to breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes.
Throughout the visit, students explored various career pathways in biotechnology and connected classroom learning with real-world applications in diagnostics, research, and development. To make the day even more memorable, Guardant Health provided souvenirs and hosted an enjoyable breakfast, where students reflected on their experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions with faculty and peers.
This visit not only gave students an inside look at a prominent biotech company but also reaffirmed Skyline College’s dedication to preparing future professionals for impactful careers in science and technology.
Special thanks to the Kinesiology and Dance Division for providing transportation support, which helped ensure that all students had an equitable opportunity to participate in this enriching experience.
Article by: Fabiola Moreno and Dr. Jing Folsom
Photo by by Dr. Jing Folsom
