MVSU grad recruited and hired by major pharmaceutical company

July 18, 2019

ITTA BENA, Miss.—When Miracle Johnson made her way to Itta Bena from Chicago to major in biology, she thought for certain that she would one day pursue a career in medicine.

However, while finishing up her studies at MVSU, Johnson realized that she was more comfortable in a white coat than scrubs. That realization, coupled with her love for research, has helped her to launch her career at Kashiv Biosciences as a manufacturing assistant.

With a mission of developing innovative technologies and medicines for improving the health of patients worldwide, Kashiv Biosciences is a pharmaceutical research and drug delivery company developing next-generation technologies, innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs and drug life-cycle management products.

 “This is an exciting opportunity,” said Johnson. “In my new position, I will be responsible for the manufacturing of biotechnology products for clinical and commercial human use.”

While studying at Valley, Johnson worked with Dr. Mark Dugo, assistant professor of environmental health, on a research project that she believes opened the door to her being recruited by Kashiv Biosciences .

Johnson and Dugo researched the algal species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to study how two antioxidant enzymes, Thioredoxin Dependent Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase, reacted to silver nanoparticles, which cause oxidative stress at high dosages. The pair worked with DNA extractions, amplification and sequencing to validate the genes used for gene expression. They then performed an RNA Purification and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

“I think the research we did prepared me for this position because it gave me the experience that I needed to even be considered by recruiters, and it was thorough enough for me to understand and regurgitate during the interview process with the company,” Johnson explained. 

At Kashiv Biosciences, Johnson said she will employ aseptic techniques while working in controlled and classified environments—some of which require complete aseptic gowning.

“I will be responsible for complying with policies, SOP procedures, FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and any other government requirements,” she explained.

However, Johnson said none of this would be possible if not for her experiences at MVSU.

“Dr. Dugo and I went through a lot during the process, but I’m extremely grateful that we got to work together as he helped open this door which I know will open many more,” she said.