My name is Melina Villasenor, and I am a production supervisor for the formulation of products at Vector Laboratories. New to the biotech and sciences professional space, most of my time is spent in or around lab spaces, yet labs tend not to have people that look like me. 

As a Mexican-American, I stand among a limited number of Latinx folks striding forward into the realm of sciences. The good news is, our representation has seen a gradual rise over the years, thanks in large part to the increasing visibility of successful Latinx professionals in STEM fields. Nevertheless, on a typical day, it’s just me and three other Latinx colleagues amongst the many other people making regular appearances in the lab. 

As a Latinx, queer, non-binary, disabled individual, it has always been rare for me to see people in STEM who “look like me.” It reminds me of a piece of wisdom shared by a mentor: “Life happens somewhere in the middle;” when it comes to diversity, this couldn’t be truer. We are built to exist in intersections, and recognizing the way humans are multi-faceted in experiences, expression, culture, etc., helps us create unique spaces full of growth opportunities. As humans, we all fall into different diversity categories, and so creating space for more people that “look like me” allows for a more legitimate, human experience in the workspace.   

That said, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Ensuring representation in STEM fields requires equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. It starts by nurturing young minds, encouraging them to dream freely, and shielding them from the discriminations that marginalized groups often face that prevent them from even starting the journey down a STEM path.  

My high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Escobar, an immigrant from El Salvador, was a beacon of encouragement as I pursued my love for science amidst a sea of challenges. An encounter with my principal, who tried to dissuade me from taking AP Chemistry due to its perceived difficulty and the possibility of extra funding should the primarily minority class be dismantled from a single student dropping it, threatened to derail my enthusiasm. However, it was Mr. Escobar’s unwavering faith in his students’ potential, combined with his own success story in the STEM field, that truly bolstered my resolve to continue on this challenging yet rewarding path.  

As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve met many individuals from marginalized communities, each with a similar narrative. A mentor who believed in them, a professor who understood them, and numerous hurdles they overcame. It’s a shared sentiment among us that having representation from the get-go would have made our journeys less daunting. But we undertake these challenges with the resolve to become the representation we lacked, to inspire the next generation. 

Today, we find ourselves guiding peers, supporting local communities, and mentoring the younger generation to traverse the path we once took to our careers in STEM. Providing mock interviews and resume reviews can be especially beneficial for college students struggling to make connections and advocate for themselves during job hunting. Outreach and mentorship programs can be even more impactful, offering young individuals a glimpse into their potential STEM career path, and equipping them with the tools, tips, and support they might not have had otherwise.  

Addressing diversity requires an equitable approach. Simply treating everyone equally, by assuming everyone has had the same experiences or journey in a STEM career, can unintentionally undermine the unique impact of diversity on individuals and within both corporate and academic spaces. It’s equity, rather, that lets us extend an extra hand, allocate more resources, and provide additional funding to those groups who need it the most. 

My hopes lie in the community marginalized groups can bring to each other and in companies supporting these efforts by proudly presenting as allies to minority groups and funneling funds into communities with high populations of minorities who might not have the necessary tools to thrive. Champion diversity in STEM spaces. Encourage marginalized voices to speak about their experiences. Include them in talent acquisition, in decision-making, and in more than just the celebration of cultural history months.  

Actively advocating for diversity is key. We must resist falling into the trap of the bystander effect, simply assuming that someone else will instigate the needed changes. The responsibility and opportunity lie with each one of us, shaping our individual paths while collectively transforming the landscape of STEM for the generations to come.  

Mentorship is crucial in cultivating the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators. It allows young minds to explore fields often perceived as challenging and intimidating with newfound confidence and curiosity. In the modern age of innovation and technology, STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) mentorship in particular has taken on an unprecedented level of importance.  

Recently, Vector Laboratories had the privilege of hosting students from Newark Memorial High School (NMHS) as part of our ongoing partnership with the local school located just a few blocks away from our office. This visit was a hands-on journey into the world of life sciences and biotechnology, offering these young learners a glimpse into potential career paths they might not have considered. 

The visit was an interactive tour of our facilities including front office spaces and labs led by John DiVittorio, a key member of our team. DiVittorio explains, “The students had the opportunity to ask questions and converse with a panel made up of various Vector members.” He took a hands-on approach, teaching the students how to use a micropipette, a common laboratory tool that’s not often taught at the high school level. 

The idea for this visit was born out of our desire to engage with the community and the students’ curiosity about careers in biotech. Previously, members of our team visited NMHS to discuss their roles and journeys in the life sciences and biotechnology fields. This previous visit to NMHS’s science center sparked the students’ interest, and we seized the opportunity to fuel this curiosity further.  

 

Members of the Vector Laboratories team visiting Newark Memorial High School.

 

DiVittorio was eager to participate, as the visit was not only an educational opportunity for the students but a rewarding one for the mentors. “I have always liked working with students. I am always looking for ways to encourage younger generations to keep their options open and try new things.” 

Another key participant of this visit was Shuhui Chen, PhD, who gave students a day-in-the-life perspective of a scientist. Chen shared her career path, daily tasks, and even discussed a project she did for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology conference. “When I was their age, I wish I’d had the chance to talk to people in different fields and learn their jobs. As I have been interested in sciences and technology, I would like to give back to the STEM community to help students in a way that [is similar to how] my mentor helped me.” 

Both DiVittorio and Chen’s passion for STE(A)M mentorship stems from a shared belief in its transformative power. DiVittorio believes that such mentorship can give students the confidence to explore STE(A)M in ways they may not have on their own. Chen, a beneficiary of a college mentor-mentee program herself, shares this sentiment, acknowledging the variety of resources and career direction she received from her own mentor. 

Adding to the collective voice, Lisa V. Sellers, PhD, CEO of Vector Laboratories, stressed, “One of the most important takeaways from the discussion with students was the importance of being open-minded, exploring your interests, and finding what suits you. There are many paths to biotech without necessarily being drawn to biology—artists, writers, computer enthusiasts, mathematicians, and musicians can all end up in the field. We’re all driven by the camaraderie we share as a team and the desire to make a positive impact on human health and well-being.” This sentiment reinforces the idea that STE(A)M careers are not one-size-fits-all and can indeed be pursued by individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests. 

At the heart of this visit was the desire to highlight the potential impact that individuals working in any field can have on students’ lives. This influence can range from a simple one-day shadow experience to a more in-depth summer internship. Regardless of the level, encouraging students to explore new avenues can have a lasting impact on their careers and lives. 

As we reflect on the success of the NMHS visit, we’re reminded of the vitality of STE(A)M mentorship at the high school level. It is an essential tool for cultivating curiosity, breaking down perceived barriers, and fostering future innovators. It’s our hope that this partnership with NMHS and other similar initiatives will inspire students to dive into the vast ocean of opportunities that STE(A)M offers. 

We invite our readers, regardless of their fields, to consider the role they can play in nurturing the next generation of STE(A)M professionals. It’s not just about creating future scientists or engineers; it’s about empowering young minds to navigate their future with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of boundless possibility. 

Adding to the past year’s challenges, we contended with completing construction of our new site while navigating ongoing construction supply chain issues. It was a true test of patience, but we persevered. And lastly, against the backdrop of Vector Laboratories’ move into a newly constructed building, we succeeded in divesting from Maravai LifeSciences. In 2022, Vector Laboratories became a stand-alone, independent company. We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership with our investors, Thompson Street Capital Partners, and their support throughout this transition.    

In addition to learning more about the new community, the celebration was the first time in over two years that all employees, remote and in-person, gathered together. For many remote employees, this was the first time being on location as well as meeting others in person. Coming together over a catered BBQ meal, employees enjoyed conversations with teams they had never met before, partook in raffles and trivia, and received a company swag bag full of items to represent Vector Laboratories. 

We are focused on cultivating strong and meaningful connections in the work we do every day, so we hope you enjoyed a quick glimpse into the Vector Laboratories community. If you’re interested in joining our team, you can see open positions on our career page. Stay tuned for frequent updates by following us on social media and checking back here on the blog for more insights into the day-to-day activities of our growing organization.

Change brings opportunity, and at Vector Laboratories we embraced this strategic direction as a way to reconnect with the scientific community. Today, we are excited to introduce our new look to you. We want to celebrate and establish Vector Laboratories as a new stand-alone company. A new brand look serves to call out this transition and invites the scientific community we so proudly serve to take notice.

We began our rebranding process by taking a careful look at our established Vector Laboratories logo and asking ourselves the question: how do we wish to connect with our customers? We recognized this as an opportunity to evolve the logo to reflect not only our personality, but also our plans for growth and future direction. Who knew that so much meaning could be suggested through the shape, size, and colors of the letters in our company name?

Next, we thought about our company mission, which was also recently updated. If you haven’t had a chance to review our mission statement, I’ll state it again here:

The mission of Vector Laboratories is to enable scientific progress, standing shoulder to shoulder with the scientific community with our trusted products and unmatched technical expertise, delivered with a can-do attitude and a culture of service.

 

Foundational to our new brand is our new company mission and our core values— the values that we instill in our work and act on every day. Our five core values are the basis for our decision-making, leadership, and culture. Most importantly, they reflect the weight we put on our relationships. People are fundamental to a thriving organization, and we are focused on cultivating strong and meaningful connections in the work we do every day.

Today I’m excited to reveal more about the look and feel of our new brand! This is an opportunity to celebrate with our community and our customers around the globe.

The true north that kept us steady

For so many companies around the world, 2021 proved to be a challenging year, and Vector Laboratories was no exception. Against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we rode the waves of change, learning a lot about ourselves on the journey. Through these stormy times, we found a “true north” that helped us stay the course and forge ahead. As we close out this year, we can be thankful for critical strengths inherent in our company that not only held us steady but should also propel us forward in 2022.

How can we do even more to help researchers? That’s a question we ask a lot here at Vector Laboratories, and this June it led us to launch a blog. Since then, it’s been our honor to bring you stories about innovative scientists and share insights to help you advance your research. Here are a few of our most popular posts from 2021, and we’re looking forward to many more tips and stories in 2022!

There is nothing more rewarding after the days, or sometimes weeks or months, of collecting your tissue sample, optimizing your assay, and performing your staining protocol, than beholding the beauty of those cells when you look through the microscope lens. Whether it is the laminar structure of the cortex as you look for layer specific markers, finding your labeled cell in muscle tissue of a disease model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or exploring the formation of the human pancreas in a 3D cell culture model, at its core it represents scientific art.

Here at Vector Laboratories, we’re proud to contribute to the generation of these results and to help share this beauty in our own virtual art gallery. Each year we celebrate your scientific success in our annual Microscopy Image Contest. This competition is your chance to show that your research not only moves the boundaries of knowledge forward, but it also looks darn good doing it. Submit your image and learn more about the contest details for the 2021 Vector Laboratories Microscopy Image Contest. While you’re pondering about the best image to pull from your collection, read on for some inspiration from our past winners Jose Ortiz, Courtney Young, Shuying Xu, Selvakumar Subbian and Nathan Martin.