“STEM is inclusive. I've learned that science is for everyone. AU gives me the confidence to pursue new scientific fields, especially those where I didn't feel (or wasn't told) I could be successful.”  

Julian Urrutia-Carter was working as a respiratory therapist when he became interested in biotech. He was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to deepen his scientific knowledge.  

Julian enrolled in American University’s MS in Biotechnology program, where he has taken advantage of every opportunity to excel. In addition to his graduate classwork, he works as a teaching assistant in AU’s General Biology lab, as a graduate ambassador, and as the publicity chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student Council.  

During summer 2023, Julian will work on bioinformatics and genetic analysis projects at the Smithsonian's Center for Conservation Genomics at the National Zoo. “I'm hoping to learn more about genetic conservation efforts for declining and endangered species,” he says. He will also work with Assistant Professor of Biology David Carlini on a computational transcript analysis project relating to research on surface-dwelling vs cave crustacean populations. And he will continue his work as an assistant high school football coach at Blake High School in Silver Spring, MD.  

“I really enjoy my courses at AU, and I'm introduced to new topics, ideas, and people every week,” he says. “I like TA'ing, which allows me to work on my science communication skills. And as a grad ambassador, I can share my experience with other incoming grad students and let them know it's possible to switch paths and go back to school for what really interests you.”