Six NC Community Colleges Students Named 2026-2027 Sam Taylor Memorial Scholars

The NC Life Sciences Organization, the North Carolina Community College System and the NC Community Colleges Foundation announced the six recipients of the 2026-2027 Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship, recognizing community college students preparing for careers in North Carolina’s growing life sciences industry.

This year’s scholars represent six community colleges and a range of critical life sciences pathways, including biotechnology, bioprocess manufacturing, bioanalytical laboratory technology, clinical research and facility maintenance technology.

The students were selected not only for their academic pursuits, but for their determination to build careers that will contribute to North Carolina’s life sciences workforce while navigating the many responsibilities and challenges that come with pursuing a college education.

MEET THE 2026-2027 SCHOLARS

• Christina L. Green: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Biotechnology

• Marisa Phisayavong-McNellie: Johnston Community College, Biotechnology - Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology

• Sandy M. Creech: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Biotechnology - Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology

• Khalik Austin Weaver: Wilson Community College, Biotechnology – Bioanalytical Laboratory Technology

• Gina M. Dixon: Durham Technical Community College, Clinical Research Associate

• Taylor C. Joostema: Wake Technical Community College, Facility Maintenance Technology

Established in memory of Sam Taylor, a founder and first president of NCLifeSci who led the organization for more than 25 years, the scholarship reflects Taylor’s commitment to expanding opportunities for North Carolinians to enter the life sciences industry. Taylor was instrumental in establishing NCBioImpact, a collaborative training program focused on supporting the growth of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and preparing North Carolinians for careers in the industry.

“Sam Taylor was deeply committed to building a strong life sciences industry in North Carolina and creating opportunities for North Carolinians to benefit from careers in the field. It is especially meaningful to see that commitment continue through these scholarships. This year’s six recipients represent the determination, talent and diverse perspectives that will help shape the future of our industry, and we are proud to support them as they pursue their education and prepare to contribute to North Carolina’s life sciences workforce”, said NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter.

The scholarship fund was established with the NC Community Colleges Foundation through contributions from companies, organizations and individuals who wanted to honor Taylor’s legacy and support students pursuing life sciences courses within eligible associate degree programs.

INVESTING IN NORTH CAROLINA’S LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE

The six scholars reflect the diverse talent and career pathways that will help North Carolina continue to grow as a national leader in life sciences.

The eligible programs supported by the Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship are directly connected to the workforce needs of the state’s life sciences industry. Eligible programs include: Clinical Research Associate, Facility Maintenance Technology, Biotechnology-Bioanalytical Laboratory Technology and Biotechnology-Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology.  

For students balancing work, family and other responsibilities, financial support can make an important difference in their ability to persist in college and complete their programs. The scholarship is one example of how partnerships between North Carolina’s life sciences industry and community colleges can create stronger pathways from education to employment while honoring the legacy of leaders like Sam Taylor who worked to build those connections.

NCLifeSci and the NC Community Colleges Foundation are proud to support these six students as they prepare for the next chapter of their careers and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make to North Carolina’s life sciences industry.