JCC Biotechnology Student Earns Prestigious Statewide Scholarship

Johnston Community College student Marisa Phisayavong-McNellie has been named one of only six community college students across North Carolina to receive the 2026–2027 Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship. As a Biotechnology student at JCC, Marisa is preparing for a career in the life sciences industry, making the scholarship especially meaningful as she continues her education.

The scholarship is awarded through a partnership between the NC Life Sciences Organization (NCLifeSci), the North Carolina Community College System, and the NC Community Colleges Foundation.

For Marisa, being selected for the statewide scholarship is both an accomplishment and encouragement as she continues building a new career. “Receiving the Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship means a lot to me,” Marisa said. “After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, going back to school and starting a new career has been a big change for me.”

Recognizing the Next Generation of Life Sciences Professionals

The scholarship was established in memory of Sam Taylor, a founder and the first president of NCLifeSci. Taylor led the organization for more than 25 years and was instrumental in expanding opportunities for North Carolinians to enter the life sciences industry. He also played a huge role in in establishing NCBioImpact, a collaborative training initiative supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturing and workforce development.

The scholarship fund was established to honor his legacy by supporting community college students pursuing degrees aligned with the workforce needs of North Carolina's life sciences industry. Recipients of the scholarship are recognized not only for their academic pursuits, but also for their passion to build careers that will contribute to the state's life sciences workforce.

Marisa's Biotechnology Instructor, Camille Collins, says those qualities are evident in the classroom.

“Marisa is an exceptionally bright and motivated student who approaches every lesson with genuine enthusiasm and curiosity,” Collins said. “She absorbs new information like a sponge and consistently asks thoughtful questions…not simply to complete an assignment, but because she truly wants to understand the science and how it applies within the biotechnology industry.”

Collins also sees qualities in Marisa that extend beyond academics. “She is attentive to the people around her and is always willing to help when she notices a classmate who may need additional support or encouragement,” Collins said. “She contributes positively to the classroom environment and brings an upbeat, can-do attitude to every challenge.”

Turning Education into Opportunity

Marisa is already putting her JCC education to work. In addition to pursuing her associate degree, she has earned her BioWork certificate and begun working in pharmaceutical manufacturing while continuing her education.

“I have also been able to start working in pharmaceutical manufacturing while continuing my education,” Marisa said. “Receiving this scholarship has encouraged me to keep moving forward with my education and the career path I have chosen.”

Her experience reflects the connection the Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship was created to support: helping students prepare for careers within states life sciences industry while strengthening the state's future workforce.

For Collins, Marisa's selection is a fitting recognition of the work she has already put into that future. “She is truly deserving of this recognition, and it is wonderful to see her hard work, character, and potential being celebrated. Marisa represents the very best of Johnston Community College and our Bioprocess Technology program.”