From Cognitive Science to Biotech Educator

Months after earning their undergraduate degree in cognitive science from UC Berkeley, Haider Vanek found their academic path shifting. Captivated by microbiology but lacking formal lab training, they turned to our Advanced Biosciences Program to pivot into bioscience—and ultimately into a role educating high school students in the subject.

“I studied cognitive science at Berkeley for undergrad, but I started developing an interest in biology near the end of college,” Haider explains. “I hadn’t taken any labs so I was trying to pivot into that type of learning.”

While exploring YouTube microbiology content during the pandemic, Haider wrestled with the realization that real expertise required hands-on experience. That realization led them to us, where they started their academic journey by enrolling in the online Medical Microbiology class.

“That was the first time I read a whole textbook for a class!” Haider enthuses. “I was really excited to learn.”

That initial spark fueled Haider’s transition from passive interest to active learning. They felt energized—no longer just absorbing information, but genuinely engaging with scientific concepts for the first time.

Commitment: Enrolling in the Advanced Biosciences Program

In Spring 2023, Haider took a major step forward. They registered for our Advanced Biosciences Program, tackling additional rigorous courses:

• Biochemistry
• The Biology of Human Cancer
• Current Topics in the Biosciences
• Microbiology Laboratory
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Quantitative Analysis: Applications in Clinical Chemistry

“All of a sudden, I was asking questions, putting in more effort and I found myself being successful,” Haider remembers. “The smaller class sizes made it easier to engage, and the hands-on labs made a huge difference.”

Weekend lab sessions alternated between Merritt College and campuses in San Francisco and Berkeley—immersive environments where Haider began to flourish.

“I liked the one‑on‑one time with instructors and collaborating with classmates. I even made a few friends and found it motivating to be surrounded by people of different ages and backgrounds who are also exploring new pathways.”

It was in these settings that Haider discovered the essential ingredients for their learning: lab time, community and mentorship.

Standing Out in the Classroom: A Mentor Who Matters

While Haider credits the program as a whole, one instructor left an indelible mark: Daniel Benjamin.

“Daniel was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” Haider says. “I didn’t expect to love biochem, but I asked a million questions and we built a strong connection.”

In Daniel’s classroom, complex biochemical pathways weren’t just diagrams but instead became living concepts. His open-door policy and enthusiasm made Haider feel welcomed and encouraged, encouraging them to think beyond the textbook, cultivating their curiosity and confidence in equal measure.

“He helped shape my learning—not just content, but my identity as someone who could study and excel in science,” Haider reflects.

Applying Knowledge: Teaching High School Bio

Rather than moving straight into industry or lab work, Haider found themself drawn to education. Soon, they joined Biotech Partners, a nonprofit that provides biotech training at Berkeley High School.

“I help teach a two‑year biotech program and support 11th graders applying for internships.” Day-to-day, Haider is in the classroom and lab, educating students on how to gram stain bacteria; set up assays; and understand cellular processes such as transcription, translation and cancer biology.

When I spoke with Haider, they were busy preparing applications for master’s programs in biotechnology and research. “I could see myself teaching or working in research,” Haider future-casts. “I’ve found I really enjoy teaching and feel like I’m good at it.”

And we’re proud to say that Haider was accepted into a biotechnology master's program at Northwestern on a partial scholarship, starting September 2025. “I'm planning on minoring in synthetic biology,” Haider divulges. “I'm still interested in the Ph.D. route, but am also excited to explore different possibilities and see where my future goes.”

Whether it’s a thesis-driven lab or an innovative classroom, Haider is excited about building a career that blends science and education, envisioning a future where they mentor the next generation of biotech students—much like Daniel did for them.

“Personally, it’s rewarding to look back and see how much effort I put into my Extension classes because I genuinely cared about the topics. Professionally, I’ve taken so many classes that I feel close to what a biology major would complete—it’s definitely a confidence booster to list them on my résumé.”

That depth of study distinguished Haider in the graduate-school applicant pool and gave them a sense of belonging in scientific fields that were once only admired from afar.

Lessons Learned: Advice for Future Students

Haider’s advice comes from a place of reflection: “Ask questions and stay curious. Try to connect what you learn across different classes—it all starts to come together in ways that are really exciting.”

They encourage students to view learning not just as completion of units and lab hours, but as a web of interconnected ideas. That curiosity, Haider notes, is the foundation for both success and enjoyment.