Kirstyn Taylor ‘15, ‘24 exemplifies the pursuit of lifelong learning and professional growth. As a quality control specialist at Mimedx Group, Inc. in Marietta, GA, she has embraced the value of regulatory science and its importance to the U.S. healthcare system. With an outstanding academic portfolio, she holds a B.S. in Applied Biotechnology and a M.S. in Pharmacy (emphasis in Regulatory Sciences), both from the University of Georgia. Even more impressive–Taylor has earned all four graduate certificates offered at the College of Pharmacy’s Department of International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences (IBRS).  All four!  She is the first individual to do so in the history of the program.  

The IBRS certificate programs include Regulatory Sciences; Clinical Trials Design & Management; Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls; and Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance. 

Kirstyn Taylor has earned all four graduate certificates offered by the College of Pharmacy’s IBRS program.

Taylor’s motivation for pursuing these certificates was clear: they aligned perfectly with her career path and future ambitions. “Beyond deepening my understanding of industry concepts, I was genuinely fascinated by the course material,” she shared. “So, I decided to go for all four certificates.” Her current work in laboratory quality control has fueled her aspiration to focus more on clinical development and regulatory compliance. “The knowledge I’ve gained has already enhanced my performance at work. Understanding the regulations and maintaining compliance will open even more doors in my field.”

This drive to maximize opportunities also inspired Taylor to pursue her Master of Science in Pharmacy with a focus on Regulatory Sciences. Reflecting on her educational journey, she highlighted impactful courses, such as Quality Control and Quality Assurance with Dr. Robert Geiger; Project Management in Clinical Trials with Dr. Kristen Mandello; and Food & Drug Law with Professor Alexander Jacks. “These classes broadened my perspective on regulations and taught me how to achieve better project outcomes,” she said. Confident in the value of her degree, Taylor is certain it will continue to propel her career for years to come.

Taylor credits much of her success to the support and expertise of the IBRS faculty. “The faculty and staff were phenomenal,” she remarked. “Johnna Hodges [Assistant Director of the IBRS program] was instrumental in helping me navigate the program. All the professors were approachable and accessible throughout my studies. Dr. Kristen Mandello, my project advisor, provided valuable guidance, and Dr. John Brennan made courses, such as Good Clinical Practices and Clinical Trials Design, both engaging and informative. I can’t praise the faculty enough.”

Said Hodges, “Students like Kirstyn make it easy for me to advise them on their academic path.  Kirstyn was very self-motivated, independent, and flexible.  She knew what she wanted and made the effort to achieve her goals. She is so talented and hardworking!”

Having achieved two degrees and four certificates, Taylor is now an advocate for others to pursue these programs. “You never know when familiarity with a subject will come in handy, especially if you’re aiming for a related career,” she explained. “The certificate courses aren’t just interesting—they’re immediately applicable. For instance, after completing the CMC Certificate, I learned about Process Control and Validation. Just months later, I was tasked with writing a validation report. The knowledge from that program gave me confidence and helped me make valuable contributions.”

Taylor firmly believes that these certificates not only enhanced her general understanding but also provided a solid foundation for success in regulatory sciences and beyond. “Whether you’re already in the field or considering a related career, these programs can make a real difference.”