Merck representatives talk about careers with VGCC students

A trio of professionals associated with the global pharmaceutical giant Merck recently served as guest speakers at Vance-Granville Community College. Students from the college’s Bioprocess Technology and Pharmacy Technology programs heard from (pictured above, standing, from left) Michael Barlow from GCA, a Merck contractor; Danny Toole, PSF learning specialist for Merck; and Lucas Montanez, manager of learning and development for Merck. Speaking in the biotechnology lab on the college’s Main Campus, Toole and Montanez discussed Merck’s products, including vaccines, how they are produced, the company’s facilities, day-to-day operations and career opportunities. They informed students that in Durham, Merck has the largest live vaccine production facility in the world. The company manufactures vaccines for chickenpox and Shingles, among other diseases. Barlow discussed GCA’s operations as a contractor for Merck, providing cleanroom maintenance.

For more information on VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program , call Dr. Tara Hamilton at (252) 738-3285. For more information on the Pharmacy Technology program , call Dr. Erica Fleming at (252) 738-3482.