From Transfer Student to Biotech Leader: Katrina Wells’ UNH Manchester Journey

When Katrina Wells ’19 graduated from Bow High School in 2016, she didn’t imagine her future would involve shaping the next generation of biotechnology and regenerative medicine. 

Her path was anything but linear. She started at the University of Vermont, where she explored athletic training, civil engineering, and molecular genetics before finding her true calling in biotechnology and ultimately making a decision that would define her career: transferring to UNH Manchester.

Once at UNH Manchester, Katrina didn’t just find her place; she thrived. She became part of the Millyard Scholars Program, earned recognition as a Presidential Scholar, and received the Biotechnology Program Book Award. These achievements reflected not only her academic dedication but also the opportunities UNH Manchester provided to connect with industry and build a strong foundation for her future.

Finding the Right Fit

For Katrina, location mattered, but so did opportunity. “I chose to transfer from the University of Vermont to UNH Manchester primarily for UNH Manchester's convenient location,” says Katrina. “It's both close to home and well-positioned in the advanced technologies corridor that runs throughout the Greater Boston region.”

That strategic location became even more appealing when she learned about the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) opening just steps away from campus.

“What sealed the deal for me was the announcement of the funding and establishment of the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) just a few buildings away from UNH Manchester,” Katrina says. “With so many touched by life-changing chronic diseases, ARMI's mission to make practical the scalable manufacture of tissue-engineered medical products to move the US healthcare away from treatments and towards cures spoke to me… All this promise and potential excited me, and I knew I had to be involved!”

A Community That Exceeded Expectations

Transferring to UNH Manchester wasn’t just about proximity; it was about finding a place where faculty and peers truly cared. Katrina quickly discovered that the small class sizes and personalized mentorship made a big difference.

“Reflecting on my time at UNH Manchester, I can confidently say that all my expectations were exceeded; my small class of biotechnology peers all had each other's back, and the professors took the time to get to know me and helped open doors to new opportunities.”

Additionally, Katrina loved how UNH Manchester connected classroom learning to real-world applications. “So many different aspects of UNH's biotechnology program stand out to me, but more than anything, I enjoyed UNH Manchester's utilization of working professionals as adjunct faculty in certain courses where it made sense to pull in perspectives of those working in the field,” Katrina says. “This provided me with great insights into different industries and even pulled students from the classroom into a real-world scenario.”

Experiential Learning That Shaped Her Career

For Katrina, the hands-on experience was the key to unlocking her future. While she had several opportunities at UNH Manchester, one stood out: her internship with the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI).

“My experience as a Regulatory Intern with ARMI, facilitated through UNH connections, was most impactful and formed the trajectory of my future career,” Katrina says. That internship introduced her to the US FDA regulatory framework and challenges involved in fitting novel regenerative medicine therapies within that flexible framework to, ultimately, bring those life-changing products to market—insights that sparked a new passion.

“I found the cutting-edge work at ARMI to be meaningful and stimulating and realized that regulatory can offer a good work-life balance compared to other hands-on laboratory positions,” she explains.

One accomplishment she’s especially proud of is being recognized as a  2025 Manufacturing USA Modern Maker due to her work to secure the future of US manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration. 

The Program That Made It Possible

Before graduating early in 2019 with a BS in Biotechnology, Katrina’s internship led to a full-time role at ARMI. She advanced from Regulatory Affairs Associate to Regulatory Specialist and Project Manager, then consulted for global MedTech provider, RQM+, before returning to ARMI in her current role as Regulatory Affairs Specialist. She’s also come full circle and now teaches the graduate course, “Biotech Products & Regulations” at UNH Manchester.

“My time at UNH formed the backbone of my career as it exists today,” Katrina reflects. “Each new opportunity built upon the previous one, but it all roots back to UNH Manchester.”

Find Out What’s Possible at UNH Manchester

Katrina’s story shows what’s possible when education meets opportunity. At UNH Manchester, hands-on learning, industry connections, and a supportive community can turn your passion into a thriving career, just like it did for her. Learn more about the biotechnology program at UNH Manchester and start (or continue) your journey today.