Medical Laboratory Technology student Christopher Lee was one of five North Carolina students to be awarded the prestigious Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees and books.  

The scholarship was established in memory of Sam Taylor, a founder and president of North Carolina Biosciences Organization, the trade association for life science companies in North Carolina.  

“We are extremely proud of these students for earning this prestigious scholarship on their academic journeys to careers in the life sciences field,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “This industry is booming in our state and biotech companies need skilled workers now more than ever. Our community college students continue to play a critical role in filling these high-demand positions.” 

Lee started as a full-time student in fall 2022, and he plans to graduate in May 2024 with associate degrees in science and applied science in medical laboratory technology. Lee served as a student ambassador for the 2022-2023 academic year. 

After losing his father to COVID-19 in 2021, Lee said his death inspired him to pursue a career in the medical field. Lee described himself as a “science nerd” with a love for science, astronomy, meteorology and the human body. 

“I didn’t want to be a nurse or a doctor and have hands-on with patients, so that’s how I ended up enrolling in MLT,” Lee said. “They say we work behind the scenes with handling specimens of blood, urine, stool and tissue – anything that needs testing for infectious disease or sickness.” 

Lee is a 2008 graduate of South Columbus High School, and he has previous work experience in retail grocery. He continues to work part-time in retail grocery while attending college. In his free time, Lee likes watching movies in theaters, playing golf, visiting historical sites and shooting photos. 

“I want to thank my teachers, Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. Wright, for instilling the knowledge and leadership on being a good student and employee,” Lee said.  

Upon graduating, Lee hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree online in MLT through Winston-Salem State University or Arkansas School of Health Sciences.  

The scholarship is distributed annually to eligible students enrolled in agricultural biotechnology, biopharmaceutical technology, biotechnology, bioprocess technology, clinical trials research associate, facility maintenance technology and medical laboratory technology programs at any community college in the state.