Cathia Reyes
Cathia Reyes is a Senior Aseptic Manufacturing Technician at Iovance Biotherapeutics, where she applies her expertise in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and sterility assurance to support the production of innovative cell and gene therapy products. She plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and safety of therapies designed to treat complex cancers, contributing to Iovance’s mission of advancing life-saving immunotherapies. Her responsibilities include aseptic techniques, operating bioreactors, and ensuring accurate batch record documentation within ISO Class 5 cleanroom environments.
Before joining Iovance Biotherapeutics, Cathia gained valuable experience in the biopharmaceutical industry through roles at WuXi AppTec as a Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer and at Penn Medicine and Rite Aid as a Pharmacy Technician. These positions allowed her to develop a strong foundation in laboratory operations, pharmaceutical sciences, and regulatory compliance. Her hands-on experience across diverse manufacturing and healthcare settings has equipped her with a versatile skill set that supports high-quality and efficient production processes.
Cathia holds an Associate of Science in Biotechnology from Borough of Manhattan Community College. Passionate about advancing the field of biotechnology, she is dedicated to contributing to the development of therapies that improve patient outcomes and transform lives. Her commitment to precision, safety, and innovation underscores her professional journey and drives her continued growth within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Borough of Manhattan Community College - AS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for helping others live healthier lives. Having family members who battled cancer, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and struggles that come with such illnesses. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact. As a Senior Manufacturing Technician, I am committed to contributing to solutions that improve people’s health and well-being, knowing that the work I do can make a real difference in the lives of others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep going, stay positive, and be patient. I’ve found that perseverance, maintaining a positive mindset, and giving myself the time to grow have been essential in overcoming challenges and achieving success in my career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is supporting patients as they face serious health conditions like cancer. Staying positive for them, helping them fight their illness, and guiding them toward healthier lifestyles is both demanding and incredibly rewarding. Every day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, which is what makes my work so fulfilling.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance, curiosity, and growth. I strive to stay committed and compassionate in my career, while also embracing experiences that enrich my life outside of work. I love to travel and explore new cultures—this April, I’m excited to be visiting Thailand, which allows me to gain new perspectives and inspiration that I bring back to my work and daily life.
Locations
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA 19112