When Carolyn Wilson retired from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020, she didn’t just step away from a distinguished career in virology and public health—she stepped into a new mission: shaping the future of bioengineering. From designing innovative courses to mentoring students and fostering industry connections, Wilson is channeling her decades of expertise into empowering the next generation of scientists at George Mason University.
Wilson has designed and taught a biomanufacturing course for four years, introducing students to the production of biologic medical products, such as monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies.
“I want the students to have the terminology and understanding to excel in interviews and careers,” she said.
Wilson’s career began in the 1980s at the National Cancer Institute, where she contributed to groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research under renowned scientist Robert Gallo. Her work in gene therapy and retrovirology led to two patents, and her expertise ultimately brought her to the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in 1993. Over nearly three decades, she eventually rose to associate director for research, overseeing 80 programs and facilitating the construction of a state-of-the-art research facility.
In addition to the biomanufacturing course, Wilson helps teach courses on regulatory pathways and bioengineering professionalism. The latter introduces students to skills like resume writing and ethics.
“It’s mind-blowing that a science program would incorporate this into the curriculum,” she said. “But students need practical skills to get jobs and be good workers.”
Outside the classroom, she facilitates the department’s annual Bioengineering Networking Force Event, which attracts over 150 students as well as alumni and employers. Two student organizations, the Graduate Association of Bioengineering Students and the Biomedical Engineering Society, organize the event with the support of the department. Last year the event included a Q&A session with a panel comprising of bioengineering professionals and current bioengineering students and faculty. This year, it will also include an opportunity for undergraduate students to present their research to judges from local industry.
Wilson also directed the first BioE Buzz Summer Camp last June, which introduced high school students to bioengineering at George Mason. She described the camp as “a way to create a pipeline of potential students to enhance our enrollment numbers and expand the expertise in bioengineering.” Next year, the camp will expand to two sessions, serving about 35 students, and include a field trip to the nanofabrication facility on the SciTech campus.
“I’m grateful for my FDA career—it was an incredible opportunity to contribute to public health,” she said. She also expressed enthusiasm for her newfound role as a teacher and mentor. “I’ve loved getting to know the students at George Mason. They’re just really fantastic. I’ve met some really amazing, super motivated, and inspiring students on this journey over the last four years. And I’m really grateful to have had this opportunity at this stage of my life to try something new.”