About Biocom Institute

Vicki is responsible developing and growing the talent pool in the life science industry through partnerships in education and industry, ensuring that the California life science industry has first-to-market access to top talent and programs to grow their business.

Vicki brings over 20 years’ experience in higher education program development, workforce development, and digital marketing strategy. Prior to joining Biocom Institute, she served as Senior Director of Programs for Brandman Universities School of Extended Education and Program Director for the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Vicki has deep relationships with workforce development boards and institutions of higher education across California. She writes and consults on the future of work, organizational structure, change management and program design and development.

• Spending time with family
• Wine and food
• Travel

Howard manages Biocom Institute’s curriculum development and partner programs, developing and implementing teacher training and expanding Biocom Institute’s presence in K-12 teacher training and support.

Howard brings a unique skill set to this position with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University, Multiple-Subjects CA Teaching Credential and a MA in Cross Cultural Teaching from National University. As a former STEM classroom teacher, professional development coordinator and school technology director, Howard has been a strong advocate for science and engineering programs in K-12 schools.

• Coaching youth basketball and softball
• Traveling
• Family time

Brandon is responsible for grant writing, research and development for the Biocom Institute’s programs and outreach initiatives.

His background is in corporate and foundation grant writing, fundraising and development. He obtained a degree in English Literature from The Ohio State University.

• The work of David Simon,

• David Halberstam,

• and Larry David.

Karmin oversees strategies, programs and staff and drive initiatives focused on STEM education and workforce development. Her priorities include serving job seekers and employers as well as leveraging community partnerships to prepare the emerging workforce talent and advance the incumbent workers of the life science industry.

Noar has more than a decade of volunteer and work experience in the nonprofit sector, working on issues from public health and education to youth and workforce development. A leader in education and workforce development fields in San Diego, Noar is experienced in building partnerships to provide employers with a highly skilled workforce and expanding access to careers in San Diego’s priority sectors for underrepresented individuals.

Noar holds two bachelor’s degrees in political science and ethnic studies from the University of California, San Diego and a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education & Psychology.

Personal Interests:

• Hiking Torrey Pines
• Travel
• Family time

Karen joins the Biocom Institute team with a wealth of skills and experience within the San Diego non-profit arena. Most recently with the San Diego Workforce Partnership; her career has included positions in community outreach, HR management and operations management for various local non-profit organizations.

Karen has a love for educational programs and in particular is very passionate about employer outreach and connecting students to internships.

• Watching her daughter play water polo

• Volunteering

• Riding her quad in the desert

Sara is responsible for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering and K-12 STEM outreach initiatives with the goal of empowering the next generation of innovators and future talent of San Diego.
Sara has over a decade of non-profit and event experience, including executive leadership positions with USO San Diego and Discover Pacific Beach – Business Improvement District. She graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education and also holds a certificate from University of San Diego’s Event Management Program.

• Chasing her toddler

• Her best furry friend Miles

• Getting outdoors