After Nafees Norris Became The First Black Man To Earn A Degree In Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering, He Set Out To Empower Youth In STEM – AfroTech
Nafees Norris has turned a historic feat into a call to action.
Norris is a graduate of Neumann University with a bachelor’s degree in biology (2020), followed by a master’s degree in biopharmaceutical engineering, bioengineering, and biomedical engineering from Thomas Jefferson University (2021), according to his LinkedIn profile. He claims to be the “first Black man to earn a degree in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering” on Threads.
After graduating, Norris worked as a full-time associate scientist at GSK and later as a cell culture scientist at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals.
“My experience in cell culture and bioprocessing has given me hands-on expertise in the development and optimization of processes used to manufacture biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and other advanced therapies,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
Nafees Innovations
In 2024, Norris founded Nafees Innovations, which is dedicated to empowering youth ages 7–18 in STEM through workshops and programming on bioprocessing, cell culture, and bioinformatics, and to making real-world science experiences accessible. He has a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm called the Nafees Innovations Academy as well to expand educational opportunities even further.
Norris said on Threads that his experience making history as the first to earn a degree in biopharmaceutical process engineering inspired him to start a nonprofit.
“Beyond the laboratory, I have expanded my work through Nafees Innovations, where I translate complex science into engaging, accessible experiences for students, schools, organizations, and communities,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “My focus is not only on contributing to the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, but also on developing the next generation of scientists and innovators by creating meaningful pathways into STEM and biotechnology.”
Registrations for the Nafees Innovations Academy open Sept. 1, according to information shared on Instagram.
Norris also said he will launch an after-school program on Wednesdays for middle and high school students, in a separate Instagram video. Learners will focus on product development and learn the science behind it, he says. They can also take home the products they create, and the organization offers programming for adults as well.
The adult programming helps to fund his efforts for the youth.
“The adult workshops will be completely revamped in a way that now you don’t have to wait weeks to make the perfume, the shampoo, the soaps, and all that other stuff,” he said in a video.
All workshops will resume September 18.
Norris is currently raising funding for his efforts. Donations will support STEM supplies and equipment and sponsor youth.
Those looking to support the organization can donate here.
