Pfizer Hires Schmidt College of Science Alumna Shilei Richards

Newly minted college graduate Shilei Richards ’24, B.S. Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering, is making her way to Boston. She is gearing up to start her first job at Pfizer Inc. - one of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical and biomedical companies - as a process engineer.

Richards will be involved in the design and development of manufacturing processes for Pfizer products and provide maintenance and support for them. She will be instrumental in advising the team as to the overall efficiency of the process and offer ways it could be improved.

“I was looking for an engineering role that was more hands-on in the manufacturing process of medicine,” stated Richards. “I am excited to learn how these vaccines and growth therapies will be created in the first place. I am lucky to have this job, and I will spend every moment learning what I can at this position.”

Richards, also a Class of 2022 FAU High School graduate, has always had passion for understanding the connection between technology and humanity.

“The combination of biology and mechanical engineering allowed me to maintain my interest in the human body while I was also pursuing an engineering degree,” explained Richards.

As an undergraduate, Richards was highly engaged in several student clubs and organizations. For three years, she was an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and annually participated in the group’s competitions. She was also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Society of Women Engineers. She frequently participated in national conventions and local events. In addition, she interned as a systems engineer at Northrop Grumman.

Looking ahead, Richards said she hopes to move her career back to the sciences.

“I aspire to become an ophthalmologist in the future,” shared Richards. “Perhaps I’ll also be a consultant engineer on the side.”