IWIM 2020 Honoree: Barbara Juncosa, MiraCosta College

Dr. Barbara Juncosa, MiraCosta College

“Make sure your voice is heard.” That’s one of the many pieces of advice Dr. Barbara Juncosa of MiraCosta College has given the future generations of manufacturers.

Dr. Barbara Juncosa has been full-time faculty in the California community college system for eight years, having joined MiraCosta College in 2017. As the biotechnology department chair, she oversees associate-level training in R&D and biomanufacturing, as well as the new baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. MiraCosta is one of 15 community colleges in California to pilot a bachelor’s degree program and saw its first graduating class in spring 2019.

According to the person who nominated her for the 2020 Influential Women in Manufacturing award, Barbara has been instrumental in developing curriculum, interfacing with local industry professionals, and creating scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Dedicated is word that one could use to describe Dr. Barbara Juncosa. She has spent countless hours of her personal time visiting local companies and contacting industry representatives to schedule guest lectures, arrange lab tours, and create mentorship programs for her students.

Barbara is also passionate about providing education to disadvantaged students. She has worked with her colleagues at MiraCosta to reach out to local companies and donors to develop scholarships for her biomanufacturing students. One such scholarship specifically focuses on supporting single mothers and veterans through the biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree program.

In addition to being Latina and the first generation in her family to go to college, being a role model for students is something Barbara takes very seriously. It’s clear to see why she’s an Influential Woman in Manufacturing.

Read her advice to future female manufacturers as well as the 19 other 2020 Honorees by downloading the 2020 Influential Women in Manufacturing E-Book.