Alumnus Builds on AAMU Research Experience to Advance Health Infomatics
McCoy Bridges Biotechnology and Health Care Innovation at Morehouse School of Medicine
Christopher McCoy of Johns Creek, Georgia, has built a career that demonstrates how a strong scientific foundation can lead to opportunities at the intersection of health care, technology and innovation.
The Alabama A&M University alumnus, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in plant biotechnology in December 2023, recently earned a Master of Science in Health Informatics with a minor in leadership from Morehouse School of Medicine, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Today, McCoy is applying the research skills he developed at AAMU to improve healthcare delivery through data analytics, medical technology and artificial intelligence.
“I chose Alabama A&M because it gave me the opportunity to study biotechnology in an HBCU environment that truly supported my growth,” said McCoy. “The research opportunities, mentorship and agricultural community gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to pursue a career in STEM.”
McCoy said his decision to attend AAMU was shaped in part by his mother, Renee McCoy, who worked at the University in the early 2000s and recently passed away. Knowing his passion for agriculture, she often encouraged him to pursue his education at Alabama A&M.
“My mother always told me she could see me attending AAMU because of my passion for agriculture,” he said. “Her encouragement made Alabama A&M feel like home.”
As an undergraduate, McCoy spent nearly four years conducting research in agricultural biotechnology and environmental science. He contributed to projects involving plant genetics, DNA extraction, soil analysis, greenhouse crop management and Geographic Information System mapping of wetlands across Alabama. He also earned third place in the University’s 2022 STEM Day competition for his research project evaluating DNA extraction methods in soil samples.
Those experiences became the foundation for an unexpected career pivot.
“Plant biotechnology taught me much more than laboratory science,” said McCoy. “It helped me understand how research, data and innovation can be used to solve real-world problems. That foundation ultimately led me to health informatics, where I can use technology and data to improve healthcare.”
After graduating from AAMU, McCoy joined Aviagen in Huntsville, Alabama, as a laboratory technician before enrolling at Morehouse School of Medicine. While completing his graduate degree health informatics at Morehouse School of Medicine, he served as the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Student Government Association representative for the Health Informatics program, helping promote student engagement and leadership.
McCoy also gained national experience through several competitive professional development opportunities. He participated in the Agile Clinical Trials (ACT) Clinical Research Training Program at Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Hospital, completed the Emory AI.Xperience program focused on healthcare artificial intelligence and governance, and served as a student ambassador at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Global Health Conference and Exhibition, where he connected with leaders in health information technology and digital health innovation.
He now serves as a research and development technician with Avanos Medical in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he conducts performance and reliability testing on Class III medical devices, collaborates with quality assurance teams to improve testing methods and analyzes data that supports product development designed to improve patient outcomes.
McCoy’s professional credentials also include certifications in practical applications of generative artificial intelligence for project managers, project management essentials and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
As healthcare continues to evolve through data, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, McCoy credits Alabama A&M with giving him the scientific foundation to pursue opportunities beyond traditional career paths.
“Alabama A&M gave me the foundation to see that science and technology can improve people’s lives. No matter where my career takes me, I want to use research, data and innovation to solve problems and make healthcare more accessible for everyone.”