CABP Interview: Becca Weekley, MS, MLS(ASCP), CABP

The AABB Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) credentialing program evaluates a professional's knowledge across seven biotherapy domains, providing a standardized measure of knowledge, confidence in an individual's expertise and validation of that professional's abilities. Individuals who hold the CABP credential must recertify every three years to maintain active certification status.

The following CABP spotlight features Becca Weekley, MS, MLS(ASCP), CABP. Weekley is the director of cell manufacturing at IN8bio, where she leads manufacturing operations supporting clinical-stage gamma-delta T-cell therapy programs. With more than eight years of experience in cell and gene therapy, she has built her career around translating innovative science into reliable, high-quality manufacturing that helps bring innovative therapies to patients.

Weekley earned her bachelor of science in Biomedical Sciences from Troy University, master of science in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was among the inaugural cohort to achieve the CABP credential. She is passionate about advancing the field of cell and gene therapy through operational excellence, continuous learning and the development of high-performing teams.

Weekley spoke to AABB News about her inspiration for becoming a CABP, the importance of maintaining certification and how the certification has impacted her career path in biotherapies.

How long ago did you become a CABP? What inspired you to pursue the certification initially, and what did you hope to gain from it?

I earned my CABP certification as part of the inaugural cohort in December 2022. Having obtained my degree in medical laboratory sciences, worked in a clinical cellular therapy laboratory and transitioned into industry in my current role, my background is at the intersection of clinical and research. At the time, I was looking for an opportunity to validate my expertise beyond my day-to-day responsibilities and demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the field; from collection and manufacturing to quality, regulatory considerations and clinical application.

Ultimately, I hoped it would make me a more effective leader and a stronger resource for my team, and it has absolutely done both.

How has holding the CABP certification impacted your role or career journey since passing the exam?

The certification has reinforced the technical foundation behind the work I do every day while giving me a broader perspective on how different disciplines within biotherapy intersect. It has strengthened my confidence when making manufacturing and operational decisions, collaborating with cross-functional teams and evaluating process improvements.

Since becoming certified, I’ve continued to take on greater leadership responsibilities and now serve as director of cell manufacturing, overseeing manufacturing operations for clinical-stage cell therapy programs. The CABP credential has complemented that growth by validating both my technical knowledge and my commitment to maintaining high standards in an evolving field.

As cell and gene therapies become more widely adopted, I believe CABP-certified professionals will play an increasingly important role in helping organizations navigate growth while maintaining quality, consistency and patient safety.

You recently recertified to maintain your CABP certification. How would you describe the continued value of being a CABP?

Recertification reflects something I think is essential in cell and gene therapy: learning doesn’t stop once you’ve earned a credential. The science, technologies and regulatory landscape continue to evolve rapidly, and maintaining certification encourages ongoing professional development rather than treating certification as a one-time accomplishment.

For me, recertification represents a continued commitment to staying current with best practices and ensuring I’m bringing the most up-to-date knowledge back to my team and organization.

How does being a CABP benefit your team, organization and the field as a whole? 

Being a CABP helps reinforce that advanced biotherapies are no longer solely a research endeavor—they are a regulated health care field with direct implications for patient safety and product quality. Certified professionals bring an understanding of the scientific principles alongside the regulatory expectations, quality systems and field best practices that are essential for developing and manufacturing these therapies responsibly. That perspective and expectation strengthen our teams, our organizations, the drugs we produce and, most importantly, the care we provide to patients.

For organizations, it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining knowledgeable professionals who understand both the technical and quality aspects of biotherapy. More broadly, as advanced therapies continue to expand, CABP certification helps establish a shared professional standard that supports consistency, collaboration, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients.

What advice would you offer to others who are considering pursuing CABP certification? 

I would absolutely encourage anyone working in biotherapies—or anyone looking to build a career in the field—to pursue the CABP certification. It’s not simply about passing an exam; it’s about developing a broader understanding of how all aspects of biotherapies fit together.

My advice would be to approach the material with curiosity rather than try to memorize facts. Draw connections between the content and your own work, and don’t be discouraged if some topics fall outside your current role. That broader perspective is one of the greatest strengths of the program.

How do you see the role of CABP-certified professionals evolving in the field over the next few years?

As cell and gene therapies become more widely adopted, I believe CABP-certified professionals will play an increasingly important role in helping organizations navigate growth while maintaining quality, consistency and patient safety.

The field is becoming more complex, requiring professionals who can bridge manufacturing, quality, operations, regulatory requirements and clinical considerations. CABP certification helps prepare individuals to think beyond their individual functional area and contribute to the success of advanced therapy programs as a whole. I expect that an interdisciplinary perspective will become even more valuable as these therapies move toward broader commercialization and patient access.

Become a Certificated Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP)