2024 HI-TEC Sessions of Interest
The annual HI-TEC conference will be held July 29 to August 1 in Kansas City, MO. Preconference events will be held July 29-30. The event is sure to be a busy one, packed with all kinds of great sessions to attend. We assembled a list of sessions presented by InnovATEBIO community members, or of interest to the community, in order to it easier to plan your schedule. If you're planning to attend HI-TEC, send us your X (Twitter) handle so we can be sure to follow you and make a list of conference-related tweets.
Please note there is a special InnovATEBIO session on Monday. This is not on the conference program. More information.
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 10:15-11:00
Developing Modules for Bioindustrial Manufacturing Workforce Readiness
BioMADE, in partnership with Delgado Community College, is developing modules that will help prepare laboratory and operator technicians to enter the bioindustrial manufacturing workforce. Entry-level technicians will be a key portion of the predicted 1.1 million positions to be created in the bioindustrial workforce in the near future. This session will involve participants in module revision and development. Participants will review the pilot modules, identify questions and revisions, and generate strategies for implementing modules in existing courses and programs.
Louise Petruzzella, Senior Project Manager, Advancing Progress in Industrial BioManufacturing to Accelerate Workforce Readiness, BioMADE, Emeryville, California; Amanda Rosenzweig, Assistant Dean, School of STEM, Advancing Progress in Industrial BioManufacturing to Accelerate Workforce Readiness, Delgado Community College, New Orleans, Louisiana; Hayley Orndorf, Curriculum Developer, Advancing Progress in Industrial BioManufacturing to Accelerate Workforce Readiness, BioMADE, St. Paul, Minnesota
STEM Collaborations with Advanced Manufacturers and Industry
In late 2023, there were over 600,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs open. Manufacturers consistently cite the lack of a skilled workforce as one of the biggest challenges in advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing USA Institutes can partner with and assist educators as they navigate the career pathways and skills students will need to excel in industry. This panel will highlight local, regional, and national collaborations established by Manufacturing USA Institutes between industry members and educators to support the workforce of 2024 and beyond. Looking to get involved? This session is for you.
Brad Conrad, Education and Workforce Development Manager, NIST, Manufacturing USA, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Effective Industry and Student Engagement with Speed Networking
Looking for a simple strategy for increasing recruitment, retention, and success of students? Want to develop new industry connections? Looking for an easy way for your alumni to stay connected with your program? Then Virtual Speed Networking is for you. In this session learn how colleges from across the U.S. are implementing this strategy in their programs, what the impacts have been, and what tools are available for you to host your own speed networking event.
Julie Griffin, Bio Blend Career Coach, Increasing Student Retention and Recruitment through Alumni Programs, Speed Networking, and Industry Engagement (DUE #2202011), Johnston Community College, Clayton, North Carolina; Karen Leung, Biotechnology Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Co-Principal Investigator, Increasing Student Retention and Recruitment through Alumni Programs, Speed Networking, and Industry Engagement (DUE #2202011), City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Adam McKee, Research Assistant Professor and Grant Evaluator, Increasing Student Retention and Recruitment through Alumni Programs, Speed Networking, and Industry Engagement (DUE #2202011), Pullman, Washington
Launching My New NSF Project
Getting started on your new project can be overwhelming, but all advanced technology programs share similar issues. A panel of novice and experienced PIs will share lessons learned and best practices in starting and maintaining successful projects, including how to address unknown issues that can arise and affect your project outcomes. Come join us to learn the secrets of successful projects and PIs. Bring one of your big concerns to share. Interactive topics may include budgets, administrative support, time management, annual reporting, and industry engagement.
Moderator: Marilyn Barger, FLATE, Tampa, Florida. Panelists: Doug Laven, Mechatronics Faculty, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronics Careers (iMEC 2.0), South Central College, N. Mankato, Minnesota; Jerry Muller; Ken Welborn
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 11:15-Noon
InnovATEBIO Updates: Hub Activity, Summit, Workforce Report, and State Teams
In 2023, InnovATEBIO expanded hub work, helped to support the release of the CSBI National Workforce Report, and hosted the summit “Envisioning the Next Bioscience Workforce” to share information about emerging technologies and workforce trends. At the summit, 21 state teams worked together for the purpose of formulating bioscience workforce plans. Before the summit, the teams worked together in online sessions, maximizing the benefit of the face-to-face meeting. In this session, InnovATEBIO will discuss hub work, the workforce report, and the results of state teams focusing on the formation of the bioscience workforce. Next steps will be discussed with the audience.
Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, The National Biotechnology Education Center, Austin Community College, Spicewood, Texas
Pathways to Inclusion: Empowering Educators in Accessibility Strategies
Join us in exploring vital tools and strategies designed to promote accessibility and equity in education. From your syllabus to online content to classrooms and labs, participants will gain practical insights into fostering an inclusive atmosphere. By embracing Universal Design for Learning principles and collaborating with disability services, educators can ensure all students have equal opportunities to thrive. Join us and empower yourself to create a welcoming space for diverse learners in the community college setting.
Camille Collins, Biotechnology Instructor, Johnston Community College, Clayton, North Carolina; Melissa Robbins, Biotechnology Department Chair, Johnston Community College, Clayton, North Carolina
A New NSF ATE Solicitation! 2024 Changes, Funding Opportunities and Help with Proposal Development
NSF ATE lead Program Officer, Dr. Celeste Carter, will address changes in the recently released 2024 ATE Solicitation and associated funding opportunities. NSF ATE proposals are complex and can be daunting for two-year colleges. Understanding expectations and nuances of this funding opportunity contributes to proposal success. Mentor-Connect’s comprehensive, no-cost help (customized mentoring options, technical assistance, resources specific to ATE proposal development, and STEM faculty leadership development) for prospective two-year college grantees is often the key to success. Since 2012, Mentor-Connect has assisted 261 colleges with a 71 percent funding success rate for those new to ATE.
Elaine Craft, PI, NSF Grants, Mentor-Connect: Leadership Development and Outreach for ATE Forward, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, South Carolina; Dr. V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Officer, Advanced Technological Education Program (ATE), National Science Fountation, Alexandria, Virginia
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 1:15-2:00
A Model for Introducing cGMP Competencies for (Bio)Industry Careers
Learn how we combined an established hands-on lab with elements of current Good Manufacturing and Good Documentation Practices to assist in incorporating critical workplace skills associated with (bio)industrial careers. Attendees will be guided through an easy and accessible lab (size-exclusion chromatography) relevant to biology, chemistry, and physics/engineering-based courses. With a focus on industrial applications in downstream processing, we will provide a simple model for how one might teach technical skills in addition to the nuances of working in a cGMP environment. Embedded activities will include the control of raw materials, sampling and quality testing, document control, GDP, workflow, departmental roles, and career opportunities.
Tamara Mandell, Director, University of Florida, Biotility, Alachua, Florida; Bryony Ruegg, Director, Bio-Rad Explorer Program, Hercules, California
Dissemination Through Publication—For Free Through J ATE!
The Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE) is a free-to-publish and free-to-read peer-reviewed academic journal produced by and for the ATE community to disseminate innovative and informative ATE work to and beyond the two-year college community. In 2023 J ATE Connect, a professional development pilot program loosely modeled after Mentor-Connect, was developed to help new authors publish their ATE work. Come hear about the experiences of those newly published authors, how to move forward with publishing your own ATE work, and how to build publication into your next grant proposal.
Peter Kazarinoff, Faculty, J ATE, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon; Karen Leung, Faculty, J ATE, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Check out the JATE recent edition and see the papers by your colleagues!
Bioenergy Case Studies from the Department of Energy for Community College Classrooms
In this session, we will introduce new educational case studies in bioenergy that place students in collaborative and decision-making roles using science from U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories. Perfect for inclusion in environmental science, chemistry, or biological science courses, the case studies translate real-world research into the classroom and help students develop scientific skills and practices such as obtaining and interpreting scientific data, developing models, and creating proposals. The case studies explore career opportunities and how bioenergy is being used to address real-world environmental justice and economic challenges in the U.S. and around the world. Introduce your students to science and careers in clean energy using resource from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Kelly Sturner, Learning Center Program Coordinator, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois
Embracing Artificial Intelligence For All Industries
Harnessing the power of AI aids users in making informed decisions, helps deliver personalized experiences, and maintains cutting-edge emerging technology implementation. In this session, you will learn how to embrace AI and discover useful skills for integrating AI tools into your industry.
Renee Blackshear, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Brownwood, TX; Billy Weaver, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, Texas
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 2:15-3:00
Track 3: Consortia for Innovations in Technician Education—Unwinding Consortia Grant Opportunities
This presentation has two purposes: (1) share about NEVTEX-Next (DUE #2301095) and how it was designed to be a successful proposal and (2) discuss how you can make your consortia proposal a success. PI Ken Mays will cover methods that helped to make the National Electric Vehicle Technology Exchange (NEVTEX-Next) appeal to reviewers. Then Co-PIs Dr. Patrick English and Ben Cruz will cover the first year on the consortia grant experience. NSF-ATE Solicitation NSF 21598 offers the Consortia for Innovations in Technical Education for the first time. Dr. Celeste Carter will join us to guide you through key points that must be followed if you decide to apply.
Ken Mays, PI-NEVTEX-Next, National Electric Vehicle Technology Exchange (NEVTEX-Next), Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon; V. Celeste Carter, Lead ATE Program Director, National Science Foundation VA, NEVTEX-Next, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia; Patrick English, Professor of Automotive Engineering Technology and Program Coordinator, NEVTEX-Next, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan; Ben Cruz, Director of the Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), NEVTEX-Next, Macomb Community College (MCC), Warren, Michigan
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 3:45-4:30
Is It Worth It?
Efforts associated with the ATE grant “Implementation of an Industry-Recognized Credentialing System for Biotechnicians” (IRCS) have caused industry across the five states within the grant’s focus area and beyond to recognize the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) as the most authoritative credentialing system for the industry, effecting a shift in industry hiring practices. Through IRCS, educators are more aware of the BACE and informed about industry’s expectations. BACE credential holders have a clear path to industry. BACE was created by industry and is reviewed annually to maintain its relevance. Attendees will hear from credential holders about how BACE impacted their paths into industry.
Philip Gibson, Strategic Advisor, Workforce and Talent, Implementation of an Industry-Recognized Credentialing System (IRCS), Georgia Bio, Athens, Georgia
THURSDAY, August 1, 8:00-8:45
Hearts of Gelatin: Biomanufacturing Work-Based Learning Simulations
Our innovative work-based learning simulations utilize readily available grocery items to immerse students in real-world biomanufacturing skills. Join us to discover our two simulations, cell growth and automation, which take students on the journey of 3D-printing an artificial organ. Educators and professionals will leave this session feeling empowered with tools and knowledge to incorporate biomanufacturing career guidance effectively. Attendees will have access to the free, accessible, and universally designed resources discussed.
Alex Gibson, Learning Experience Designer, Biofab Explorer: Designing A Dual Enrollment Pathway to Careers in Biofabrication, CAST, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
Empowering Students and Workforce: The Role of Microcredentials in Today’s Education Landscape
In an ever-evolving job market and educational landscape, the demand for validating practical skills has never been greater. The presenters invite you to explore the transformative power of microcredentials as a solution to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world skills. This session will demystify the world of microcredentials, a dynamic approach to skill validation that has the potential to significantly transform education, hiring, and workforce development.
Angela Consani, CEO, Bioscience Core Skills Institute, Olathe, Kansas; Elizabeth Boedeker, District Director, Center for Plant and Life Sciences, St. Louis Community College, Creve Coeur, Missouri
THURSDAY, August 1, 9:00-9:45
Transforming the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Empower Students and Promote Program Growth
The success of a program is more than technical skills training. It requires a combination of technical skills and crucial workforce skills. The Valencia College biotechnology program has integrated these workforce skills into the curriculum, including time management, communication, budgeting, teamwork, and networking. In addition, the program has focused on improving the internship experience for students by streamlining the process, increasing the number and diversity of biotech internships offered, and enhancing the related curriculum. As a result, these initiatives have helped enrich and promote program growth, leading to student success.
Susan Ingersoll, Professor and Program Director of Biotechnology, Improving the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Better Prepare Student Technicians for the Modern Workforce, Valencia College, Orlando, Florida; Sothy Kien, Instructional Lab Supervisor, Improving the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Better Prepare Student Technicians for the Modern Workforce, Valencia College, Orlando, Florida
A Tool to Foster Transparency in Work-Based LearningA Tool to Foster Transparency in Work-Based Learning
For work-based learning (WBL) to be successful, students must be able to meet or exceed expectations. To improve expectation transparency and accountability, hallmarks of inclusion, we have developed a simple virtual tool to clarify expectations, success metrics, baseline assessments, and teaching strategy-support for each WBL experience. Implementation of this tool has positively impacted community college WBL student success and confidence. Attendees will learn how to integrate this tool into WBL programs through engagement with both students and industry partners, and assess its effects.
Karen Leung, Biotechnology Instructor and Internship Coordinator, A Collaborative Approach to Work-Based Learning in Biotechnology: Building Inclusive Lab Environments, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Read the paper: A tool for clarifying expectations in undergraduate research experiences
ATE Program Officers Discuss Funding Opportunities for Two-Year Institutions
This session brings together four NSF program officers with experience as two-year faculty who are currently serving in the Division of Undergraduate Education. They will provide an overview of the funding opportunities available to two-year institutions including ATE, HSI, S-STEM, and IUSE:ITYC. Attendees will learn about the goals of several programs and how to determine which program best aligns with a specific project idea.
V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, NSF, Alexandria, Virginia; Mike Davis, Intermittent Expert, NSF; Christine Delahanty, Kalyn Owens, Program Officers, NSF
Check out the new ATE solicitation!
THURSDAY, August 1, 11:15-Noon
Industry Bridge to Faculty (IB2F): Hiring SMEs to Teach and Share Their Know-How
With 7,500 to 10,000 job roles currently needing to be filled, the biopharmaceutical industry in North Carolina is experiencing tremendous growth. The Industry Bridge to Faculty (IB2F) project is addressing that need by hiring adjuncts or full-time faculty directly from the biopharma industry. This includes workers who will soon be retiring. This gets their extensive industry knowledge into the classroom to better train and teach the next generation of biopharma technicians. The first step we took was an informational event to let industry workers know about this unique opportunity to share their real-world experience and institutional knowledge as faculty. Attendees will learn how they can adopt a similar model at their school to support other in-demand technical industries.
Cynthia Lawrence, Director of Biotechnology WCE, IB2F, Wake Tech, Cary, North Carolina; Russ Read, Executive Director, National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce; Co-Pi, InnovATEBIO, Forsyth Tech, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Julie Griffin, Career Coach, InnovATEBIO, Johnston Community College, Smithfield, North Carolina
THURSDAY, August 1, 1:45-2:30
THURSDAY, August 1, 2:45-3:30
Biomanufacturing, Research and Technical Training: Where Industry and Education Meet
Biomanufacturing, Research and Technical Training (BRaTT) was developed by St. Louis Community College with guidance and feedback from an industry partner seeking professional development opportunities for its employees. It was originally offered as a five-week once-a-week format to minimize the impact on day-to-day manufacturing activities but evolved into a more generalized training vehicle for new employees with little to no laboratory experience. How this training was developed and continued to adapt will be discussed with best practices shared.
Elizabeth Boedeker, District Director, Center for Plant and Life Sciences, St. Louis Community College Center for Plant and Life Sciences, Saint Louis, Missouri; Laura Moore, Senior Research Scientist, Contract Research Organization Coordinator, St. Louis Community College Center for Plant and Life Sciences, Saint Louis, Missouri
THURSDAY, August 1, 3:45-4:30
The Needed Math Project: Promoting Student Success in Manufacturing Workplaces
The goal of the Needed Math Project is to improve the alignment of the mathematics taught in community colleges with the mathematics necessary for technicians working in production environments. The project involves research based on a large-scale survey of company personnel and community college faculty. Our objectives at HI-TEC are twofold: first, to present our findings, and second, to discuss scenarios based on the research results. These scenarios, currently being developed by the Needed Math team with colleagues from industry and community college faculty, aim to illuminate how the identified mathematical competencies are applied across diverse manufacturing contexts.
Lisa Seidman, Instructor, Writer, Needed Math, MATC, Madison, Wisconsin; Marilyn Barger, FLATE, Tampa, Florida
Learn about The Needed Math Project