ATE Project Talks: Technician Training in CRISPR-based Gene Editing AND BIOTECH Pathways

Welcome to the InnovATEBIO 2022 series of virtual ATE project talks.  This series features leaders in biotechnology workforce education from across the US sharing their work on exciting projects funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.  The ATE program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy.

In these talks, we'll learn about educating technicians in CRISPR-based gene editing program and about developing a new biotech program at Harford Community College.

Each talk will be 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for questions and discussion.

View the whole series of InnovATEBIO 2022 ATE project talks.

Talk 1:  Technician Training in CRISPR-based Gene Editing

Description:  The Technician Training in CRISPR-based Gene Editing project aims to bridge the gap in the rate of development and training of community college students to meet industry needs in the rapidly evolving field of gene editing. This NSF-funded ATE project brings cutting-edge techniques and tools developed by researchers at the Gene Editing Institute (GEI), ChristianaCare Health System, to students in the biotechnology program at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC).  To spread the impact, faculty professional development workshops have been conducted focusing on Community College faculty to assist in incorporation of CRISPR curricula to technician training programs across the country.

Speaker:  John McDowell, Ph.D., Instructor, Science Department, Delaware Technical Community College, Newark, DE

• Learn more about the Technician Training in CRISPR-based Gene Editing ATE project

Talk 2:  BIOTECH Pathways:  Building Interest and Opportunities Through Engagement and Collaborative Pathways

Description:  Harford Community College’s “Building Interest and Opportunities Through Engagement and Collaborative Pathways” (BIOTECH Pathways) program creates paths for high school students to progress through Harford Community College (HCC) to a biotechnology career or further study at a four-year institution. Supported by an NSF ATE grant, HCC has developed an A.A.S. in Biotechnology and a revised Biotechnology Certificate to align with industry skills, knowledge, and competencies. Furthermore, HCC aims to increase the number of students, including those historically underrepresented in STEM, who enroll in and complete the biotechnology programs through outreach workshops and summer programs for high school students and parents. In addition, through coursework and internships with industry partners, HCC will ensure that every biotechnology graduate possesses the professional, field-specific, and career-readiness skills to succeed in biotechnology employment.    

Speaker:  Jackie Madden, Associate Professor of Biology and Biotechnology, Harford Community College, Bel Air, MD

• Learn more about the Expanding Pathways from High School into the Biotechnology Workforce ATE project