InnovATEBIO sessions at the 2024 ATE PI Conference

DNA Barcode Analysis and Challenges of Making a Mobile First Bioinformatics Tool

Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Room: Congressional
Abstract: The Blue Line of DNA Subway is optimized for analyzing DNA barcodes and is one of the most widely used bioinformatics tools to support course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). DNA Subway 2.0 is being redeveloped as a mobile first and accessible application. By integrating with a nanopore sequencing device, DNA Subway 2.0 will enable sequencing and analyzing of DNA barcodes in the field, in school, and at home—by anyone, at any time. In this session, participants will use DNA Subway 2.0 to upload/edit DNA barcode sequences, to identify species by performing BLAST searches and multiple sequence alignments, and to generate phylogenetic trees.
Anna Feitzinger, Assistant Director for Science, DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY; Sue Lauter, Design Director, DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY; David Micklos, Executive Director, DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY
 

Empowering Educators: Strategies to Drive Biotech Interest and Enrollment

Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Room: Governors
Abstract: Student recruitment and awareness is a key need in STEM programs. Facilitators will discuss immersive training for high school teachers to introduce biotechnology to their students. In this “digital hands-on” workshop, a "tube" graphic tool developed by InnovATEBIO, will be shared to help participants visually communicate community college biotechnology career pathways. A framework will also be provided for high school teachers to build a lesson that aligns with these pathways, bridging the gap between high school and any community college STEM program. Valerie Cousins, Faculty, Dual Enrollment, Frederick High School and Community College, MD; Michael Fuller, Pathways Lead, Bay Area Bioscience Education Community (BABEC), CA; Savita Prabhakar, Biotechnology Professor, Frederick Community College, MD
 

Engagement, Mastery, Innovation: Different Training for Different Stages

Date: Thursday, October 24th
Time: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Room: Diplomat
Abstract: How can workshop training meet teachers at different places along the professional development continuum? InnovATEBIO offers workshops that serve audiences with fundamentally different needs— from beginning biotech teachers, who want basic skills and knowledge, to advanced teachers, who want new science and methods. Workshops on career pathways and ready-to-use curricula focus on engagement and mastery of core skills, while emerging technologies workshops focus on innovations that will drive the skills of the future. Members of the InnovATEBIO team will share the pedagogical approaches and lab resources in workshops that focus on different audiences for professional development. Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, TX; Jennifer Lazare, Adjunct Faculty, Austin Community College, TX; Ying-Tsu Loh, Executive Director, Bay Area Bioscience Education Community (BABEC), CA; David Micklos, Executive Director, DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY
 

BETA InnovATEBIO Biosciences Administrator’s Program

Date: Thursday, October 24th
Time: 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Room: Capitol
Abstract: The InnovATEBIO National Center for Biotechnology Education and the BETA Skills Project teamed up to develop a prototype Biosciences Administrator’s Program (BAP). BAP is designed for community college administrators, to be able to impart to them the importance of the growing bioscience sector, and to help them develop a rationale for supporting these smaller, yet expensive programs. Ten administrators from across the U.S. participated in a compact and intensive exploration of the scope of bioscience and its impact, through a 3.5 day program. This program consisted of background reading, pre-preparation of their problem or opportunity, site visits, and C-level discussions.
Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, TX; Russ Read, Executive Director, National Center for Biotechnology Workforce, NC
 

Effective Industry & Student Engagement with Speed Networking

Date: Thursday, October 24th
Time: 3:10 - 3:40 p.m.
Room: Executive
Abstract: Looking for a simple strategy to increase 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, Johnston Community College, NC; Karen Leung, Biotechnology Instructor and Internship Coordinator, City College of San Francisco, CA
 

ATE Connects – Session II & Refreshments

Date: Thursday, October 24th
Time: 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Room: Exhibit Hall
Abstract: Look for the InnovATEBIO booth and booths from the leadership team (Digital World Biology, DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Forsyth Community and Technical College, MiraCosta College, and BABEC). ATE Connects is a key component of the conference and offers ATE projects and centers dedicated time to work with participants, explore the ATE community, and engage in the sharing of resources. Taking place over two sessions, ATE Connects features more than 240 projects and centers through “Conversation Hubs” organized by STEM discipline area. Join us for these lively sessions to engage in networking, information sharing, and community building!
 

Biotechnology Workforce Planning for the InnovATEBIO Community

Date: Friday, October 25th
Time: 11:15 a.m. - Noon
Room: Blue Room
Abstract: Biotech programs need to collaborate with industry, third party organizations such as state BIOs, school support programs, and others to get the word out about biotechnology careers in industry and the educational pathways to these careers. Participants will share, learn, and strategize how they can conduct evidence-based outreach about careers in their local area, recruit students, and form new partners to advance creation of the bioscience workforce in their state. They will also learn the value of stackable credentials and creating industry partnerships to strengthen their programs.
Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, TX; James Hewlett, Co-PI InnovATEBIO, Finger Lakes Community College, NY; Kissaou Tchedre, Professor of Biology, Austin Community College, TX