Student experiences

Please note : this article and images were written and contributed by Misty Bouse , College Advancement Program Specialist, Portland Community College, Portland, OR.

Bioscience Technology students on Portland Community College’s Rock Creek Campus in Washington County are examples of the scientists who will better Oregon’s future. These future bioscience graduates are continuing their discovery in a wide range of industries and applications like biopharmaceuticals, cancer research, human genetics, agricultural-biotech products and infectious disease solutions. It is these students... Read more

This article was contributed by Ivy Tech Community College and originally published in Ivy Tech Bloomington News .

Ivy Tech Community College biotechnology student, Rachelle Price (Wehr), started classes this past summer and secured employment in her field. Price was hired on the spot at a local Catalent career fair.

“I was whisked away to multiple people upon hearing I was an Ivy Tech biotech student,” Price said. “I felt like a hot commodity, and through my classes on FDA regulations, biotech terminology and pharmaceutical production practices, I... Read more

Are you interested in teaching a microbiology CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) with real-world relevance? Dr. Jo Handelsman, world-renowned microbiologist and former OSTP Associate Director for President Obama, developed Tiny Earth, a CURE where college students discover new antibiotics in soil bacteria.

There are still a few slots available in the next instructor training January 10-14, 2022 (virtual). The training is FREE! Applications from instructors who identify as members of a group that has historically been excluded from science or who are at minority-serving institutions and two-year colleges are particularly encouraged to APPLY !

What is... Read more

This article was written and contributed by: Guy Aday, Alamance Community College graduate, BFIP Fellow, and Biotechnology Professional

My journey into biotechnology began accidentally; more of a plan B after my initial goals seemed less in line with my physical limitations following a work injury. Ultimately discovering that I enjoy the field, I turned my attention to it fully and became determined to do my best. Part of the curriculum for my AAS program was the completion of an internship with an industry partner or an individual research project. I had the privilege of being... Read more

Hello again! I bet you thought I forgot my login. (I did.)

Wow! What a difference a year makes. It's fall in school again and I'm still plugging away, only from Las Vegas now. It was so hard to say goodbye to Portland, the people and animals that I love there but this where I need to be now. I'm excited to see what adventures UNLV has in store for me.

Classes have begun and I am finding my way through a new campus and a new schedule. What I mean by finding my way through... Read more

I just set my alarm clock for 4:50 am and I'm actually excited about it!

You see, this last week, besides wrestling with SDS-PAGE Gels and glass and all that jazz, the Stedman Lab at PSU has been preparing for the annual trip to Lassen Park and Boiling Springs Lake.

There was anaerobic media making. There was Thermoplasma Volcanium Medium making. There was more lab math. At home there was packing! I needed a tent, a sleeping bag, clothes for cold weather, clothes for hot weather, bug repellent, sun block, sunglasses I don't mind ruining or losing, and... Read more

I've been a busy girl. If you're squeamish, please ignore the pictures and accept my apologies in advance. I veer a bit off topic of actual lab and share with you about some safety and a recent experience. I think it's an important share.

I just love how I keep throwing myself in the path of new and exciting life lessons. My most recent life lesson learned is one that I thought I had learned a couple of years ago when I started skating with Rose City Rollers. Clearly, there was a reminder needed. Here's the lesson: Safety is... Read more

What do employers want to see? Barry Starkman, CEO of Hemcon, shares his message.

This week at Portland Community College's Bioscience Technology Program we had the privilege of hearing from Barry Starkman, current CEO of Hemcon Medical Technologies. After telling us how he became an engineer and began working in pharma, he spoke with us about the opportunities that have come his way throughout his career. Starkman began his career on the east coast working for Merck. He was successfully lured to the west coast by Genentech and managed Genentech's construction project for their Hillsboro, OR fill/finish... Read more

The class goes on a tour and learns about primates.

Our Exploring Biotechnology class toured the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). Education Outreach Specialist, Diana Gordon spoke with us about the work going on at the center and gave us a tour of the facilities. ONPRC was the first National Primate Research Center and dates back to 1960. Support through grant funding from the National Institute of Health and the National Center for Research Resources is supplemented by private funds from institutions like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Using these resources, the ONPRC divides its research... Read more

Why are Bradford assays like Groundhog Day? You'll have to read about it to know.

Apparently I'm in movie simile mode this week too because this week was like being stuck in the movie Groundhog Day. We started our week with the Bradford assay. I made serial dilutions from our first aliquot. After checking with some other lab groups, we determined that we would have within range results using 1/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, and 1/50 dilutions. Next we mapped out our 96 well plate to run our assay in duplicate. We got a beautiful standard curve with an... Read more