RCCC offers summer biotech seminar series

Monday, June 08, 2009 7:16 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will offer the "Biotechnology 101 Summer Series" in July at the N.C. Research Campus. All sessions, aimed at persons with little or no background in science, are free and open to the public.

Biotechnology 101 will take a close look at four key sectors of the biotech industry: agriculture, marine, health and industrial. Each seminar will include information about biotech careers and education and training, with a focus on terminology, laboratory work, specific jobs and practical applications.

The seminars will be held on consecutive Tuesday evenings, July 7-28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the David H. Murdock Core Laboratory Building on the Research Campus. To reserve a seat, send an e-mail to whitea@rowancabarrus.edu or call 704-216-3598.

Developed and coordinated by RCCC's Biotechnology Department and Department of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, the seminar series will provide information about a key area of growth in the local Rowan-Cabarrus economy and the North Carolina economy. The sessions are:

- July 7: Agriculture is one of North Carolina's largest industries, contributing $59 billion a year to the state's economy. More than 60 agricultural biotech companies employ more than 4,000 workers across the state. Find out how biotechnology is changing the farming landscape.

Presenters: Joe Hampton, superintendent, Piedmont Research Station, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Dr. Michael Hall, career psychologist, biotechnology-related careers.

- July 14: North Carolina is the third-largest marine system in the U.S. Learn how marine biotechnologists are exploring the ocean as a source of new products in health care, environmentally friendly cosmetics, nutraceuticals, alternative energy and other industries. Learn about the future of this field.

Presenters: Dr. Topher Gee, lecturer and coordinator of the UNC Charlotte Cell Biology Laboratory; and Marjorie Benbow, director, N.C. Biotechnology Center-Greater Charlotte Office.

- July 21: Healthcare is said to be the biotech industry's biggest market. More than 200 therapies and vaccines that treat cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other diseases can be attributed to biotech companies. Some of these vaccines are being developed in North Carolina. Hear the many ways biotechnology is affecting health.

Presenters: Dr. Marcy Corjay, dean, RCCC Department of Science, Biotechnology and Mathematics; Dr. Jennifer Montague, vice president of business development, BioCytics, Inc.; and Keri Allman-Young, site director, RCCC R3 Career Center.

- July 28: Industries are finding new uses for biotechnology every day to make our lives cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly. One North Carolina company applies antimicrobial technologies to more than 750 products to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Discover how the products we use are changing because of "bioinnovation."

Presenters: Dr. Allan Kaufman, program head, RCCC Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology; and Dr. Wayne Swofford, vice president of research and development, Microban International.