Community College of Rhode IslandBiotech program continues to grow, meeting needs of students, workforce
Major companies with locations in southern New England, such as Amgen and Pfizer, are seeking out workers qualified and knowledgeable in the field of biotechnology. CCRI’s new Biotechnology Certificate program of study offers those with previous workplace or educational experience in the biological sciences an opportunity to prepare for entry-level positions in the biomanufacturing industry.
In the spring of 2004, CCRI began offering its biotechnology program – a cross-departmental, 15-credit certificate that provides applied skills training for those working in the industry, as well as for students who had previously completed college-level coursework in the sciences.
Now, just one year later, three students have already completed the certificate course requirements, and 10 more are nearing completion. These students have diverse backgrounds with prior coursework and experience in biology, business, chemistry, information technology, and even paleobiology.
To begin, students are encouraged to take a one-credit seminar course that progresses from an overview of the field of biotechnology to interactive lessons on topics such as ethics, biotechnology applications and career exploration, and ends with an emphasis on biomanufacturing and related regulatory topics. After completion of this course, students complete lecture and laboratory coursework in Chemical Technology, Cell Biology for Technology, Process Control Technology, and Microbiology. The latter four courses are designed to emphasize hands-on skills with “real-world” emphasis on strict laboratory documentation practices.
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While the program is currently only for those with a science background, the CCRI biotechnology committee is developing an associate’s degree curriculum that would be available to new students, including recent high school graduates. The vision for such a program is modeled after the many successful community college programs that have supported workforce development throughout the United States, many under the NSF-supported biotechnology education organization called Bio-Link (www.bio-link.org).
The Bio-Link project has spawned several biotechnology educational support projects and groups, including the Northeast Biomanufacturing Collaborative ( www.biomanufacturing.org) of which CCRI is a member. The primary goal, supporting biomanufacturing education in the Northeast region, is accomplished through several activities, including support of industry-education partnerships and maintenance of an equipment donation center. In October 2005, the six-institution collaborative, under the leadership of Sonia Wallman of the New Hampshire Career and Technical College, submitted a $2.9-million grant proposal to the National Science Foundation entitled “Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative (NBC2): Building a Sustainable Infrastructure for Biomanufacturing Jobs and Education.”
In early March, an NSF review team conducted a site visit as part of the evaluation process for this grant. The written review, received two weeks later, included the exciting news that the NSF officers plan to recommend funding of up to $3-million upon satisfactory receipt of a written response to several constructive recommendations.
A major goal of the project will be to produce materials and educational infrastructure that strengthens the ability to train a biomanufacturing workforce in the Northeast region. Although the major impact will be felt at the level of community college-led workforce training, it is anticipated that there will be a “trickle-down” effect that will improve biotechnology-related education at all levels. At CCRI, the project will provide materials, equipment, and financial support that will lead to strong curriculum and strengthened partnerships with the biotechnology industry, factors that will ultimately lead to better learning opportunities and career preparation for students.
Additional information about CCRI’s biotechnology program can be found in the college’s online catalog or by calling 825-2136.
Josephine Pino was recently appointed as biotechnology coordinator. She has been with the college since 2003, formerly serving as acting biotechnology coordinator.
