NC A&T Awards First Biotechnology Certificates
June 12, 1997
Greensboro, NC: Four graduates of the Laboratory Animal Science Program at North Carolina A&T State University recently received the first biotechnology certificates awarded by that institution.
Lisa Elliot, Charla McCoy, Robyn Johnson and Kyha Williams were awarded the certificates
as part of A&T's spring graduation ceremonies.
To receive a certificate, a student must satisfactorily complete an undergraduate program
with coursework in one of five biotechnology concentrations: animal science, biology,
chemical engineering, chemistry, or natural resources and environmental design.
According to Dr. Linda Niedziela, adjunct assistant professor with the A&T Department
of Animal Science and the Biotechnology Program Initiative's project director, demand for
biotechnologists is projected to increase dramatically in the next ten years, especially
in North Carolina where more than 70 companies are involved in biotechnology research,
development and manufacturing.
Williams, Johnson and McCoy will enroll in veterinary medicine programs this fall, while
Elliot is currently in the management training program of a major pet store chain.
Funding for the biotechnology program is provided through a grant by the North Carolina
Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This nonprofit corporation
is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly to promote long-term economic development
statewide by supporting biotechnology research, business and education.
Biotechnology involves the use of organisms, cells, or molecules isolated from cells, to
make products or solve problems. Biotechnology is becoming a key resource for many
industries working in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemical products, environmental
remediation, and energy.
Career opportunities open to biotechnologists include: teaching, research and development,
production and quality control, sales and marketing, regulatory affairs, legal affairs,
public relations, communications, training, and management.
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For more information, please contact Dr. Linda Niedziela, NC A&T School of
Agriculture, (336) 334-7709.