A&T Biotechnology Opens Door to the Future

October 7, 1996

Greensboro, NC: Modern facilities and exceptional accomplishments in teaching and research have resulted in a new opportunity for North Carolina A&T State University students. A biotechnology certificate is now available for A&T students, and the recently completed state-of-the-art teaching laboratory will be the site of many biotechnology classes.

"The demand for biotechnologists continues to increase, and, as it does, student interest in the field is growing," said Dr. Marihelen Glass, a horticulture scientist with the A&T School of Agriculture. Glass is also chairperson of the committee that gained university approval for the biotechnology certificate.

Upon graduation, students enrolled in the biotechnology certification program will receive both an undergraduate degree and a certificate in biotechnology. Coursework leading to this certificate is offered in the areas of animal science, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, and natural resources and environmental design.

"The interdisciplinary design of this program makes it unique," said Glass. "After taking three core courses, students are able to decide which field interests them most, and then they are able to focus on that field."

Funding for the 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.

Funds from a North Carolina Biotechnology Center grant were also used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the newly renovated plant biotechnology research/teaching laboratory in A&T's Carver Hall.

"The teaching laboratory allows our students the opportunity to work in a modern setting with the latest equipment," said Glass. "It will also be used in summer teacher education seminars, with the hope that high school teachers will take knowledge of biotechnology back to their students."

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.

In North Carolina more than 70 companies are involved in biotechnology research, development and manufacturing.

For more information, please contact Dr. Marihelen Glass, NC A&T School of Agriculture, (336) 334-7520.