Biotech Awareness Week brings local experts to Palm Beach Gardens campus
What are those students in white lab coats doing? Come to Biotech Awareness Week and find out! The annual series of events showcasing Palm Beach State College’s biotechnology programs, as well as local biotech industry professionals, will take place on the Palm Beach Gardens campus April 13-17.
The highlight of the week is the Life Science Networking Reception and Career Panel on Thursday, April 16 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the BioScience Technology Complex, Room SC127. The event will bring together industry leaders, K-12 and postsecondary educators, and PBSC graduates working in the field for an informative discussion about trends in STEM education and local biotech initiatives.
Bruce Wear, science coordinator for the School District of Palm Beach County, will moderate the panel that includes:
- Michael Butts, associate process scientist and PBSC graduate, Ocean Ridge Biosciences
- Dr. Ken Dawson-Scully, associate professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University
- Dr. Joseph Kissil, associate professor, Department of Cancer Biology, Scripps Florida
- Sheena Knight, technical sales representative, Ocean Ridge Biosciences
- Shannon Pasley, research technician and PBSC graduate, Akron Biotech
- Dr. Liton Roy, manager of laboratory operations, Sancilio & Company
- Julie Wilkinson, chief operating officer, ImmunoSite Technologies
The reception/career panel is open to the public and will be of particular interest to scientists, business people, entrepreneurs, students and community members who share an interest in what’s going on in biotech. It’s also an opportunity to learn about internships and job opportunities. Attendees should click here to RSVP.
“This is another opportunity for us to engage the community and build bioscience in South Florida,” says Dr. Becky Mercer, director of PBSC’s Biotechnology programs and STEM education. “I encourage those invested in technology and science in our region to attend.”
Those interested in a biotech career also may want to learn more about Palm Beach State’s Biotechnology programs at an Information Session and Lab Tour on Monday, April 13, noon to 1 p.m. in Room SC214 in the BioScience Technology Complex. It’s an opportunity to meet faculty and current students, and tour the state-of-the-art biotechnology lab where students gain real-world experience. Attendees can even try on a white lab coat! If interested, please register by calling 561-207-5055.
Fun, competitive events for students, faculty and staff include two activities on April 15: The Life Science Spelling Bee from 10 a.m. to noon and Biotech Game Day from 2:30–4:45 p.m., both in SC127. In addition, from April 13–16, students, faculty and staff can participate in the STEM Success for Women Telesummit sponsored by the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science. The telesummit will be live-streamed in room SC201, with presentations starting at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Click for the complete schedule or to register for free to watch on a computer.
For more details, visit the Biotech Awareness Week webpage or call 561-207-5055.
Biotech Awareness Week is made possible with the support of these industry partners: Akron Biotech, BioTools, Eppendorf, Life Technologies, Sancilio & Company and Somahlution.
