The Biotech Pathways Project began June 1, 2006 and since that time has sponsored events for both students and teachers. Below are brief descriptions and links allowing you to see some of our biotechnology events in action.
Student Events
In addition to supplying partner high schools with new and donated biotech equipment, one of the goals of the Biotech Pathways Project is to introduce high school students to the Biotechnology programs at their local community colleges.
Biol 171c, Intro to Biotechnology
For three weeks during the summer local high school students were invited to Pasadena Community College to engage in internship style biotech training. The biotech lab space of Pam Eversole-Cire was donated for the time and Wendie Johnston coordinated the equipment use. Outfitted in lab coats daily the students were led through the introductory math necessary to make formulas by Orenda Tuason and taught how to load gels by Doss Jones. On the last day, they celebrated with refreshments and received both a certificate of completion and commemorative T-shirts. See them in action here!
Incubator/Oak Crest Plate Pouring for Amgen HS Kit
This is an Opportunity for High School and College Students to visit a working biotech laboratory and learn the basics of plate pouring, solution preparation and Equipment testing. Students learn basic procedures and techniques needed to function in a laboratory. Students are mentored by college students with biotech background and share their experiences with the students. See them in action here!
Lecture Series
From time to time Schools will provide lecture series to help expand student's knowledge of the Biotechnology Industry.
Teacher Events
If there is enough time and money any teacher can add biotechnology to their science curriculum, but only if someone introduces them to the equipment and concepts.
Amgen-Bruce Wallace Biotechnology Program Training
This educational outreach program is largely the result of the efforts of Dr. Bruce Wallace, an Amgen scientist, who strongly believed the biotechnology industry had a responsibility to contribute to science education. Now led by Marty Ikkanda, a biology professor at Pierce College, the program allows teachers to first try the lab protocols, and then use the resources in their own classrooms. Watch them at work now!
The Science and Ethics of Biotechnology
This is an annual 5-day workshop held at the Huntington Gardens designed for teachers interested in the steps the biotech industry uses to bring human therapeutics to the marketplace. Participants spent a portion of each day exploring the ethical issues surrounding this powerful science with Betty Odello, a bioethicist. Participants could receive professional development credit or up to 3 units of independent study credit through Los Angeles Pierce College. See it for yourself!