How to Start a Biotechnology Program
Mary Jane Kurtz was director of the biotechnology program at Minuteman Career and Technical High School in Lexington, MA for 17 years. She is a former Co-Principal Investigator on the NBC2 grant and continues to work on curricula and workshops based on Biomanufacturing.
Biotechnology programs can be exciting for students as they present new ideas and techniques that capture their imagination. A new curriculum called “Protein is Cash” will be discussed as a means to establishing a basic introduction to the area. At the same time, teachers have an opportunity to reinforce important scientific concepts from biology, chemistry and physics in an integrated fashion and support the basic ideas that students need to succeed in the sciences. Biomanufacturing is a growing area that provides students with new career pathways that will be included in the presentation. Establishing a biotechnology program in your school should include recruitment of members from industry who can supply materials and expertise and could provide support.