How would you like to pursue a career that will allow you to find “global” employment within a rapidly growing organization which continues to apply cutting edge technologies? With its wealth of new job opportunities and ground breaking discoveries, a career in any of the branches of biotechnology may just be the answer for any career seeking individual.

So what exactly is Biotechnology?

The meaning is as simple as it reads-biotechnology means “technology using biology”. The main applications of this field involve working with DNA, RNA, tissues and cells in order to modify products that benefit mankind. A person could research the meaning of biotechnology from a multitude of credible scientists and companies and come up with a different explanation each time. However, the field is firmly rooted in the biological sciences and branches out to a wealth of various applications and jobs.

People have been applying biotechnology techniques for well over five thousand years, for example, in cheese making and brewing. More recently, since the human genome project, the field itself has expanded by more than fifty and continues to create more jobs across the globe.

Some people might cringe whenever the biotechnology word is mentioned and assume that it employs only scientists who want to clone humans or yet, feed the world with as “Franken Foods.” This name is a label that a few folks would place on foods that were breed from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or crops. But the real truth behind GMOs is that scientists worked (and are still working) diligently to find better ways to improve the world’s food shortage by curing diseased crops along with insect infestations.

For over five thousand years man has used biotechnology techniques in one form or another. Since the human genome project, the field itself has expanded by more than fifty percent and continues to create more jobs globally.

What are the career choices in biotechnology?

A general list of the majors or careers include, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Genetics, Plant and Animal Technology, Commercial Advertising for Biotech companies, Environmental and Forestry Studies Cancer and Infectious disease research, Pharmaceuticals, etc……the list continues on.

Because of the enduring commitment of MATC’s natural science instructors: Dr. Aparna Seen, Dr. Zack Shana, and Veronica Neumann, MATC was awarded a BEST grant from the National Science Foundation in 2010. Currently MATC offers students an exciting opportunity to enroll in the BEST (Biochemical Excellence in Science and Technology) The BEST grant is designed to encourage students to pursue a Liberal Science degree at MATC and then transfer their credits to a four year college or university.

Another history maker is the formation of MATC’s first Biotech club. For the second year, student members of the Biotech Club have elected their new officers. (2012 Members and titles have been added after final paragraph.) The Biotech Club’s members volunteer their time to work at MATC’s open house and the annual Green Energy Summit. Students also attend a portfolio night by the lakefront which gives them a chance to share their talents and meet other students from various disciplines.

The opportunities in the field of biotechnology are endless. One does not have to be a geek or test at an IQ greater than Albert Einstein to be able to work and study in this field.  

It takes more than having book smarts. Creativity and interpersonal skills have been among some of the most recent additions to job requirements. Having a passion to discover and learn, while at the same time finding cures for diseases-including possible solutions to our global problems-are just a few of the many reasons that a career in biotechnology would be rewarding.

Three students from the Biotech department have been selected to present their Summer research internship work at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Salt Lake City, Utah, end of March. The students are: Samuel Thompson (chosen to present his work through oral presentation), Anastasia Bhagat and Jennifer Creekmur are presenting their work through poster presentation.

If interested in pursuing a biotechnology degree at MATC, more information can be found at www.matc.edu. Click on the “Perspective Student” tab and then under the “Educational Offerings” area click on “Associate Degree” link and choose NATSCI programs.

This will open another link to the various associate programs offered. In addition to this, to be a member of the Biotech club, one must be in the program and carry at least six credits.