MCLA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA. -

"What really drew me to the College was the fact that I knew I would get a lot of ‘real world’ experience. My hands-on experience was invaluable. MCLA supports its students, doing what it takes to get them into new experiences that will later prove to be stepping stones into a career."

Matthew Panuska ’99
Employee Communications Manager, Pepsi-Cola Company

“Biotechnology in the Classroom”

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), in collaboration with Berkshire STEM Pipeline and the Massachusetts Association of Biology Teachers (MABT), is offering an ALL-DAY Biotechnology workshop lead by Shahira Badran, Assistant Professor & Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Bunker Hill Community College, Paul King, Instructor, Massasoit Community College, and Ann Billetz, Professor, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

biotech

DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2008

TIME: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Biology lab Venable Hall at MCLA

This ALL-DAY Biotechnology workshop will consist of a hands-on lab featuring biotechnology techniques such as

isolation of DNA
real time PCR
electrophoresis and
a presentation explaining the underlying concepts and real life applications of these techniques. In addition, the workshop will address the different applications and career opportunities of the biotech industry.

Teachers will receive handouts and information on other related activities and biotech online resources

Biotechnology is a thriving industry and teachers need effective teaching tools such as the kinds of hands-on activities featured in our workshop to investigate and discover the exciting career opportunities in the industry for their students.

The Biotechnology workshop is open to teachers 8-12, and undergraduate professors. The cost is $35.00; this includes lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required, capacity is limited. Contact Lisa Provencher at 413-662-5525 or email <lisa.provencher@mcla.edu>

This workshop is part of the Berkshire STEM Pipeline STEM Science Seminars. The STEM Pipeline Fund is a workforce development initiative designed to increase student interest and teacher preparation in STEM subjects. The goal of the STEM Pipeline is to build a pipeline between higher education, PreK-16, businesses, and non-profit agencies for the improvement of science, technology, engineering and math education, and is aligned with the Berkshire Compact for higher education.