Austin Community College’s Biotechnology Department is training teachers from across the state on new curriculum that aligns with developments in the biotechnology industry. The college will host a workshop August 15-18 at Eastview Campus for instructors from high schools, community colleges, and universities.

During the workshop, funded by the National Science Foundation, participants will work in the college’s biotechnology lab, getting hands-on experience with equipment and techniques used in the growing field of biomanufacturing – the production of molecules and other biological materials for commercial purposes. The teachers also will receive training on how to effectively teach the curriculum, learn about career pathways available to students, and tour a local biomanufacturing facility.

“This technology has enormous implications for the future of the biotech industry,” says Dr. Linnea Fletcher, chair of ACC’s Biotechnology Department. “We are excited to introduce the next generation of curriculum to teachers.”

In recent years, the biomanufacturing field has become a strong industry in Austin, with many start-up companies opening in the area. This creates growing career opportunities for biological technicians. To learn more about training offered through ACC’s Biotechnology Department, visit austincc.edu/info/biotech.

The workshop is sponsored by the Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative and Bio-Link.