HERCULES, Calif., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. , a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and clinical diagnostics, recently hosted the second annual Biotechnology Science Camp at the Cal State University East Bay Campus in Concord. Educators and 50 Contra Costa County high school students with career aspirations in biological science participated in a week-long interactive program featuring educational workshops, experiments with modern laboratory equipment and group projects in which they examined important bioethical issues. Students also visited some of the Bay Area’s most influential scientific centers to witness the real world applications of modern molecular biology. At the conclusion of the event, Congressman George Miller (D-CA), ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, participated in a science panel with other guests, who shared their expertise and insights with students about careers in biotechnology. Students received college credits for participating in the program which was held in July.
“This camp was designed to inspire students and give them a head start on identifying careers in science and biotechnology,” said Colleen Corey who heads up Bio-Rad’s Community Outreach Committee. “It will also enable them to reenter school in the fall with a renewed interest and passion for their biology curriculum.”
“This camp has been so wonderful,” remarked one student participant. “If school was this much fun, I think everyone would enjoy learning!”
“Now I feel I have a better perspective on what career fields are like in the science world. From the speakers to the field trips, I narrowed down what I want to do in my career,” said another student.
“Students need to know that there are a broad range of work opportunities in Contra Costa that they can access with the right education and training. Educators also need this awareness so they can integrate career information into their core curriculum,” said Linda Best, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, a co-sponsor of the event. “It’s about the combination of academic rigor and relevance, and making connections for youth between learning and what they might want to pursue as careers.”
The biotechnology camp provided a forum in which students could actively explore modern biological science and visit local organizations like the Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley Labs and a USDA (US Department of Agriculture) laboratory to learn firsthand the nature and inner workings of the biotechnology industry. Students also spent the week preparing team projects in which they examined important bioethical issues like cloning, stem cell research and genetic selection. Featured guests at the camp provided presentations on their work in areas such as cancer research, DNA profiling, forensics and crime scene investigation.
“We’re honored to be a part of the Biotech camp and we look forward to continuing our efforts to advance scientific literacy by partnering with teachers, schools and local organizations to motivate a new generation of biological scientists,” Corey added.
Bio-Rad’s Community Outreach Committee actively serves the local community in a number of different ways, working to advance scientific literacy and contribute to important programs that stimulate scientific curiosity among youth, benefit medical research and education, and improve patient care. Outreach activities include company sponsored mentoring programs, science fairs and an annual scholarship program. Individual volunteers also participate in fund raising activities that support public health charities and giving programs designed to benefit under-privileged children.
Guest lecturers at the event included a number of local scientific experts. Molecular biologist, cancer specialist and Associate Director of the UC Davis Cancer Center, Dr. James Felton, discussed how DNA research is helping to improve the methods of treatment, diagnosis and prevention of cancer. Dr. John Tonkyn, Assistant Laboratory Director for the California Department of Justice’s Richmond DNA Laboratory, shared information with students about how the use of DNA technology and the implementation of DNA databanks are revolutionizing the way law enforcement identifies suspects and solves crime. Sergio Solis, Forensic Science Technician for Concord Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit, led students through a mock crime scene investigation and discussed the science, technology and collection methods used to solve crime. Dr. Daniel Rokhsar, Head of the Computational Genomics Program at the Joint Genome Institute discussed the exciting Human Genome Project and the resulting advances in molecular genomics and other disciplines including molecular medicine, human health and agriculture. Edward Smith, Senior Scientist for Roche Molecular Systems shared information about his company’s work in stem cell research and cloning. Sarah Carter Hake, Director of the USDA’s Plant Gene Expression Center talked with students about agricultural research and how innovations in genomics technology are helping to improve crops and the environment and enhance the health and safety of food. Teachers from Concord and San Ramon Valley High Schools also participated in camp activities, along with specialists representing Bio-Rad’s Biotechnology ExplorerTM Program who instructed students in laboratory experiments using a variety of the company’s sophisticated educational products.
Co-sponsors of the summer biotechnology camp included John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Contra Costa Community College District, Diablo Valley College, the Joint Genome Institute, Congressman George Miller’s Office, the Contra Costa County Biotechnology Collaborative and Cal State-East Bay Concord Campus.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (www.bio-rad.com) is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and clinical diagnostics. It is based in Hercules, California, and serves thousands of research and industry customers worldwide through a network of more than 30 wholly owned subsidiary offices.
Various statements made within this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
CONTACT: Susan Berg of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., +1-510-741-6063, orsusan_berg@bio-rad.com
Web site: http://www.bio-rad.com/
