Connecting Bio-Link with Vision and Change

Summer Fellows Forum 2010Elaine Johnson, Director

Bio-Link Mission• Increase the number and diversity of well-

trained technicians in the workforce• Meet the growing needs of industry for

appropriately trained technicians• Institutionalize educational practices that

make high quality education and training in the concepts, tools, skills, processes, regulatory structure, and ethics of biotechnology available to all students

Goals

The new National Center of Excellence is:

 1strengthening and expanding biotechnology education programs across the nation

2enabling biotechnology faculty, students, and technicians to work more efficiently

3supporting a smooth transition of students to the technical workforce in the biosciences and related industries

Network

• Regional approach• Strong partners• Variety of connections• Flexible• Interdisciplinary

Processes for Accomplishing Goals

• Expand regional approach• Pursue active partners• Utilize new communication tools• Courses in a box• Faculty internships• Online courses• Technician’s Association• Web-based interactive community• Career exploration site

Examples of Progress• Participation in Scottsdale meeting• New Center Grant Award• Replicating Success Model• Inclusion in Synergy Scale-up Project• BABEC Model Report• Community College Program at BIO • Launch of new website• Executive producer of HI-TEC• Advances for the Curriculum Clearinghouse• Movement toward career website• Partnership building

• Interdisciplinary

Vision and Change• Strong interest & involvement in

undergraduate biology education• Commitment to hands-on skills• Dedication to preparing workforce• Belief in access for all students• Engagement of partners• Interdisciplinary focus