Program teaches biotechnology

Students graduating from high school now have the opportunity to begin working as entry-level technicians for biotechnology companies such as IHC and ARUP. While most students learn about science by reading textbooks and listening to teachers lecture in class, thanks to the efforts of Gina Sanzenbacher, a biotechnology instructor with the Jordan Applied Technology Center, this is beginning to change.

The Jordan Applied Technology Center, on the Salt Lake Community College south campus, allows high school students in Utah opportunities to apply their scientific knowledge. "The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on application," Sanzenbacher said. "It allows students to better understand the things they are learning and helps them to see the importance of the science industry."

The biotechnology program is a cooperative effort between SLCC, the Jordan and Granite school districts and InnovaBio, a nonprofit research organization. Although it began with only three high school students in 2002, the program has grown to include more than 30 students and is now recognized nationally as one of the 15 exemplary academic programs by the U.S. Department of Education.

The first-year program for high school juniors involves a two-hour lab held at SLCC where students learn about basic lab equipment, procedures, protocol and conduct basic experiments. These students can return the following year as interns for InnovaBio and do experiments for actual biotechnology companies in the community.

"InnovaBio allows students to do work for companies who lack the time, money or manpower to do certain projects," Sanzenbacher explained. "The internships are a great resource for students and allow them to gain experience in the biotechnology field."

Not only do these classes apply to both high school and college credits, they also give students the necessary foundation to obtain jobs in the biotechnology industry after graduation. Many of these companies also give tuition reimbursement to students who are pursuing two- or four-year degrees. In the past year, nine of Sanzenbacher's students began working for biotechnology companies immediately after graduating from high school. "The program prepares students with the experience and knowledge needed to have a successful, well-paying career in biotechnology," Sanzenbacher said.

Sanzenbacher was awarded the Governor's Science Medal for commitment to science education in the state of Utah. She was one of the seven recipients of the medals, which were awarded in January at the University of Utah's Natural History Museum.