August 3, 2004 > Biotechnology Summer Institute

The Ohlone College Biotech Summer Institute is an unforgettable experience for those who attend. The intense 4-week program just ended for the 15 students who participated in the class. Each student is now in the process of interviewing with local biotech companies for a three-week internship.

The class, taught by Dr. Mark Barnby, covers everything from PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to cloning E. coli bacteria. "It has been a really good class," says April Yang, a 17 year-old senior from Mission San Jose, " I have gotten to do each technique myself."

The students hoped to gain knowledge about the biotech field so that they could get a jump start on college. "If I get an internship now, I will probably get one earlier in college. I won't have to wait until my Junior or Senior year," said Manisha Kanthilal, a 17 year-old senior, also from Mission San Jose High School. The biotech industry is growing and there are many job opportunities in that field.

Most of the students hope to continue their education by studying biotechnology in college. They hope that they may be the one who discovers a cure for cancer, AIDS, or Alzheimer's disease. They all feel that the possibility for a cure is out there. They also know that using biotechnology for creating enhanced food can help feed starving nations. "Hopefully biotech will find cures for genetic diseases and end world hunger," said the hopeful Miss Yang.

For more information regarding next summer's session, please contact Dr. Mark Barnby at mbarnby@ohlone.edu or phone (510) 659-6254.