March 22,2017
Media Contact:CindyLawrence –(518) 326-6400or (617) 610-9115
SUNY SCHENECTADY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPENS BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY AND RESEARCH FACILITY
Facility to Support TwoDegree Programs
SCHENECTADY,NY –SUNYSchenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) announced today the ribbon cutting on a state-of-the-art Biotechnology Laboratory and Research Facility to support two degree programs – the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Biotechnology and the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) in Biological Technician.
These degree programs willensure students’success by offering vital skill setsto start careers in the high-tech biotechnology industry or to transfer into four-year curse of study in biotechnology and related biological science fields. Students choosing the Biological Technician A.A.S. will be trained for an entry-level position at one of the many companies in the Capital Region.
“These programs and new laboratories could not come at a better time. There is a need for skilled workers for the growing biotechnology industry in the Capital Region. Students will now have access to the critical skills and advanced equipment training that will make them valuable members of the region’s workforce, or go on to further their education in the field,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY SCCC.
“Schenectady County is proud to sponsor our Community College and is committed to ensuring that our residents are prepared for the future,” said Karen Johnson, Vice-Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “That is why we are investing more than $760,000, which is 50 percent of the total cost, into the beautiful new facility that will prepare students for the growing Biotechnology industry, with many of these jobs being created right here in Schenectady County and the Capital Region.
The3,800-square-foot facility is located on the sixth floor of Elston Hall. the facility has multiple learning spaces, including two teaching laboratories, a research space dedicated to original scientific investigation in the fields of biology and biotechnology, a microscopic imaging room, and a dedicated student collaboration area.
Dr. Penny Haynes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “The science and technology fields in the Capital Region are expanding at an unforeseen rate. Our ability to offer competitive skills training is essential and offers our students a viable opportunity to gain employment in these fields wither directly upon graduation or after transferring to a bachelor’s program.”
Students will train on cutting-edge equipment including fluorescence microscopes, thermal cyclers, and real-time Polymerase Chair Reaction (PCR) detection devices as well as cell sorters, imagers, and counting systems.
Andrew K. Vines, Dean of Math, Science, Technology and Health, said, “These new facilities coupled with advanced coursework in biotechnology create a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students. Students will gain the skills and experience necessary to secure high-tech positions — in biotechnology currently available throughout the Capital Region. They will also be well-prepared to matriculate into a laboratory-intense, four-year course of study in biotechlonogy or biological sciences.”
The two degree programs are available to students as of this Spring Semester 2017. Interested students can find out more about the programs by visiting www.sunysccc.edu or contacting the Program Coordinator, Dr. Keylon L. Cheeseman, at 518-381-1143
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SUNY Schenectady County Community College: One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) in upstate New York enrolls more than 6,200 students. SUNY SCCC offers more than 55 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs. To learn more, visit www.sunysccc.edu.