BIOTECHNOLOGY PATHWAY - MINUTES

Nebraska Career Pathways Project
FutureForce Biotechnology
Meeting Summary
October 23, 2006

Location:   University of Nebraska-Lincoln, East Campus Union
In Attendance: Lloyd Bell, Dan Berning, Wendy Boyer, Dave Crouse, Seth Derner, Julie Karavas, Mark Lagrimini, Don Lee, Patty Morner, Brad Roth, Amelia Scott, Ken Spellman, Trish Souliere, Carol Speth, Darrell Ullman, Randy VanWagoner, LeeAnn Vaughan, Erika Volker, Jim Woodland, Anne York

Introductions and Welcome - Julie Karavas, President of Bio-Nebraska welcomed the group and provided a brief summary of the history and purpose of the biotech group.  This group was formed last year to facilitate the collaboration of the academic community, industry and government toward the development of a skilled labor force, capable of staffing the biotechnology positions that will be available in the future.

FutureForce – Seth Derner, FutureForce Nebraska Coordinator, discussed the role of FutureForce as the primary motivator behind the development of the career pathways model in Nebraska.  The Biotech & Sciences Pathway joins seven other industries that have been identified as critical to Nebraska’s economic future and are in the process of creating career pathways. These pathways create a pipeline of opportunities by developing the workforce resource, an area that is often not considered until it is too late.

University Curriculum – Don Lee from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture provided a brief overview of the biotech curriculum available in Nebraska.

There is currently no biotech undergraduate degree available from UNL; it is integrated into components of other programs.

Three years ago, an introductory biotechnology course was introduced to the UNL curriculum in the form of Agri 115, Food, Health, and Environment.  Topics covered in this class include environment, selection & breeding, genetic engineering & gene discovery, and diagnostics. 

a. Breeding is taught by Steve Baenziger
b. Genes are taught by Brett White.
c. Microbes are taught by Andy Bemson.

The class focuses on many areas, including plants, animals and microbes and is offered either as a resident or distance course. While UNL does not offer a biotechnology degree, there are other postsecondary programs in Nebraska. 

UNO, UNMC and the Western Iowa Community college all offer programs in biotechnology.  UNMC is opening a new College of Public Health that will offer a masters program and a PhD but no undergraduate degree.

Omaha North Curriculum – LeeAnn Vaughn presented the background for the development of a biotech program for pre-college learners at Omaha North High School. Students are given the opportunity to participate in hands on learning exercises through this program that prepare them for postsecondary coursework in this field.

Workforce Needs in Industry – Julie Karavas opened the discussion about what industry needs for a strong workforce. 

- The Medical Center experiences a chronic shortage of technicians to run research laboratories.

- Novartis is also always in need of techs.

-Industry needs workers trained in both biotechnology and business.  Often researchers do not have skill in both areas. 

- The greatest need is for two-year graduates.

-Qualities that are more important than lab courses or advanced degrees are manual skills, an inquisitive mind, research skills, and critical thinking skills.

-The need appears to center around employees with mid-level education and/or skills.  The more specialized the person, the harder it is to come back to Nebraska.

-Entrepreneurship might be a good option to fight the mismatch of jobs, training, and opportunities.  i.e. ‘If the opportunity doesn’t exist, create it yourself.’

There was discussion about what types of biotechnology jobs will be available in Nebraska for students. The comment was made that it is difficult to define a specific pathway in biotechnology because ‘biotechnology’ is a blanket term and does not refer to a specific career. Biotech careers might include areas like genetics, life science, biochemistry or virology and a student would need to know a bit about all of the areas.

Biotechnology is an emerging field with many possibilities but it is difficult to identify companies involved in this industry. 

The need for better networking and communication was expressed. High school students and counselors as well as former Nebraskans who want to come back need to be able to readily locate information about what opportunities exist and how to take advantage of them. 

Next Steps:
- Create a perceived needs assessment among industry and an inventory of program course offerings.

- Conduct a survey of biotech careers in Nebraska along with a matrix of industry types.

- Determine how best to prepare for the careers listed in the survey, including levels of educational attainment needed and expected earnings.