SJCC Biotech Bootcamp
Dr. Leandra MartinDean of Math and Science,
San José City College (408) 288-3716
Leandra.Martin@sjcc.edu
Third Annual San José City College Biotech Bootcamp Exposes High School Seniors to Life on a College Campus; Bootcamp Luncheon Features Visit by Mayor Chuck Reed
SAN JOSÉ, CA-San José City College's (SJCC) third annual Biotech Bootcamp begins Monday, August 18, at the college's state-of-the-art Science Complex, and continues through Friday August 22. Incoming high school seniors from biotech magnet school Andrew Hill High School (AHHS) will learn advanced biotechnology lab techniques and participate in DNA experiments, but more importantly be exposed to life on a college campus through their time at SJCC and during a visit to UC Santa Cruz early in the week.
Dean of Math and Science Dr. Leandra Martin, biology professor Carina Anttila-Suarez and AHHS Medical Magnet/Bio-Tech Coordinator Mary Metz have worked diligently to put together a program that is both fun and informative for the students," says SJCC President Dr. Michael Burke. "The students will not only perform experiments in the lab, but will also learn about how to enroll in college and how to seek financial aid in order to make their college dreams a reality.
We now have graduates of our first Bootcamp, held the summer of 2006, actually attending SJCC," says Dr. Leandra Martin. "For many students, learning about something as simple as how to enroll in college can be a life-altering event. And graduates of our Bootcamp are now ahead of their classmates in being able to perform the advanced laboratory techniques of DNA extraction.
There are two special highlights of this year's Bootcamp," says SJCC biology professor Carina Anttila-Suarez. "While we are in Santa Cruz, we will stop by the Beach and Boardwalk. Students will ride the Big Dipper and be reminded that the oscillations by a thermocycler are similar to the ups-and-downs of the roller coaster. On Friday, August 22, the students will be treated to a tour and luncheon at San José's BioCenter, which will include a visit from Mayor Chuck Reed, San José/Evergreen Community College District Chancellor Rosa Pérez, SJCC President Dr. Michael Burke, and Bootcamp benefactor Carmen Castellano.
-more-
Members of the media who are interested in attending the 12 p.m. luncheon on August 22 at the BioCenter, 5941 Optical Court, should contact Dr. Leandra Martin by August 14 to ensure a meal is available.
To view information about last year's Bootcamp....
Biotech News letter Special thanks to Liz Tyrrell for her leadership and hard work in collaborating with our many partners to make this happen!