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October 29, 2014

Upcoming Events 11/4/14 Biotech Staff meeting, 12:50PM /SC214

11/4/2014 Max Planck Seminar, Dr. Dale Purves, “Visual Perception and the Brain” 11:00AM / Elmore Au-

ditorium

11/5/14 Biotechnology Association Meeting, 9:45-11:00AM/SC201

11/6/14 Biotech Business Partnership Council Meeting, 5:30-7:00PM, SC201

11/11/14 Veteran’s Day / College Closed

11/13/14 Scripps Seminar, Frank Schroeder, Ph.D., “The Chemical Language of Worms:Modular Library of

Small Molecule Signals”. 4:00PM / Bldg. B Room B158

11/13/14 Life Science and Technology Hub, creating careers from ideas! Waterway Cafe Palm Beach Gar-

dens, 2nd Thursday of each month, 6-8:00pm. RSVP here

11/18/14 Biotech Staff meeting, 12:50PM / SC214

11/20/14 Scripps Seminar, Julien Sage, Ph.D. “Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Lung and Pancreatic can-

cer” 4:00PM / Bldg. B Room B158

Palm Beach State College STEM Community Outreach

Students from Mrs. Diann Bacchus’s science class from St. Luke Catholic School in Lake Worth visited the Palm

Beach Gardens Campus BioScience complex October 22nd. Students were engaged by STEM activities, includ-

ing isolating strawberry DNA in the biotech labs, touring the medicinal gardens and learning about native

plants, butterflies, and herbs, visiting the library and Electrical Power Technology classes, and learning about

the solar sunflower, golf cart, and human powered vehicle.

ATTENTION BUSINESS PARTNERS: In the next few weeks be on the look out for an email from

one of our qualified Biotech students looking to do an (unpaid) internship in your lab.

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Biotech Oktoberfest Talia Fradkin, Staff Writer, Palm Beach Gardens Campus

The 2nd annual Palm Beach State College Biotech Oktoberfest was held at the Eissey campus on

Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Hosted by the Biotechnology Program, this year’s event received plan-

ning support from students of the campus’ new Biotechnology Association, and funding from the Stu-

dent Activities Office. The theme this year was “Understanding GMOs” (genetically modified organisms)

and served as an open educational and fun venue to correct the numerous GMO misconceptions created

by social media “experts.” Attendees learned, for example, that the American chestnut tree will become

extinct unless biotechnology can intervene, as well as the nutritional and economic benefits of GMOs to

farmers, farm laborers, and consumers in the U.S. and globally. Myths about allergens and toxins in

GMO foods were also showcased. Palm Beach State Biotechnology student and Vice President of the Bio-

technology Association, Haya Ghannouma, stated, “The purpose of Oktoberfest is to educate students in

the everyday use of biotechnology in the household.” Fellow student, Jeanelle Angus, agreed and said,

“Not only does Oktoberfest educate students in the use of technology in the household, but it also helps

us make healthier decisions.” Students presented live demonstrations on how to make mozzarella

cheese using enzymes, how to make bread using live yeast. The sugar fermentation process drew

crowds to the wine and beer booths where Biotechnology students Rebecca Stremel and Thomas Pen-

rose were happy to discuss the process with interested onlookers. The role of bacteria and enzymes in

digestion was also discussed. President Tevin Ali of the newly formed Biotechnology Association said,

“Biotechnology Oktoberfest attendees learn about the food biotechnology sector.” Ali greeted students

and the public and discussed genetically modified organisms and how they play a part in our food sup-

ply. Student Esther Jean-Louis was impressed, and “learned about biotechnology,” while Biotech stu-

dent Rolando Suarez, felt it was “a great experience.” Horticulture technician, Maura Merkal, of the En-

vironmental Horticulture program, explained how people can grow their own food and presented infor-

mation on native gardens in Florida as well as the growing field of hydroponics, where plants are grown

without soil in water.

Biotechnology Association President Tevin Ali, student Rebecca Stremel, Director of Communica-tons Talia Fradkin, member Rolando Suarez, and (front row) member Jackeline Maleski, prepare their table for Biotech Oktoberfest.

Vice President Haya Ghan-nouma, wearing a traditional German dirndl outfit, and student Jeanelle Angus discuss the science behind cheese making.

Students Jordan D’Meza, Esther Jean-Louis, and Enette Fremont enjoy Biotech Oktoberfest.

Biotechnology Association

The wine and beer booths were a hit !

Live demonstration of cheese and yogurt mak-ing.

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Interested in sponsoring the Biotechnology Program?

We need your support to grow and provide more opportunities for life

science students. Contact Dr. Mercer for details on how you can help.

Want to receive this newsletter to a different email address? Know a colleague who could benefit

from the newsletter? Please contact Brenda Lesser to be added to the mailing list.

www.palmbeachstate.edu/programs/Biotechnology

PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE BIOTECHNOLOGY

The October 22nd meeting featured a presentation on Biotech careers followed

by informative group discussion. The next meeting will be held on November 5, 2014 / 9:45-11:00AM / SC201. This meeting will feature a hands on lab. We

are also looking for future leaders and taking nominations for Biotechnology As-sociation Officers. Be sure to visit our website here for more information.

ACADEMIC TIP OF THE WEEK

The last day to withdraw (W grade as-

signed, no refund) is fast approaching.

Full Term Nov. 5, 2014

12 Week Term Nov. 17, 2014

Express B Term Nov. 26, 2014

Do you have a Palm Beach State College Biotech story ? Let us know!