Instead, I arranged meetings of high school science faculty from all across Virginia and had them decide what the Center could do for them. I have hired one of the nations premier high school teachers to coordinate and implement the program. We now support training workshops both here and at sites across Virginia. We are on line for computerized assistance, and we have an extensive video tape library for their use. I am continuing to improve and expand our outreach efforts, and the new building is a great help.
Biotechnology is the business of biological sciences.
My own background in entrepreneurial business has taught me that students are not well prepared for a job in biotechnology companies when they graduate from college. I am trying to change that for our graduates. The Center has close ties to the local biotechnology companies and local entrepreneurs. I hope to integrate common business principles into the courses and laboratory experience of the undergraduates. In addition we sponsor talks by representatives from companies for undergraduate and graduate students.