In addition to his Extension work, Tom also serves as a Food Science Communicator for the Institute of Food Technologists, a professional organization with 28,000 members. Tom taught and did research at the Plant Molecular Biology Center of Northern Illinois University at DeKalb. Tom helps them design and test prototype equipment for student-made apparatus, develop reagents that are affordable and storable, and write and refine protocols for experiments. Tom offers wet-lab workshops for teachers and youth.
Participants test and assess new learning materials developed from around the world.
Companies can use a teaching lab as a site to showcase new equipment and to train researchers to use it. Tom provides materials and training on the technical and social impacts of biotechnology to Extension county faculty and to teachers in schools. He also offers science outreach programs during evenings and weekends, enabling the public to learn about the latest discoveries of researchers. For more information on UWEX contributions to biotechnology, see the UW's Biotechnology Education site, or go to the Biotechnology homepage .