Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School dual-credit biotechnology teacher Joseph Oleniczak and Austin Community College District professor Kissaou Tchedre have received a $385,845 grant award from the National Science Foundation to establish a DNA sequencing and genomics program at LASA.
The national biotechnology industry has an emerging demand for careers based on DNA sequencing technology. In collaboration with ACC, 91´ô¸ç will develop a DNA Sequencing and Genomics facility to fulfill industry needs for trained technicians in this field. The grant will allow LASA to establish a first-of-its-kind facility run by biotechnology students as part of their curriculum to complete an industry-recognized Level 1 Certificate in Biotechnology from ACC.
"I am thrilled to be establishing a DNA Sequencing and Genomics facility on the Liberal Arts and Science Academy campus,†said Joseph Oleniczak. “This facility will engage my dual-credit biotechnology students in authentic student-driven DNA sequencing research. I look forward to the impact that exposure to this cutting-edge technology will have on my students."
The project will provide equitable access to students on real-world workforce training. Students will learn laboratory techniques, have research experiences, develop 21st-century job skills, receive industry-level instrumentation training, and be exposed to industry and academia as career pathways. As a result, the project will lay the academic and technical foundation for students to enter the bio technician workforce.
Dual-credit biotechnology is one course offered through the Career and Technical Education program in 91´ô¸ç. CTE courses provide students with the academic knowledge and technical skills they need to gain entry to high-skill, high-wage and high-demand industries.
“Providing our students this course as part of the Career and Technical Education program gives them a significant advantage,†said the district’s CTE Director, Tammy Caesar. “It gives them hands-on learning with real-world situations so students are equipped to join the workforce or college after they graduate.â€
The project funded by this grant will be a three-year effort starting in May 2021. Oleniczak will serve as the principal investigator of the grant and Tchedre will serve as the co-principal investigator.
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