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Biotechnology

MassBay’s Biotechnology programs offer exceptional research-based studies in an ever-evolving field. Our programs include genomics, biomanufacturing, and gene therapy applications, as well as a comprehensive curriculum with an array of techniques and expertise crucial to industry. Students receive hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR, chromatography, and DNA sequencing analysis. Students also benefit from access to state-of-the-art equipment, fostering essential professional and practical experiences.

Biotech Lab

Centers of Excellence

The Biotechnology Department is home to two Centers of Excellence that were developed with support from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

The Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training (CTGT) was established in 2019. The CTGT offers advanced courses in molecular and developmental biology, edible vaccines, genomics, and next generation sequencing technologies. The CTGT provides modern facilities for training and extends paid internships to empower minority, women, and first-generation scholars for in-demand roles.

The Center for Biomanufacturing Education and Workforce Training (CBEWT) was founded in 2022. The CBEWT has developed courses in RNA, cell, and gene therapeutics, as well as a biomanufacturing certificate that offers seamless transfer pathways for students directly into biomanufacturing industries.

Biotechnology Student Testimonials

Kelly L. Krowne
Degree: Biotechnology - Forensic Science, A.S.
Received: May 2018
Dean’s List: Fall 2017 & Spring 2018

 

MassBay changed the trajectory of my life and helped me grow into the functioning adult that I am today. I learned to be a student who is resourceful and independent. The Biotechnology program at MassBay, in particular, helped me develop into the scientist I have become. Without this program, I never would have thought I could be interested in science, intern with the state police, receive awards for academic achievements, earn a master’s degree, or have a career as a forensic scientist — but here we are.

What truly made this program stand out was the combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on lab experience. The faculty were incredibly supportive and always more than willing to guide me through challenging concepts. I gained confidence working with advanced laboratory techniques and equipment, which prepared me for real-world applications.

Not only did the Biotech program inspire me to pursue a career in science, but it also introduced me to a community of passionate individuals who have become lifelong friends. The shared experiences in labs, study sessions, and navigating challenges together created bonds that I continue to cherish. Even today, I stay in touch with many of my classmates, and their support has been invaluable both personally and professionally.

These experiences allowed me to envision a career path I had never considered before. Looking back, MassBay’s Biotechnology program not only changed my academic journey but also my perception of what I am capable of achieving in science and beyond.

Melanie Aldana

Being part of the Biotech Scholars Pathway in high school, was an extraordinary experience. As a low income, first generation, latina student, I would’ve never imagined myself in a lab. When I joined, I found the world of biotech so fascinating. I loved learning how to upkeep cells and how to use different machinery to replicate its DNA. This program was the main reason I began to major in Biotechnology at Massbay! Through this program I was able to get exposure to the world of life sciences. I began to attend many events and get acquainted with big company communities! It has been a pleasure to study along side Dr. Singh while I was in high school. This time, he will see me grow more as a college student! Without this program I would’ve never imagined myself in a lab studying cells!

Megan Walden, MassBay Biotech Alumna

Megan Walden
Operations Director
ABI-LAB

My time at MassBay's biotechnology program was nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of Dr. Singh, we received invaluable hands-on experience that honed our practical skills, preparing us for real-world challenges. The program also emphasized the importance of communication, giving us ample opportunities to present our projects. Thanks to this, I have overcome my fear of public speaking.

The growth I experienced during the program enabled me to secure a high-paying job while still enrolled, and I was rapidly promoted to Director of Operations—a position I have proudly held for over two years. MassBay's biotechnology program was instrumental in shaping my career and setting me on a path to success. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Equipment and Facilities

This cutting-edge system allows students to explore bioreactor processes and fermentation techniques vital in biomanufacturing.

Students gain hands-on experience in cell sorting technology, essential for cell analysis and purification in research and production settings.

This high-throughput fluidics system enables students to analyze and characterize cells efficiently, a fundamental skill in biotech research.

Students learn chromatographic separation techniques, crucial for purification and analysis of biomolecules in biomanufacturing.

This system enhances students' skills in digital PCR technology, vital for precise nucleic acid quantification in genomics research.

Students explore cellular structures and processes through fluorescence microscopy, enhancing their understanding of cell biology.

This freezer provides storage for valuable samples at ultra-low temperatures, ensuring sample integrity and preservation.

Students utilize this system for quantitative analysis of biomolecules, essential for research and development in biotechnology.

Programs Offered

Our Biotechnology program is internationally renowned and offers exciting, hands-on, and research-based study in this rapidly expanding scientific area. Through participation in national research collaborations, students are trained in the scientific disciplines most in demand by the biotechnology industry and government laboratories, including recombinant DNA technology, mammalian cell culture, and chromatography with special emphasis on High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Biotechnology students intern at some of the most prestigious research institutions in the world, such as Dana Farber (Boston), Boston Medical Center, The University of Edinburgh (Scotland), Moscow State University (Russia), University of the Amazon (Brazil), and the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (Canada).

 

 

 


 

Biotechnology AS Curriculum
Learning Outcomes
Biomanufacturing Certificate Curriculum
Learning Outcomes

Biomanufacturing and Genomics technologies have a growing importance in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This concentration program will introduce students to the ever-expanding industries related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and biomedical sciences.

The goal of this program is to introduce students to modern biological techniques. They will learn to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to real-world biotech research and academic problems.

Students will acquire skill sets that are top in-demand techniques/expertise in the biotechnology industry, including genomics, biomanufacturing process, and biopharma R&D. These techniques include bioreactor use, in vivo and in vitro cell culturing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), aseptic technique, genomic editing techniques like CRISPR, equipment prep, chromatography, assays for functional characterization, transcriptome analysis, and DNA sequencing analysis.

In addition, students will learn soft critical skills, including critical thinking skills.

These techniques will also provide a strong foundation for those students who are willing to pursue their career in four-year colleges/universities or advanced R&D laboratories.

Since our biotechnology program is a research-based and peer mentoring intensive program structured to engage nontraditional students, our curriculum uses inquiry-based laboratories, hands-on instruction, and internships in world-renowned institutions to confer in-depth scientific knowledge to students.

 
 


 

Genomics and Biomanufacturing
Program Learning Outcomes
lindsay schulman

Goldwater Scholars

MassBay Community College’s extraordinary success in producing Barry M. Goldwater Scholars is unparalleled by any other community college in America.

Established by Congress in 1986, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation offers the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in America.

Learn More About MassBay's Remarkable Success Producing Goldwater Scholars