"In March 2011, I was accepted into the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Interdisciplinary REU in the Structure and Function of Proteins. For 10 weeks, I worked in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, under the mentorship of Dr. Wei Cheng, whose research lab studies HIV-1 and the potential applications of nanotubes as drug delivery devices. My project was to tailor a published protocol for single-cell PCR in order to successfully amplify DNA from a single SupT1 cell; this protocol would then be used to measure HIV-1 infection rates for different viral entry mechanisms. In the course of the project, I used bioinformatics resources to design a set of PCR primers which succeeded in amplifying our target DNA sequence, where the published primers had not been successful in our experiments. Dr. Cheng expects that the results of my project will be included in a publication in the coming year.

The biotechnology curriculum from Palm Beach State College was instrumental in my achievements. From the basics of sterile technique and PCR to tissue culture, bioinformatics, and experimental design, there was almost nothing I learned in the biotech program that did not directly assist me in my REU work. PBSC's biotech program defies all negative stereotypes about two-year or community colleges; indeed, the education I received here is far superior to any I have received at my local university, and I'm not shy about saying it to whomever will listen! As with any program, you reap what you sow- a highly motivated student will gain independence in the laboratory, confidence with essential scientific concepts and techniques, and the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the biotech industry."

Emily McPeek, Palm Beach State College Student Awarded REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)

"After graduating from Florida Atlantic University, I realized I needed more experience in the Biotech world in order to obtain a decent job. After only a semester in the Biotech program at Palm Beach State College, I have learned and seen more than all my years at any other institution. I am extremely impressed with the Biotech program here at Palm Beach State College. The hands on experience and the teaching faculty is unequivocally the best education I have ever received. The faculty is extremely helpful in making sure I will be prepared for my future. Without a doubt I am confident that by completing the courses here at Palm Beach State College, I will reach that level of experience that I need to perform all lab techniques on my own and to obtain an entry level position in the professional field."

Lorena Rincon, B.S. Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State Biotech Student

"Palm Beach State's Biotechnology Program has not only given me a solid, comprehensive education on all aspects of biotechnology, but also opened doors to internships and job opportunities I may not have achieved without having previously obtained this knowledge. This summer I completed an internship at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Biomedical/Marine Microbiology, the basis of which was pure biotechnology, and my Palm Beach State Biotech program classes pulled me through with ease."

Betty Dietsch, Palm Beach State Biotech graduate

"Our program is awesome. These classes really open our view to the latest technology in the world. Plus, it is fun to do the experiments. The program has provided me the opportunity to study and work in the field that I really like."

Yiqun Ding, Palm Beach State Biotech graduate

"I can't say enough about the teachers and the curriculum of the Biotechnology program at Palm Beach State College.  The quality and depth of the coursework and faculty far exceeded my expectations.  What's more, Director Libby Handel and the faculty are generous with their time and patience which has helped me make a smooth career transition in a challenging economic environment.  If you're looking for a stimulating career with a bright future, I can't think of a better place to start."

John Schneider, Biotech Student

"My name is Scott Novick and I am pursuing a career in the biosciences. I cannot overemphasize how impressed I have been with the curriculum offered at Palm Beach State. All of my biotechnology professors have been PhD's with extensive real world experience in many fields of research. I am currently in the midst of an internship at the Scripps Research Institute and would never have been able to carry my weight here without the education I received over the last two years. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all my professors, and I am confident that I will have a distinct advantage over my fellow students as I continue my education at Florida Atlantic University."