Fall 2021 Biotechnology Symposium

Engage with representatives from MC Biotech, Frederick Community College Biotechnology, and UMBC TLST and biotechnology industry leaders through our Mondays at 4 pm webinar series!

This semester-long symposium will take place online (via Zoom) from 4:00 – 4:45 pm on select Monday afternoons throughout the semester. Sessions will focus on a variety of topics related to biotechnology in a pandemic.

Please note that you will receive further communications as session topics and guest speakers are confirmed throughout the fall 2021 semester. Following submission of your RSVP, the Zoom link to these sessions will be provided via email a few days in advance of each session.

For accommodations, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Currently Scheduled Webinars:

From Maryland to California: My Biotech Career | Monday, September 13 | 4:00 pm ET
Have you ever thought about moving across the country for a job? Come learn about my biotechnology journey! I moved twice across the country from California to Maryland then back. As a biotech professional with 11 years of experience, I managed to acquire a variety of applied skills, experiences, and education that makes me a unique STEM professional. Presented by Jesse Vasquez, R&D Researcher Associate, Agilent Technologies.

Bioinformatics at UMBC-Shady Grove | Monday, September 20 | 4:00 pm ET
There is a high demand in industry for workers with formal training in bioinformatics and bioinformatics-related roles in the biotechnology and healthcare industries. Students entering the job market for these types of informatics-intensive roles are required to have specialized training in a range of related subject areas. In order to fulfill this demand, the TLST program developed the “Bioinformatics Track” for students in the TLST program, including courses in Bioinformatics, Python programming and capstone courses in either Machine Learning or Deep Learning for Image Analysis. The future is bright, and individuals with this very portable skill set are in high demand. Presented by Jeff Robinson, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics faculty.

The GSK Apprentice Program | Monday, September 27 | 4:00 pm ET
Exciting things are happening at GSK, and we want you to be a part of them! Learn about how you can kickstart your career while earning your Associate’s Degree at Montgomery College, fully funded by GSK. GSK’s Apprenticeship opportunities are available to anyone who has a high school diploma, and less than 30 college credits. Are you looking to jumpstart your career? Join to learn more! Presented by Anna Eswood, Early Talent Attraction Specialist, GlaxoSmithKline.

Interviewing for Biotech Jobs | Monday, October 4 | 4:00 pm ET
Alysia Birkholz, Ph.D., is the COO at Texcell-North America, Inc., where she provides operational and scientific direction for systems, resources, and people. Texcell-North America is a part of a global contract research organization that specializes in safety for the biopharmaceutical industry. The North American branch focuses on virus viral clearance, viral safety testing, and custom cell culture. Presented by Alysia Birkholz, PhD, Chief Operating Officer, Texcell-North America, Inc.

Kite, A Gilead Company – Info Session | Monday, Oct 11 | 4:00 pm ET
At Kite, a Gilead Company, we are committed to investing in the future leaders of tomorrow. Please join us to learn more about our mission to cure cancer, our revolutionary CAR T therapy and potential opportunities to join us in our quest to change the way cancer is treated. Presented by Urszula Abbassi, Talent Acquisition Lead – Early Talent, I&D & TA Op.

Synthetic Antibodies- The Emerging Field of “Aptamers” in Diagnostics and Drug Discovery (Internships available at Aptagen) | Monday, Oct 18 | 4:00 pm ET
An aptamer (also known as a synthetic antibody) is a stable DNA, RNA, or peptide ligand that binds with high affinity and specificity to targets such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, biomarkers, cells, and tissues. Unlike the traditional antibody, aptamers have impressive specificities against target antigens, thereby eliminating cross-reactivity with closely related targets and avoiding false-positive results. Presented by G. Thomas Caltagirone, President and CEO, Aptagen.