"There is nothing like this partnership anywhere in Virginia, and possibly in the U.S.," Carson says. "It has great potential for developing Hampton Roads as a source of high-tech training and workforce development."

"TCC has identified biotechnology as an important industry with unmet education needs in the region," says President DiCroce. "WilBio's presence at TCC, and their generous gift of equipment, will benefit our faculty and students as they witness crucial training for scientists around the world."

When WilBio Institute's inaugural training course, Antibody Purification, takes place Oct. 20-22, it will be housed in a laboratory and classroom on TCC's downtown Norfolk Campus. "Students are coming from all over the U.S. and Canada," Carson explains. "At future courses we expect students from Asia and Europe." Another WilBio course is set for April 6-8, 2006, at TCC. The October course is sold out.

TCC faculty and students will be able to use the equipment and technology from these courses as the college considers its own training program in biotechnology. TCC already uses biotechnology procedures, such as DNA gel electrophoresis, in science classes and labs. "Working with WilBio and witnessing their training will give students a larger window into the field," says Quintin Bullock, TCC Norfolk Campus provost.

A research-intensive industry, biotechnology employs cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make products. Since the early 1990s, the biotechnology industry has seen an explosion of growth, especially in agriculture, energy, environmental science, health care and manufacturing. According to the national Biotechnology Industry Organization, U.S. he
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Contact: Laurie White, Chief Communications Officer
LWhite@tcc.edu
757-822-1085
Tidewater Community College
14-Sep-2005