Biotech takes Baxter
While the majority of students take typical science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics, not many know of or take advantage of more specialized science classes. One of these classes is biotechnology. In this course, students explore how scientists use cellular and biomolecular processes to improve the health and lives of humans around the globe, as well as “gain proficiency with lab protocols and lab procedures, (and a) deeper understanding of the principles of modern biotechnology.”
For some students who have taken biotechnology, their interest has grown into a passion, which in turn led to the formation of the biotech club. Both the club and class learn about certain biotechnological techniques and turn their scientific knowledge into hands-on skill by creating agarose gels for the biology classes on campus.
The biotech class was able to further enhance their curriculum by witnessing biotechnology in the field at the Baxter Bioscience manufacturing facilities in Thousand Oaks. “Everything we learn in class is reinforced at Baxter,” said Breezy Wise, junior. “Baxter is taking what we learn in the class and (making it) into a company that helps people.”
Baxter was responsible for many “firsts” in the biomedical field, such as the first concentrated blood clotting factor to treat hemophilia and the first commercially manufactured intravenous solutions. The students who toured the buildings on January 9 were able to see how the biomedical company creates some of their medical devices and hemophilia drugs. “We got to walk through and see the people working in the actual environment, (in the labs),” said Nicole Manzione, senior, who expressed an interest in a career in biotechnology. “I want to go into the biotech field and (the field trip) just made it more clear what I would be able to do with the skills I am learning,” said Manzione.
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