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For more information, contact
Craig Fenn 203-332-5159, cfenn@hcc.commnet.edu

HCC OFFERS FREE WORKSHOPS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

BRIDGEPORT - On April 12 and May 3, Housatonic Community College will offer free introductory workshops on the rapidly changing field of biotechnology.

"The workshops are geared toward people who are interested in science and want to enter this dynamic and rapidly changing field," said HCC Biotechnology Professor Craig Fenn of New Haven, who will be conducting the workshops. "They will introduce participants of the science behind biotechnology and demonstrate laboratory techniques common to the field, which will be performed with opportunities for visitor participation."

Biotechnology, he explained, is based on harnessing the power of the genetic material known as DNA and using that to benefit mankind. It has applications in areas such as biological and medical research, environmental science, agricultural science and forensic science.

The biotechnology program will prepare students for careers as laboratory technicians, as well as prepare them to transfer to a four-year institution. More detail about the career and educational opportunities will be provided at the workshops.

The workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room C206 at the college. The public is invited to attend any of the workshops.

Current HCC and high school students interested in science are encouraged to attend, Fenn said. Transportation will be arranged for interested high schools.

For more information about biotechnology in general or the workshops in particular, contact Fenn at 203-332-5159 or cfenn@hcc.commnet.edu

The workshops are made possible through a grant from Fleet Bank.

With its five-year-old campus in the heart of Connecticut's largest city, Housatonic is one of the country's fastest-growing public community colleges, according to the most recent statistics released by the Washington D.C.-based American Association of Community Colleges. HCC was listed as the third fastest-growing community in the Northeast.

In response to increased enrollments and changing workplace needs both regionally and nationally, HCC has increased the number of programs offered from 43 to 65 since moving to the new campus.