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HCC BIOTECH PROGRAM MAKES MAGIC, SAY AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSBy Terry Orlowski ANSONIA – Christopher Fredericks is “going to make magic” when he enters college this fall. Patricia Lewis has decided the “lab work is the next best thing to being Harry Potter.” 
These Emmett O’Brien Vocational Technical High School students are talking about the emerging science of biotechnology, which harnesses the power of the DNA to benefit mankind. They’re two of 14 students who took part in a biotechnology lab at EOB conducted by Housatonic Community College professor Craig Fenn of New Haven. And they’re sold on the field. Biotechnology uses DNA to develop new drugs, aid the environment, assist with forensics, and help with the nutritional value of food. The biotechnology program at HCC prepares students to pursue careers as laboratory technicians, or to transfer to a four-year institution. Fenn “wowed” the students by steering them through a lab session to purify a protein produced by a bioluminescent jellyfish. He instructed the students to isolate the protein by combining it with a buffer substance. They then used hand-held ultraviolet lamps to illuminate the protein. The awe-struck participants showed their enthusiasm by exclaiming “cool” and “awesome”. “You don’t see this every day,” said Fredericks about the miniscule size of the proteins. “It’s amazing how tiny everything is. There are little things in there and you don’t see them.” “The workshop is geared toward people who are interested in science and want to enter this dynamic and rapidly changing field,” Fenn said. “It introduces the students to the science behind biotechnology and demonstrates laboratory techniques common to the field, which are performed with opportunities for visitor participation.” Fenn explained that students in Connecticut are in an environment that supports careers in biotechnology. Pharmaceutical companies such as Squibb, Bayer and Bristol Myers all have protein purification labs and are spearheading innovative biotech programs. Biology instructor Cecilia Sheppard said that “having the students experience what industrial labs are really like is a golden opportunity.” She added, “Students will walk away with a fresh perspective about the world of biotechnology and some will certainly considering entering the field.” Fenn’s visit to EOB points to an atmosphere of innovation at the school. “We’re looking beyond the box,” said Principal Lisa Hylwa. “We want to offer advanced programs in health care, nursing as well as biotechnology.” Fenn’s workshop probably won’t be the last students see of him. He invited them to “stop by” his lab for a visit anytime. And, of course, they’re invited to enroll in his Associate’s Degree Program in biotech at Housatonic Community College. Terry Orlowski is a journalism student/intern at Housatonic Community College Students interested in pursuing a degree in biotechnology this fall can contact Fenn at 203-332-5159 or cfenn@hcc.commnet.edu, or Admissions at 203-332-51. Open registration for the fall semester will be held at the Bridgeport campus Wednesday, August 3, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, August 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, August 22, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, August 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, August 24, 2:30 -6:30 p.m. and Thursday, August 25, 10 a.m.-noon. A special registration session for senior citizens and high school partnership students will be held Thursday, August 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Classes start Friday, Aug. 26. Cutline: HCC biotechnology professor Craig Fenn (left) reviews a DNA fingerprint experiment with student Amie Carr of Trumbull. Anson C. Smith
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