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October 29, 2014
Upcoming Events 11/4/14 Biotech Staff meeting, 12:50PM /SC214
11/4/2014 Max Planck Seminar, Dr. Dale Purves, “Visual Perception and the Brain” 11:00AM / Elmore Au-
ditorium
11/5/14 Biotechnology Association Meeting, 9:45-11:00AM/SC201
11/6/14 Biotech Business Partnership Council Meeting, 5:30-7:00PM, SC201
11/11/14 Veteran’s Day / College Closed
11/13/14 Scripps Seminar, Frank Schroeder, Ph.D., “The Chemical Language of Worms:Modular Library of
Small Molecule Signals”. 4:00PM / Bldg. B Room B158
11/13/14 Life Science and Technology Hub, creating careers from ideas! Waterway Cafe Palm Beach Gar-
dens, 2nd Thursday of each month, 6-8:00pm. RSVP here
11/18/14 Biotech Staff meeting, 12:50PM / SC214
11/20/14 Scripps Seminar, Julien Sage, Ph.D. “Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Lung and Pancreatic can-
cer” 4:00PM / Bldg. B Room B158
Palm Beach State College STEM Community Outreach
Students from Mrs. Diann Bacchus’s science class from St. Luke Catholic School in Lake Worth visited the Palm
Beach Gardens Campus BioScience complex October 22nd. Students were engaged by STEM activities, includ-
ing isolating strawberry DNA in the biotech labs, touring the medicinal gardens and learning about native
plants, butterflies, and herbs, visiting the library and Electrical Power Technology classes, and learning about
the solar sunflower, golf cart, and human powered vehicle.
ATTENTION BUSINESS PARTNERS: In the next few weeks be on the look out for an email from
one of our qualified Biotech students looking to do an (unpaid) internship in your lab.
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Biotech Oktoberfest Talia Fradkin, Staff Writer, Palm Beach Gardens Campus
The 2nd annual Palm Beach State College Biotech Oktoberfest was held at the Eissey campus on
Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Hosted by the Biotechnology Program, this year’s event received plan-
ning support from students of the campus’ new Biotechnology Association, and funding from the Stu-
dent Activities Office. The theme this year was “Understanding GMOs” (genetically modified organisms)
and served as an open educational and fun venue to correct the numerous GMO misconceptions created
by social media “experts.” Attendees learned, for example, that the American chestnut tree will become
extinct unless biotechnology can intervene, as well as the nutritional and economic benefits of GMOs to
farmers, farm laborers, and consumers in the U.S. and globally. Myths about allergens and toxins in
GMO foods were also showcased. Palm Beach State Biotechnology student and Vice President of the Bio-
technology Association, Haya Ghannouma, stated, “The purpose of Oktoberfest is to educate students in
the everyday use of biotechnology in the household.” Fellow student, Jeanelle Angus, agreed and said,
“Not only does Oktoberfest educate students in the use of technology in the household, but it also helps
us make healthier decisions.” Students presented live demonstrations on how to make mozzarella
cheese using enzymes, how to make bread using live yeast. The sugar fermentation process drew
crowds to the wine and beer booths where Biotechnology students Rebecca Stremel and Thomas Pen-
rose were happy to discuss the process with interested onlookers. The role of bacteria and enzymes in
digestion was also discussed. President Tevin Ali of the newly formed Biotechnology Association said,
“Biotechnology Oktoberfest attendees learn about the food biotechnology sector.” Ali greeted students
and the public and discussed genetically modified organisms and how they play a part in our food sup-
ply. Student Esther Jean-Louis was impressed, and “learned about biotechnology,” while Biotech stu-
dent Rolando Suarez, felt it was “a great experience.” Horticulture technician, Maura Merkal, of the En-
vironmental Horticulture program, explained how people can grow their own food and presented infor-
mation on native gardens in Florida as well as the growing field of hydroponics, where plants are grown
without soil in water.
Biotechnology Association President Tevin Ali, student Rebecca Stremel, Director of Communica-tons Talia Fradkin, member Rolando Suarez, and (front row) member Jackeline Maleski, prepare their table for Biotech Oktoberfest.
Vice President Haya Ghan-nouma, wearing a traditional German dirndl outfit, and student Jeanelle Angus discuss the science behind cheese making.
Students Jordan D’Meza, Esther Jean-Louis, and Enette Fremont enjoy Biotech Oktoberfest.
Biotechnology Association
The wine and beer booths were a hit !
Live demonstration of cheese and yogurt mak-ing.
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Interested in sponsoring the Biotechnology Program?
We need your support to grow and provide more opportunities for life
science students. Contact Dr. Mercer for details on how you can help.
Want to receive this newsletter to a different email address? Know a colleague who could benefit
from the newsletter? Please contact Brenda Lesser to be added to the mailing list.
www.palmbeachstate.edu/programs/Biotechnology
PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE BIOTECHNOLOGY
The October 22nd meeting featured a presentation on Biotech careers followed
by informative group discussion. The next meeting will be held on November 5, 2014 / 9:45-11:00AM / SC201. This meeting will feature a hands on lab. We
are also looking for future leaders and taking nominations for Biotechnology As-sociation Officers. Be sure to visit our website here for more information.
ACADEMIC TIP OF THE WEEK
The last day to withdraw (W grade as-
signed, no refund) is fast approaching.
Full Term Nov. 5, 2014
12 Week Term Nov. 17, 2014
Express B Term Nov. 26, 2014
Do you have a Palm Beach State College Biotech story ? Let us know!