Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute will host a forum Thursday, July 23, to help prospective students, employers, educators, and community leaders learn more about the region’s growing biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry.
The inaugural Life. Sciences. Now! Forum will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. The drop-in event will include giveaways, light refreshments, networking opportunities, and information about life sciences careers and educational pathways.
The forum is designed to connect prospective students of all ages with industry leaders, educators, employers, and other stakeholders as Western North Carolina continues to see growth in the life sciences sector.
The event will include three panel discussions led by local biotechnology and life sciences professionals, educators, and students.
The first panel, “Biotech and Life Sciences: The Emerging Industry in Western North Carolina,” will begin at 3:30 p.m. Industry leaders and partners will discuss the current life sciences landscape in the region, existing career opportunities, and what the future could hold as the industry expands.
A second panel, “What Is Biotech and Life Science? How Do I Get Involved?” will begin at 4:30 p.m. That discussion will focus on educational pathways into the industry. Educators and workforce trainers will discuss local and regional programs that prepare students for careers in life sciences, as well as credentials and training opportunities in the field.
The final panel, “Life Sciences Research Lab Report-Out,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. Students enrolled in CCC&TI’s Biopharmaceutical program will present their summer research projects and findings.
The session will highlight work being done by CCC&TI students pursuing life sciences-related degrees and certificates. Students also will be available to answer questions about program options, laboratory experiences, and what prospective students can expect.
Organizers hope the forum will create connections among prospective students, educators, industry leaders, and employers while highlighting the innovations, careers, and partnerships driving growth across the life sciences sector in Western North Carolina.
“Life sciences are already improving health, advancing technology, creating jobs and driving economic growth throughout our region,” said Misty Lawrence, director of CCC&TI’s Biotechnology Program. “This forum is an opportunity to learn, collaborate and help shape what comes next for the life sciences industry in Western North Carolina.”
Community members, prospective students and their families, educators, business leaders, and government representatives are encouraged to attend.
— AKC
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