Biotech support program celebrates 25 years: GeneConnection provides lab supplies and training for schools

Presently, the program serves more than 8,000 students in high schools and community colleges and has benefited more than 200,000 students since it started in 1989 by providing industry-grade equipment, supplies and curriculum.

“I really enjoy seeing the students completely involved in what they’re doing and excited about education,” said the program’s coordinator Kim Marie Hansen. “It’s a lot for teachers to manage the equipment and prep for the lab.”

A former Menlo-Atherton High school biology teacher, Hansen has been the coordinator for GeneConnection since 2008. Not only does the program provide lab supplies, but it also does professional development events for 72 teachers while providing classroom support and leadership opportunities. It also provides curriculum for students with special needs. A program like this is important since the Peninsula is the center of biotechnology for the world, she said.

“All students need to understand the power of molecular biology,” he said. “It’s hands-on. A lot of students actually want to be forensic scientists. … It builds a lot of students’ self-esteem. It’s exciting for students to feel empowered and see the relevance of what they’re learning.”

GeneConnection works with 22 Peninsula schools, including Aragon, Burlingame, Capuchino, Hillsdale, Mills, San Mateo, Peninsula, Carlmont, Menlo-Atherton, Sequoia, Woodside, Redwood, Oceana, Westmoor, Pescadero and South San Francisco high schools. It also assists private schools such as Menlo School, Notre Dame High School in Belmont and Eastside College Preparatory, along with College of San Mateo, Cañada College and Skyline College. Classes the program supports include biology, integrated science, chemistry and biotechnology.

“We know that all students can learn when taught effectively,” Hansen said. “These labs have been effective in motivating students.”

Hansen would like to see the program, funded through grants and fees schools pay for the lab support and supplies, to grow even more.

“We want to make sure all students from Pescadero to East Palo Alto have an opportunity to experience biotech hands-on. We’re interested in reaching out to middle schools too.”

BABEC is working on a sustainability plan with several community colleges, in which students would produce things in the classroom.

For those interested in supporting biotechnology education contact Hansen at kim_hansen@babec.org or go to babec.org.

angela@smdailyjournal.com

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