News
March 28, 2017SCCC Opens Biotechnology Laboratory & Research Facility
SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) announced today the
ribbon cutting on a state of the art Biotechnology Laboratory and Research Facility to support two
degree programs – the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Biotechnology and the Associate in Applied Science
(A.A.S) in Biological Technician.
These degree programs will ensure students’ success by offering vital skill sets to start careers in the
high-tech biotechnology industry or to transfer into four-year courses of study in biotechnology and
related biological science fields. Students choosing the Biological Technician A.A.S. will be trained for an
entry-level position at one of the many companies in the Capital Region.
“These programs and new laboratories could not come at a better time. There is a need for skilled
workers for the growing biotechnology industry in the Capital Region. Students will now have access to
the critical skills and advanced equipment training that will make them valuable members of the
region’s workforce, or go on to further their education in the field” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of
SUNY SCCC.
“Schenectady County is proud to sponsor our Community College and is committed to ensuring that our
residents are prepared for the future,” said Karen Johnson, Vice-Chair of the Schenectady County
Legislature. “That is why we are investing more than $760,000, which is 50 percent of the total cost,
into this beautiful new facility that will prepare students for the growing Biotechnology industry, with
many of these jobs being created right here in Schenectady County and the Capital Region.”
The 3,800-square-foot facility is located on the sixth floor of Elston Hall. The facility has multiple
learning spaces, including two teaching laboratories, a research space dedicated to original scientific
investigation in the fields of biology and biotechnology, a microscopic imaging room, and a dedicated
student collaboration area.
Dr. Penny Haynes, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “The science and technology fields in the
Capital Region are expanding at an unforeseen rate. Our ability to offer competitive skills training is
essential and offers our students a viable opportunity to gain employment in these fields either directly
upon graduation or after transferring to a bachelor’s program.”
Students will train on cutting-edge equipment including fluorescence microscopes, thermal cyclers, and
real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection devices as well as cell sorters, imagers, and
counting systems.
Andrew K. Vines, Dean of Math, Science, Technology and Health, said, “These new facilities coupled with
advanced coursework in biotechnology create a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students.
Students will gain the skills and experience necessary to secure high-tech positions in biotechnology
currently available throughout the Capital Region. They will also be well-prepared to matriculate into a
laboratory-intense, four-year course of study in biotechnology or biological sciences.”
The two degree programs are available to students as of this Spring Semester 2017. Interested students
can find out more about the programs by visiting www.sunysccc.edu or contacting the Program
Coordinator, Dr. Keylon L. Cheeseman, at 518-381-1143.
