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Bringing the business of biotechnology to Penn State York By Karen Tuohey Wing
Dr. Robert Farrell (left), assistant professor of biology at Penn State York, works with student Claudia Hacker during a biotechnology training program he developed for professionals in the biotechnology field. Biotechnology professionals from around the world travel to Penn State York to enhance their knowledge and skills at weeklong training workshops conducted by Dr. Robert Farrell (left), assistant professor of biology at the campus. Photos by Penn State York “We are seeing the Penn State York campus develop into a world-recognized biotech training center.” —Dr. Robert Farrell Assistant Professor of Biology Penn State York	From mosquito control to cancer drug development to biologically engineered tomatoes, advances at the molecular level affect our everyday lives. Some have called this the Age of Biology, and at Penn State York, Dr. Robert Farrell, assistant professor of biology, has taken a leadership role in the training of biotechnology professionals with internationally renowned, weeklong workshops.   “The courses are geared to people of all levels: some courses are designed for nonscience-oriented professionals, like a biotech company’s chief financial officer, product managers or human resource personnel,” Farrell said. “These courses are a great opportunity for professionals to see how the products produced by their company are used in the lab and to get feedback from actual users.”   “After visiting one of Dr. Farrell’s classes, I was tremendously impressed by the caliber of the work going on and the impressive backgrounds of the individuals enrolled in the program,” Dr. Joel M. Rodney, campus executive officer at Penn State York, said. “I believe that Dr. Farrell’s work has made Penn State York a leader in this critically important area and is a true example of how we continue to carry out the land-grant mission of this great University.”   The majority of the courses are more advanced and attract professionals from pharmaceutical companies, academia and government institutions from around the world: participants have come from Australia, Korea, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, Singapore, Italy and Austria and from most of the 50 United States. Companies that have sent their employees for training include Sigma Chemical, Monsanto, Eli Lily, Amgen and Bayer, to name a few. Farrell has taught lab researchers and technicians, principal investigators, graduate students, doctors, veterinarians, cardiothoracic surgeons and even a dentist.   “There might be something a doctor or dentist has observed for years in his or her professional life. They have examined the problem clinically, and they come here so they can study and develop an understanding of the disorder at a molecular level,” Farrell said. “We also get seasoned scientists trained in other areas of biology who want to add another dimension to their research enterprise.”   He added, “In general, the techniques we refer to as biotech have revolutionized the way most laboratory investigations are conducted. Any biological problem can be examined at the molecular level. We can look for clues as to why regular cells become cancerous; how we can design drugs to fight off terrible diseases; how we can deliver drugs in new, more efficient ways. In our workshops, we do basic gene cloning, polymerase chain reaction, transcription analysis and new gene discovery. The applications are as diverse as the people who attend the programs.”   Prior to joining Penn State full time in 1999, he ran a biotech education company. During that time, he developed an effective teaching curriculum for professionals. His insights and the rapidly expanding Penn State York lab facilities provide an unparalleled experience for participants. The degree of satisfaction has been very high overall, and the workshops have brought a tremendous amount of attention to the York campus.   “We are seeing the Penn State York campus develop into a world-recognized biotech training center,” Farrell said.   The workshops are filled mainly through referrals from previous workshop participants and journal announcements and listings. Participants receive continuing education credits, which are needed for professional development and certification programs, particularly for those in the medical fields.   “We typically run four to five one-week programs, primarily in the summer, and we keep the classes small (12 to 16 participants), so it’s a very personal experience for everyone,” he noted.   The biotechnology workshops also have an additional benefit for Penn State York’s students. As the faculty adviser to the bachelor of science in science students, Farrell opens up new avenues of inquiry for the undergraduates.   “I like to invite students to drop by during the workshops,” he said. “I encourage them to go into the labs and talk to the participants. It’s a golden opportunity to explore career opportunities and to get advice from professionals. “It has been a tremendously valuable experience for both the students and the participants, who enjoy sharing their experiences in an informal atmosphere. It has proven to be a positive thing for everyone involved.”   For more information on biotechnology programs at Penn State York, visit http://www.yk.psu.edu or contact Dr. Robert Farrell by e-mail at jrf10@psu.edu. An outreach program of Penn State York