SALISBURY, N.C. — Taking an important step in developing biotechnology programs to meet the future workforce needs of the North Carolina Research Campus, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) has added three, new biotechnology faculty members.

            Dr. Wendy Jin will head and take the lead in developing RCCC’s future program in agricultural biotechnology. Drs. Shirley Foley and Gina Sloan will teach and help develop RCCC’s other biotechnology programs, working as biotechnology instructors.

            “I am delighted to welcome these new colleagues to RCCC. They are excellent scientists, and they have experience working in the industries that will employ our future graduates,” said Ed Otto, RCCC dean of biotechnology programs. “RCCC’s biotechnology programs will focus on preparing students for jobs, and these new faculty members understand the skills needed for success.”

            Jin earned a Ph.D. in plant physiology and molecular biology at Iowa State University and was a research fellow at Duke University for her post-doctoral work. Just prior to joining RCCC, she was vice president of genetics research at Vector Research Ltd., where she led the development of genetically-engineered tobacco plants with reduced nicotine and carcinogens. She also served as head of gene discovery at Paradigm Genetics Inc., where she was responsible for managing the company’s high-throughput gene discovery platform. She has more than 15 years of experience in agricultural biotechnology.

            Foley earned a doctoral degree in food science from N.C. State University, with an emphasis in food microbiology and a minor in biotechnology. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked at Quest International as a research microbiologist, using biotechnology to extend food shelf-life. Most recently, Foley was an adjunct biology instructor at Mitchell Community College.

            Sloan recently completed her doctoral degree studies in molecular genetics at Wake Forest University. Her graduate research focused on biofilms, complex aggregations of microorganisms involved in infectious diseases. Her research also included the development of novel vaccine candidates for whooping cough.

            In addition to teaching, these new faculty members will serve as community liaisons, working with school systems and community groups to help educate local residents about the region’s future biotechnology career opportunities.

            RCCC currently offers a number of biotechnology study opportunities and is working hard to develop more. Students pursuing an associate degree in industrial engineering technology can complete a biotech option.

            Starting in August, RCCC will participate in a collaborative associate degree program in biotechnology with Gaston College and with Forsyth Technical Community College. Under this program, students will be able to take many of the required courses at RCCC, but must complete the degree requirements at one of the collaborating colleges.

            RCCC also offers the 140-hour “BioWork” course through its Continuing Education department. The next BioWork class begins Aug. 6 and will run until Dec. 5.

            At the same time, RCCC is busy developing new associate degree programs in biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology and bioprocessing. RCCC plans to start offering these programs in early 2008, with second-year courses being taught at its new biotechnology training facility on the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. RCCC’s research campus facility is scheduled to open in early 2009.

            For more information about biotechnology programs at RCCC, call Jackie Atkinson at 704-216-7200.

           Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. RCCC offers approximately 40 programs of study in business, health and human services and engineering technologies at multiple campus locations. RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an enrollment of approximately 20,000 adult students. RCCC programs include an associate degree in arts and sciences, an associate degree in applied science, and diploma and certificate programs focusing on workforce training, continuing education and basic skills education.

           In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus, under construction in Kannapolis, N.C.

           For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.