SALISBURY, N.C. — Increasing its biotechnology expertise and taking another step in developing multiple biotechnology programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC), has added a fifth biotechnology faculty member.

            Allan Kaufman, Ph.D., has joined the RCCC faculty as program head for bioprocess technology. He will develop and teach biotechnology classes that will anchor a new bioprocessing option in RCCC’s associate degree program in industrial engineering technology.

            Kaufman earned a Ph.D. in microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed post-doctoral fellowships in molecular biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

            Recently, Kaufman has held managerial positions in quality assurance and production at companies manufacturing diverse biotechnology products, including anti-cancer vaccines. He also served as a senior scientist at Emory University’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, where he implemented advanced molecular methods for the diagnosis of mitochondrial and neurological abnormalities.

            “We are delighted to have someone with Dr. Kaufman’s expertise and experience join our faculty,” said Ed Otto, RCCC dean of biotechnology programs. “He is a great addition for RCCC and the community.”

            “Bioprocessing is the intersection of biotechnology and engineering,” added Gary Bigelow, dean of industrial and engineering technologies. “The new bioprocessing option at RCCC will provide our students with skills in both areas. The courses Dr. Kaufman is developing will be a key component of this curriculum.”

            RCCC currently offers a number of biotechnology study opportunities and is working hard to develop more. Starting August 20, RCCC will initiate 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 introduce 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.