Biotech Students Apply the Long Arm of the Law

Fingerprints made with the hands are erasable, but genetic ones are indelible. Recently, students in the Biotechnology Program at the TCTC solved a fictional crime by using the technology that is available to the Law Enforcement Agencies.

After extracting small samples of DNA from cells, the students used a Thermal Cycler and specific enzymes to produce an amount large enough to be analyzed. The Thermal Cycler works similar to a zerox machine. 100 strands of DNA can be replicated to ultimately produce one billion strands for analysis in a laboratory. This process is called Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Mike Alvetro, the program instructor, introduced the unit by having students analyze a sample of their cheek cell DNA. This prepared them for the task of a crime scene investigation.

Human DNA is not used for this purpose in classrooms so Alvetro gave the students plant DNA. Working in groups of three, their challenge was to compare the DNA for each of the four suspects in the case to the DNA that was discovered at the crime scene to determine the guilty party. This is the same process used by forensic investigators.

Alvetro said the popularity of television shows like CSI Miami have increased interest in the field of molecular biology. The students enjoy investigative work of this nature because they are applying the skill learned in lab to solve a problem that occurs outside of the realm of school.

As high paying manufacturing jobs continue to disappear, more emphasis is placed on careers that require technical expertise. Science/health related occupations are among the fastest growing segment in the country.

 According to Alvetro, “The field of biological sciences is exploding. The number of jobs that are available far exceeds the number of candidates to fill them. There are many employment opportunities for individuals with qualifications ranging from two year associates degrees to PhD’s”

Alvetro believes that advancement in biotechnology is attracting significant financial capital. In the area of pharmaceuticals, billions of dollars is being invested in Ohio alone. Research companies that market successful pills can reap untold profits.

Are you a high school student who is interested in science? Post secondary education is expensive and time consuming. It is prudent to select a career where the job prospects are most promising.

Biotechnology Tech Prep at the TCTC is a college preparatory program designed to prepare students for post secondary studies in biological sciences and chemistry. 

Students spend one half of the day in the program area and have the option of returning to their home schools for academic courses or taking them at the TCTC. Would you like to learn more about the Biotech Program? You may contact your high school guidance counselor or call the TCTC at 330 857 0503 ext. 1310