Senate Bill 1314-06
UNIVERSITY SENATE
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Introduced by:
Undergraduate Academic Council
University Planning & Policy Council
Date:
April 21, 2014, 2014
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A BS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES,
FACULTY-INITIATED INTERDISCIPLINARY CONCENTRATION IN BIO-
INSTRUMENTATION
IT IS HEREBY PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING BE ADOPTED:
1.
That the University Senate approves the attached proposal to establish a BS in
Interdisciplinary Studies: Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Concentration in Bio-
Instrumentation introduced by the Undergraduate Academic Council and
University Planning & Policy Council.
2.
That this proposal be forwarded to the President for approval.
PROPOSAL: BS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, WITH A FACULTY-INITIATED
INTERDISCIPLINARY
CONCENTRATION IN BIO-INSTRUMENTATION
Proposed Starting Date: Fall 2014
Introduction and Rationale
Bio-instrumentation refers to high-tech, often costly instrumentation used to conduct cutting
edge research in the biological sciences. Biological research has been revolutionized in the last
15-20 years, in large part by advances in bio-instrumentation. These advances have provided the
capacity to increase the scope and throughput of research activities. This expansion in scope has
resulted in the development of new fields of study. For example, molecular biologists have long
been interested in understanding the structure and function of genes and proteins, but due to
technological limitations were restricted to studying one or at most a few genes or proteins
during the course of their careers. Advances in instrumentation for techniques such as DNA
sequencing, quantitative PCR, microarray analysis, 2D gel electrophoresis, and mass
spectrometry now allow scientists to simultaneously study all of the genes and proteins of an
organism, and have resulted in the new fields of genomics and proteomics. The continued
evolution and refinement of this instrumentation now places the ability to perform such studies
within the reach of most research laboratories, and thus individuals pursuing employment in
technical research will likely be utilizing instrumentation of this type during their careers.
The University at Albany has made significant investments in bio-instrumentation through the
creation of first the Center for Functional Genomics and then the Cancer Research Center
(CRC). Core laboratories within the CRC are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for
molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and cell analysis research. The laboratories include
instrumentation for DNA sequencing, Next Generation sequencing, quantitative PCR, nucleic
acid extraction, microarray analysis, 2D electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and
laser capture microdissection. With this proposal to establish an undergraduate degree program
in bio-instrumentation, we seek to maximize the University’s investment in this research
instrumentation by using these resources for the education of undergraduate students.
We propose to institute a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a faculty-initiated interdisciplinary
concentration in bio-instrumentation within the University’s School of Public Health. This
degree program will share a strong linkage with the School’s Department of Biomedical
Sciences, whose focus is on understanding the biomedical basis of public health, including the
molecular basis of disease and implications for public health interventions. Biomedical Sciences
have a fundamental role in public health, in particular in the detection, treatment and prevention
of genetic, infectious, and other human diseases. Students who complete our proposed program
will be well versed in the strengths and limitations of various laboratory methodologies and their
application to public health problems.
There are four facets to our proposed program. The first will consist of an introduction to the
core components of public health. The second will provide an in-depth understanding of the
theory, operation, and application of instrumentation in molecular biology, genomics,
proteomics, and cell analysis research. The third will provide practical, hands-on research
experience with the use of instrumentation in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and cell
analysis research through internships in University laboratories. The fourth will provide real-
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world experience in the use of biotechnological instrumentation to address broader research
questions, as well as an understanding of the expectations that come with a professional career in
laboratory research, through cooperative training internships at local biotechnology companies or
academic laboratories. This program will provide students with an educational focus that to our
knowledge is unique, and will thus give these students a significant competitive advantage as
they pursue careers in laboratory research, either by immediate entry into the workforce or
through further graduate study.
In addition to this proposed undergraduate program, we are in the planning stages for the
development of a proposal to institute a Professional Science Management (PSM) graduate
certificate program in biotechnology within the School of Public Health. In addition to further
study in biotechnology-related subject areas, this program will emphasize graduate level training
in key business and communication skills, such that graduates will be prepared to pursue careers
in scientific and technology management. Eventually this will be expanded into an MS degree in
Professional Science Management. Both the certificate program and the eventual master’s degree
will be designed to complement the undergraduate concentration in bio-instrumentation, and thus
provide a natural progression for those bio-instrumentation graduates interested in science
management to pursue graduate study at the University in the PSM program.
One of the core values of SUNY as outlined in Chancellor Zimpher’s Strategic Plan 2010 and
Beyond is that of collaboration, which is to include cooperation between different SUNY
campuses. Our proposed degree program is designed as a 3rd and 4th year major, in large part to
complement the already existing A.S. degrees in biotechnology and biology offered by Hudson
Valley Community College (HVCC). HVCC has an outstanding degree program, but A.S.
graduates are at a disadvantage when competing with B.S. graduates for technical careers in
laboratory research. Based on significant discussions between our two institutions, we believe
that our program will offer a natural and complementary pathway for HVCC graduates interested
in continuing their educational pursuits. If our program is approved for implementation, we
anticipate that an articulation agreement will be signed between UAlbany and HVCC that will
facilitate a seamless transfer of HVCC biotechnology and biology students into the bio-
instrumentation concentration. Such an articulation agreement will enhance efforts by HVCC to
recruit students into their biotechnology programs. We anticipate that the majority of students
entering the bio-instrumentation concentration will do so via this pathway. The proposed degree
program is thus consistent with an important core SUNY value.
The University at Albany has always sought to enhance undergraduate education by increasing
enrollment and improving the quality of undergraduate applicants. Offering an undergraduate
bio-instrumentation concentration, and providing a pathway for HVCC students interested in this
program, will enhance UAlbany’s recruitment efforts by expanding the choices available to
prospective students, thus resulting in higher caliber applicants. The addition of this new
interdisciplinary studies concentration should not be viewed as competitive with existing majors,
but should be considered as enhancing undergraduate program opportunities. In addition,
although many program graduates may pursue employment immediately, the undergraduate
concentration in bio-instrumentation should also serve as a pipeline into graduate programs
within the University, thus potentially expanding graduate enrollment.
Vision Statement
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The BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a faculty-initiated interdisciplinary concentration in
bio-instrumentation, based at the School of Public Health will be recognized within and outside
UAlbany for excellence in educational content and curricular design, and for its unique and
outstanding contribution to the undergraduate experience at UAlbany.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the faculty-initiated interdisciplinary concentration in bio-instrumentation in the
School of Public Health is to instill in a diverse group of educated individuals a foundation in
public health coupled with a thorough knowledge of the theory, operation, and application of
instrumentation in biomedical and biotechnology research.
Goals
• To provide extensive technical training to students who intend to pursue entry-level
jobs as technical scientists in biomedical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or academic
research, for which bachelor’s training is appropriate.
• To provide a solid background in public health, biology, and biotechnology to
students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in the biomedical or biological
sciences.
The Interdisciplinary Studies major with a faculty-initiated interdisciplinary concentration in bio-
instrumentation will lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. As such, it is intended to convey
technical information and analytic skills, but within a broader public health base. It will have
educational objectives of nurturing critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis of information in
addition to its focus on both biotechnology and bio-instrumentation.
Market Analysis
• There are 61 colleges and universities nationwide that offer B.S. degrees in
biotechnology, including UC Davis, UC San Diego, University of Connecticut, Purdue
University, University of Georgia, Iowa State, Washington State, and the University of
Rhode Island.
• There are 3 colleges and universities in New York State that offer B.S. degrees in
biotechnology: Rochester Institute of Technology, University at Buffalo, and York
College CUNY. RIT has a total enrollment of approximately 165 students, while
UBuffalo enrolls 25-30 students per year. Enrollment data for York College CUNY is
not available.
• None of the above mentioned biotechnology programs have an intensive focus on bio-
instrumentation. Biotechnology is broadly defined as the use of organisms or biological
systems to make or develop useful products. Biotechnology research is often
multidisciplinary, and can include aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, and
engineering. Degrees in biotechnology generally focus on biology-related applications,
particularly molecular biology and genetic engineering. With technological
advancements, more and more biotechnology research is reliant on high-tech, high-cost
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instrumentation systems. This is especially true in the “omics” fields of genomics and
proteomics. As more and more research relies on this instrumentation, it requires a
significant investment in training of staff on the part of laboratories that perform this type
of research. By providing a focus on intensified instrumentation training as part of the
undergraduate degree, we will minimize the training that graduates will require in the
laboratory environment and thus significantly enhance their marketability compared to
graduates with conventional biology or biotechnology degrees.
• Fifteen local biotechnology companies and academic institutions have expressed strong
support for our proposed program, have expressed an interest in participating in our
cooperative research internship program, and recognize the potential of our program to
increase the quality of the applicant pool for jobs in technical research and biotechnology.
Letters of support from these companies and institutions are included in Appendix C.
Market for Graduates
Graduates with a degree concentration in bio-instrumentation will be immediately qualified for
entry level positions as technical scientists in biomedical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and
academic laboratories. In fact, the focus on instrumentation, which requires extensive training,
will provide graduates with a significant competitive advantage over individuals who obtain
conventional degrees in the biological sciences. In addition, the exposure to potential employers
through the internships and cooperative training courses that are a key feature of this program
should also serve as a benefit to students.
An Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in bio-instrumentation will also provide a useful
foundation for further graduate-level study in the biological or biomedical sciences. It will
provide relevant background and skills required to perform effectively in an advanced degree
setting.
Addressing a Need
Research in the biomedical and biological sciences is increasingly driven by technological
advances, including advances in instrumentation that expand the depth and breadth of studies
that can be performed. Significant effort must be invested by laboratories to train technical staff
to utilize this instrumentation. The ability to obtain extensive training in the theory, operation,
and application of this instrumentation as part of an undergraduate degree will provide a
significant competitive advantage to graduates of such a program.
The ultimate goals of the UAlbany Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in bio-instrumentation
are two-fold. First, students will be well trained and able to successfully enter the workforce
directly upon graduation. Second, the program will be of significant depth and breadth to provide
a foundation for those students wishing to pursue graduate studies in the biomedical and
biological sciences.
Local/Regional Competition
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The University at Albany has an opportunity to stand out, not only from universities in the
SUNY system and colleges and universities in Upstate New York and surrounding areas, but
also nationwide by initiating an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in bio-
instrumentation. The bio-instrumentation concentration that we are proposing is unique. With
internet searches, we can find no other undergraduate degree program in the U.S. that focuses on
the theory, operation, and application of the instrumentation to conduct state-of-the-art
biotechnology research. The most closely related degree would be in biotechnology. No other
colleges/universities in the local area offer an undergraduate degree in biotechnology. There are
only four colleges in New York State that offer an undergraduate major in biotechnology,
including one college in the SUNY system, the University at Buffalo. Again, none of these
programs contains a particular emphasis on the instrumentation required to conduct
biotechnology research. An undergraduate interdisciplinary program with a concentration in
bioinstrumentation will be a unique addition to the SUNY system.
Resources
The enrollment projections for the bio-instrumentation major are as follows:
AY14-15:
5-8 total undergraduate Bio-Instrumentation concentrators
AY15-16:
15-20 total undergraduate Bio-Instrumentation concentrators
AY16-17:
23-25 total undergraduate Bio-Instrumentation concentrators
AY17-18:
30 total undergraduate Bio-Instrumentation concentrators
AY18-19:
30 total undergraduate Bio-Instrumentation concentrators
With currently existing resources, the School of Public Health can mount a high quality
undergraduate major to meet these projections. We estimate that the number of students entering
the major each year will grow over the first 3 years to 15. Ultimately, the number of students
declaring an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a faculty-initiated concentration in bio-
instrumentation will be limited to a maximum of approximately 15 new students each year, up to
a total of 30 students in the major.
Enrollment in the concentration will be limited, by necessity, to ensure a high quality educational
experience in which all students have adequate access to the laboratories, instrumentation, and
internship opportunities to fulfill the program’s goals for on hands-on training. This restricted
admission is consistent with the criteria for restricting a major specified in the University at
Albany Senate Bill 1213-05. That legislation indicates that majors may be restricted for
“quantitative considerations” if there are a “finite number of student spaces in the program.” The
bio-instrumentation concentration must be restricted because the hands-on educational
experience is completely dependent on the available laboratory space and instrumentation; in
addition, there are a finite number of local research internship placement sites. At the present
time, up to 15 new students per year can be accommodated in the existing laboratories.
As we expect the new enrollment in the concentration to grow to 15 over the first few years, the
school will have the opportunity to successfully work out the logistics involved in mounting a
brand new undergraduate major and delivering it partially on the East Campus. As the success of
the program will be highly dependent on progress made in the initial years, it will be a priority to
judiciously lay the appropriate foundation for a high-quality undergraduate program.
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Instrumentation
The existing major instrumentation is currently located in the core laboratories of the
Cancer Research Center (CRC) on the East Campus. All of this instrumentation will be
utilized in the degree program, although hands-on availability for students will be
restricted to a subset of the available instruments. Instruments that will be utilized to a
significant extent by students will be moved, where possible, to designated undergraduate
teaching laboratories in the Cancer Research Center to facilitate their usage
The major instrumentation that will be used for hands-on instruction includes:
• Applied Biosystems 7900HT Sequence Detection System (2)
• Applied Biosystems 3730XL DNA Sequencing System
• Qiagen QiaCube Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System
• Agilent Bioanalyser
• Affymetrix GeneChip Microarray System
• Agilent Microarray System
• Nimblegen Microarray Hybridization System
• Micromass Q-TOF 2 mass spectrometer
• Bruker Autoflex MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer
• Agilent 1100 HPLC
• Akta FPLC
• MicroCalorimeter
• UV/vis spectrometer
• Spectrofluorometer
• 2D electrophoresis system
• 2D imaging system
• Progenesis workstation
• Arcturus Veritas Laser Capture Microdissection System
• Guava Easycyte Flow Cytometer
• Becton Dickinson LSR II Flow Cytometer
• Becton Dickinson FACSAria Flow Sorter
• GE InCell 1000 Cellular and Subcellular Imaging System
In addition to our existing instrumentation, we have successfully pursued and obtained
funding through the NYS Regional Economic Development grant program that will
directly impact the proposed degree program. With the success of our proposal Building a
Pioneering Biotech Corridor, the University was awarded $1 M for the purchase of new
cutting edge instrumentation to expand the state-of-the-art facilities in genomics,
proteomics, and cell analysis that reside within the core and academic laboratories of the
CRC. This instrumentation, purchased during the fall of 2012, expands the technologies
to which we can expose students in the undergraduate program, and is listed below:
• Ion PGM NextGeneration Sequencer
• Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 12K Flex Digital PCR System
• ABSciex QTRAP 5500 Pro Mass Spectrometry System
• GE InCell 2000 Automated Cellular and Subcellular Imaging System
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Personnel - Faculty
Existing personnel resources within the School of Public Health and the Cancer Research
Center are sufficient to meet the needs required by our current student projections.
This degree concentration will fall under the auspices of the SPH Undergraduate Program
Director, who will manage the program on a day-to-day basis, field questions from
prospective students, and provide initial advisement to students in the concentration.
Students will transition to a faculty advisor for more detailed academic advisement. The
Director will assist in identifying an appropriate faculty member to serve as advisor to
each student, and will continue to provide administrative support to both the faculty and
the students. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Public Health
will provide general oversight of the program.
The faculty that will deliver the public health portion of the curriculum will be the same
existing faculty that are currently involved in the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies faculty
–initiated interdisciplinary concentration in public health.
The bio-instrumentation portion of the curriculum includes both laboratory-based and
lecture-based components, and will be delivered by existing faculty of the Cancer
Research Center. The laboratory portion of the curriculum will be delivered, as indicated
in the table below, by full-time research faculty who are based in the CRC core
laboratories. These faculty members will deliver the laboratory-based courses, train
students in the use of the instrumentation in their laboratories, and host student interns in
their laboratories. In addition, a number of other faculty members at the CRC, who hold
tenured faculty appointments with the departments of Biomedical Sciences and
Environmental Health Sciences, will be extensively engaged in the lecture portion of the
courses. These include Professors Martin Tenniswood, JoEllen Welsh, Douglas Conklin,
and Jason Herschkowitz.
Course/Laboratory Faculty for Bio-Instrumentation Program
Faculty
Courses
Laboratory
John Tine, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology/Genomics
Molecular Biology
Sridar Chittur, Ph.D.
Genomics
Microarray
Qishan Lin, Ph.D.
Proteomics
Proteomics
Brian Parr, Ph.D.
Animal/Cell Culture Models
Mouse Transgenics
Personnel - Technical Support Specialists/Teaching Assistants
Full implementation of this program will require the participation of technical support
specialists/teaching assistants. Technical support specialists/TAs will participate in the
laboratory components of the Bio-instrumentation courses, including laboratory set-up
and assistance with student instruction during laboratory periods. As this program is
based on training students in advanced state-of-the-art instrumentation and technologies,
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the technical support specialist positions require highly trained personnel who are fully
conversant with the operation, capabilities, and limitations of the equipment. Current
laboratory staff in the CRC core laboratories will serve in these roles. In addition, the
School of Public Health will provide the funding for an additional technical support
specialist when this program commences, and the SPH will support additional technical
support specialists/TAs as the need arises. CRC core laboratory staff will also have a
significant role in supervising the day-to-day activities of students during their internship
experiences in the core labs.
It is expected that current graduate students with training and laboratory experience in the
appropriate technologies will provide the pool of potential TAs who will assist with
laboratory courses.
Courses
The public health core courses in the curriculum are existing courses in the School and in
various programs across the University. The bio-instrumentation courses in the
curriculum will be new courses in the School’s Department of Biomedical Sciences.
These courses will be part of the normal teaching load for faculty members. Adjunct
faculty members may also teach on the undergraduate-level.
Course Locations and Scheduling
Students who choose to participate in this program will be required to attend classes on
both the University’s Main and East Campuses. We recognize that this is not ideal, but it
is a necessity as the instrumentation around which this program is based is located in the
Cancer Research Center on the East Campus.
We will minimize any inconvenience to students by scheduling the bio-instrumentation
courses such that students will not have to attend classes during the same day on different
campuses, it at all possible. There is ample parking at the East Campus for students who
have their own cars. We also recognize that many students do not have their own cars
while at school, and thus will need to rely on the regularly scheduled University shuttle
bus service to commute between the Main and East Campuses. Classes are scheduled
with the timing of the bus schedule taken into consideration. . The public transit system
also links the East Campus to Albany and Troy, and students who commute to the East
Campus can ride these buses without charge.
Office, Classroom, and Student Study Space
Office and classroom space will be provided on the East Campus at the School of Public
Health and the Cancer Research Center.
The existing undergraduate public health core courses are delivered in classroom space
on the University’s Main Campus. The remainder of the undergraduate concentration in
Bio-Instrumentation will be delivered in dedicated space in the Cancer Research Center
on the University’s East Campus in Rensselaer. This space includes three offices and five
laboratories located on the second floor of the Cancer Research Center. The teaching
laboratories will house several large instruments that will be integral to the training
program. The space is also close to, or contiguous with, the CRC Core Laboratories
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where additional major equipment is housed and where Instrumentation in Biotechnology
Research Internships will be conducted. Lectures will be held in the Massry Conference
Center Auditorium in the Cancer Research Center.
In anticipation that students will be spending significant time on the East Campus, we
will create a designated study area at the CRC for use by students in the program. In
addition, students will have access to the student computer lab and student areas within
the adjacent SPH. Students will also have access to the cafeteria facilities of the East
Campus, located on the main research building adjacent to the SPH. In addition to the
University at Albany libraries, students will also use the resources of the Dickerman
Library of the NYS Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory, which they can access
from the student computer lab in the School of Public Health.
Sustainability
We anticipate that this program will be sustainable beyond the initial period described
here. As a first step toward that end, we have pursued and obtained funding through the
NYS Regional Economic Development grant program that will directly impact the
proposed degree concentration. The two main aims of our proposal Building a Pioneering
Biotech Corridor were first to develop the undergraduate degree program in cooperation
with institutions like HVCC and local biotechnology companies, and second to maintain
and expand the state-of-the-art facilities in genomics and proteomics that reside within
the core laboratories of the CRC. With the success of this proposal, we were awarded
$1M for the purchase of new cutting edge instrumentation that is housed in CRC core and
academic laboratories. The instrumentation that was recently purchased expanded the
technologies to which we can expose students in the undergraduate program, including
digital PCR, Next Generation sequencing, QTRAP mass spectrometry, and automated
cellular and subcellular imaging.
Program Administration
In addition to the Undergraduate Program Director, with oversight from the Associate Dean for
Academic Affairs, the program will also be managed by the existing Undergraduate Steering
Committee with additional committee members from the CRC. The Committee will be
comprised of representatives from academic departments within the School of Public Health and
will regularly review the curriculum, evaluate the program, and assist in all policy-related issues
that may arise as part of this interdisciplinary studies concentration.
Advisement
Advisement for the bio-instrumentation concentration will be based on a tiered system:
1) Upon acceptance to the University at Albany, and prior to declaring a major, students are
advised through the University at Albany Academic Advisement Center. The School of
Public Health will work closely with the staff of this office to educate them about the
bioinstrumentation concentration so they will be well-informed when speaking with
potential bio-instrumentation students. The intent is to prepare these advisors to answer
general questions students may have about the opportunities in bio-instrumentation
within the School of Public Health.
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2) As per University policy, once students declare the interdisciplinary studies bio-
instrumentation concentration, the School of Public Health will be responsible for
advisement. The Undergraduate Program Coordinator will provide initial advisement to
all enrolled students. Students will follow a M.A.P. (Major Academic Pathway) which
lays out a route for completing the required courses within four years.
3) All declared bio-instrumentation concentrators will also be assigned a faculty advisor at
the School of Public Health who will oversee their academic progress, provide ongoing
advisement, and assist them in identifying appropriate electives to match their interests.
Initially, there will be a small number of designated faculty advisors (2-4 advisors) within
the School to provide this advisement. Keeping the advisement centralized in the first
few years of the bio-instrumentation concentration will assist in its management as well
as ensure that students receive proper advisement from a core set of individuals who are
very familiar with the requirements.
Outcomes
Graduates of the bio-instrumentation concentration will be able to:
• Explain the historical perspective of the contributions and roles of public health
• Apply epidemiological and biostatistical principles to appropriately analyze and interpret
data
• Be conversant with the theory and operation of high technology instrumentation used to
carry out research in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and cell analysis
• Understand the applications that are facilitated by use of instrumentation in these
disciplines
• Demonstrate operational competence with instrumentation in molecular biology,
genomics, proteomics, and cell analysis research
The academically rigorous nature of the concentration in bio-instrumentation will have many
additional positive outcomes. Some of these include:
• Attract high caliber student applicants who may not have otherwise applied to the
University at Albany
• Encourage the applications of high caliber transfer students who are attracted by the
academic and career pathway provided by the major
• Enhance the quality of the student population in each of the courses taken by students in
the major
• Provide students with a solid knowledge base that can carry across a variety of disciplines
in biotechnology/biomedicine/biology
• Assist in developing a workforce that is better prepared to immediately contribute to their
employers based on their training in the major
There are a variety of careers that would benefit from the knowledge and skills obtained from the
completion of the interdisciplinary bio-instrumentation concentration, with technical/research
assistant positions most immediately relevant. Possible career paths include:
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• Academic laboratory research
• Biomedical laboratory research
• Biotechnology/pharmaceutical company laboratory research
• Clinical laboratory research
• Instrumentation service technician
The bio-instrumentation concentration would also be relevant preparation for graduate study in
the biomedical and biological sciences. Among the possible fields of study for which this degree
would be relevant preparation are:
• Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biol.
• Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
• Physiology
• Cancer Biology
• Neuroscience and Behavior
• Immunology
• Parasitology and Infectious Diseases
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Plant Genetics and Genomics
• Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology
Letters of support from local bio-technology companies, indicating the attractiveness of
graduates from such a program for emploement, as well as letters of support from sample
graduate program directors, are included in Appendix C Part 2.
Relevant Minors
The bio-instrumentation concentration is complemented by a variety of other disciplinary fields.
Therefore, although a separate minor will not be required for students pursuing this combined
major/minor, possible minors that might be particularly appropriate for students majoring in bio-
instrumentation include:
• Bioethics
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics
Evaluation
The Undergraduate Steering Committee will be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of the
program. This ongoing evaluation will be based on periodic surveys administered to enrolled
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students and graduates of the major, interviews with students and faculty, and assessment of
student progress.
Special Notes
Accreditation: The proposed undergraduate bio-instrumentation major will enjoy the established
accrediting privileges of UAlbany.
General Education Requirements
The School of Public Health will work with the University’s Office of Undergraduate Studies to
identify bio-instrumentation courses which can fulfill general education requirements.
Entry into the BS in InterdisciplinaryStudies, Faculty-initiated Interdisciplinary
Concentration in Bio-Instrumentation
An application will be required for students interested in declaring the bio-instrumentation
major. The application will serve as the mechanism to limit the number of enrolled students, due
to the limited number of spaces available in the program.. Students must submit a transcript
release form allowing the School of Public Health to obtain copies of all transcripts filed with the
University’s Office of the Registrar. Applications to the major will be reviewed by the School of
Public Health’s Undergraduate Committee.
Applications will be accepted after students complete all of the following: Bio 120, 121, 201 and
212 or 217; Chm 120, 121, 124, 125, 220, 222; Mat 108, 112; Physics 140, 145. An overall
GPA of 2.5 will be required for admission. In addition, GPA in the introductory science courses
will be used as the selection criterion if there are more applicants than space available in the
program.
Admission to the concentration will be conditional upon successful completion of the remainder
of the required introductory science courses (while maintaining the overall 2.5 GPA), and
students will officially join the concentration at the beginning of their junior year.
Requirements for BS in InterdisciplinaryStudies, Faculty-initiated Interdisciplinary
Concentration in Bio-Instrumentation (75 credits) - Combined Major/Minor
The courses comprising the major/minor fall into five categories:
1. A group of introductory science and math courses that provide students with the science
and math background necessary for the remainder of the curriculum.
2. A group of four courses that comprise the Public Health Core requirements for the
degree. These courses provide students with an introduction to the core components of
public health.
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3. A group of four courses comprising the Bio-Instrumentation Core. These courses each
have both lecture and laboratory components and provide students with an understanding
of the theory, operation, and application of instrumentation in molecular biology,
genomics, proteomics, and cell analysis research.
4. A group of five Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship courses from
which students will select two for their degree. These internship courses will provide
students with research experiences in University Core or Academic laboratories where
they will gain practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in molecular
biology, genomics, proteomics, and cell analysis research in core or academic laboratory
environments.
5. A Cooperative Training Internship at a local Biotechnology company or academic
laboratory. In this training internship, students will gain real-world experience in the use
of biotechnological instrumentation to address broader research questions as well as an
understanding of the expectations that come with a professional career in laboratory
research.
A. Introductory Science and Math courses (38 credits)
a. A BIO 120 General Biology I (3 credits): First course in a two-semester sequence
which offers a comprehensive survey of the structures and functions common to
all living systems at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.
This course emphasizes evolutionary principles, ecology, anatomy and
physiology.
b. A BIO 121 General Biology II (3 credits): Second course in a two-semester
sequence which offers a comprehensive survey of the structures and functions
common to all living systems at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and
population levels. This course emphasizes molecular and cell biology, genetics
and neurobiology.
c. A BIO 201 General Biology I Lab (1 credit): First course in a two-semester lab
sequence which explores fundamental concepts in biology and introduces
common biology laboratory techniques. Techniques include microscopy, sterile
technique, slide preparation and staining, scientific thinking and application of the
scientific method, construction and interpretation of graphs and composition of
lab reports. Living and preserved organisms are used to study concepts in
Evolution, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology. One laboratory period per week.
d. A BIO 202Z General Biology II Lab (1 credit): Second course in a two-semester
lab sequence which explores fundamental concepts in biology and introduces
common biology laboratory techniques. Emphasis is placed on experimental
design, interpretation of results and critical composition of lab reports. Topics
covered include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory Math,
14
Genetics, Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Behavior. One laboratory period per
week.
e. A BIO 212Y Introductory Genetics (4 credits): Genetics from the classical
Mendelian Laws of inheritance to molecular genetics. Topics will include: DNA
structure and replication; Mendelian genetics and recombination; population,
fungal, somatic cell, and bacterial genetics; gene organization; the genetic code;
mechanisms of gene expression and regulation; and applications of genetic
technology. Three class periods and one discussion section.
f. A BIO 217 Cell Biology (3 credits): An introduction to modern cell biology. This
course will present the basic organization of eukaryotic cells while stressing their
elaborate structural-functional integration. The cells fundamental properties
conserved through evolution will be stressed.
g. A CHM 120 General Chemistry I (3 credits): Atomic theory, quantitative
relationships in chemical change, electronic structure of atoms and chemical
periodicity, chemical bonding, and states of matter.
h. A CHM 124 General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 credit): Introduction to laboratory
techniques, experiments demonstrating chemical principles in General Chemistry
I, including stoichiometry, calorimetry, and properties of some elements and
compounds.
i. A CHM 121 General Chemistry II (3 credits): Elementary principles of chemical
equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics; electrochemistry; descriptive
chemistry of the elements and their compounds.
j. A CHM 125 General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit): Application of
laboratory techniques, experiments demonstrating chemical principles of General
Chemistry II, including solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium, and qualitative
analysis of some anions and cations.
k. A CHM 220 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits): Structure, synthesis, and reactions
of the principal classes of organic compounds, stressing the underlying principles
of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry techniques. Prerequisite(s): A CHM
121 or 131 and 125.
l. A CHM 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit): Basic techniques of
organic chemistry including extraction, crystallization, distillation, and
chromatography; physical properties of compounds. Prerequisite(s) or
corequisite(s): A CHM 220.
m. A MAT 108 Elementary Statistics (3 credits): Frequency distributions, measures
of central tendency and dispersion, probability and sampling, estimation, testing
of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation.
15
n. A MAT 112 Calculus I (4 credits): Calculus of one variable. Limits, continuity,
differentiation of algebraic functions, applications of differentiation, anti-
derivatives, the definite integral, transcendental functions. Prerequisite(s): A
MAT 100 or precalculus at the high school or college level.
o. A PHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3 credits): An introduction to the fundamentals
of physics: Classical Mechanics. Topics include the concepts of force, energy and
work applied to the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and an
introduction to special relativity. Prerequisite or corequisite: A MAT 111 or 112
or 118.
p. A PHY 145 Physics Lab I (1 credit): Experiments in mechanics. One laboratory
period each week. Prerequisite or corequisite: A PHY 140, A PHY 141 or T PHY
141.
Given the popularity of the Biology and Chemistry classes across the University
undergraduate population, a meeting was held in late winter 2013 among SPH Dean
Philip Nasca, SPH Associate Dean Diane Dewar, CAS Dean Edelgard Wulfert, and the
Chairs of the Biology, Chemistry and Math departments to discuss the potential burden of
the proposed concentration on these departments. Because most of the students intending
to join this new program are expected to be attracted from the Community College level,
or from the existing population of students who would otherwise be enrolling in these
classes for similar majors, it was agreed that in its first few years, no undue burden would
be experienced by these departments. It was further agreed that as the bio-
instrumentation concentration grows, the Director of the Undergraduate Program at the
SPH will coordinate with the relevant CAS department chairs to assess any capacity
constraints associated with this major, and to evaluate what resources are needed for the
ongoing delivery of the major.
Letters of support from Dean Wulfert and from the Biology, Chemistry and Math
department chairs can be found in Appendix C.
Transfer students from HVCC will have completed equivalent introductory courses as
part of their A.S. degrees in biology or biotechnology. For other transfer students,
equivalency of courses at other institutions will be determined by use of the UAlbany
Transfer Course Equivalency Database <https://eapps.albany.edu/tas/>.
B. Public Health Core Requirements (12 credits)
Note: It is suggested that students complete the above science course requirements prior to
enrolling in the public health core courses.
16
These courses provide students with a solid introduction to the core components of public
health, which include biostatistics, environmental health sciences and epidemiology.
Required Public Health Core courses (12 credits)
~Course descriptions can be found in Appendix A~
Course #
(Credits)
Course Title
Course Frequency
H Sph 201 (3)
Introduction to Public Health
Once per year - Fall
H Sph/Epi 231 (3)
Concepts in Epidemiology (Pre-req: Mat 108)
Once per year - Spring
H Sph/Epi 332 (3)
Introduction to Biostatistics: Collection, Analysis
& Interpretation of Public Health Data
Once per year - Fall
H Bms 505 (3)
Biological Basis of Public Health
Once per year - Fall
B. Bio-Instrumentation Requirements (25 credits)
Students must complete 25 credits in Bio-Instrumentation. These credits are divided between
courses that include lecture and laboratory components and internship courses that will
provide practical, hands-on experience with specific instrumentation. Students must complete
2 of 5 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship courses. Students will select
among four University core laboratories and a number of UAlbany academic research
laboratories. These internships will provide extensive hands-on experience with the use of
instrumentation in working laboratories. All students will also complete a 3 credit Bio-
Instrumentation Cooperative Training Internship with a local biotechnology company or
academic laboratory. This co-operative training will provide students with real-world
experience in the use of biotechnological instrumentation to address complex research
questions.
1. Bio-Instrumentation Core Courses (16 credits)
Students will complete each of the listed courses.
Required Bio-Instrumentation Core courses (16 credits)
~Course descriptions can be found in Appendix B~
~Course Action Proposals and syllabi can be found in Appendix D~
Course #
(Credits)
Course Title
Course Frequency
H Bms 310 (4)
Molecular and Genomic Approaches in
Biotechnology I
Fall semester
H Bms 311 (4)
Molecular and Genomic Approaches in
Spring semester
17
Biotechnology II
H Bms 312 (4)
Proteomic Methodologies in Biotechnology
Fall semester
H Bms 314 (4)
Animal and Cell Culture Model Systems
Spring semester
2. Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship Courses (6 credits)
Students will complete 2 of the 5 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship
courses.
Required Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship courses (6 credits)
Note: Students will complete 2 of the 5 listed courses.
~Course descriptions can be found in Appendix B~
~Course Action Proposals and syllabi can be found in Appendix D~
Course #
(Credits)
Course Title
Course Frequency
H Bms 410 (3)
Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research
Internship, Molecular Core Lab
Fall, Spring, Summer
H Bms 411 (3)
Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research
Internship, Proteomics Core Lab
Fall, Spring, Summer
H Bms 412 (3)
Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research
Internship, Genomics Core Lab
Fall, Spring, Summer
H Bms 414 (3)
Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research
Internship, Cell Analysis Core Lab
Fall, Spring, Summer
H Bms 415 (3)
Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research
Internship, Academic Lab
Fall, Spring, Summer
3. Bio-Instrumentation Cooperative Training Internship (3 credits)
Students will complete a Cooperative Training Internship at a local biotechnology
company or academic laboratory.
Required Bio-Instrumentation Cooperative Training Internship (3 credits)
~Course descriptions can be found in Appendix B~
~Course Action Proposals and syllabi can be found in Appendix D~
Course #
(Credits)
Course Title
Course Frequency
H Bms 420 (3)
Bio-Instrumentation Cooperative Training
Internship (Biotechnology Company/Academic
Summer, Fall, Spring
18
Lab)
Cooperative Training Internship
Cooperative Training Internships for students will be arranged with commercial Biotechnology
entities that have expressed an interest in participating in our program. Each student will work
under the supervision of a mentor at the host laboratory. Students will receive assistance in
finding an appropriate placement from their advisor in consultation with the Coordinator of
Undergraduate Programs at the School of Public Health and placements will be tailored to fit the
needs of both the host organizations and the students.
Evaluations of the field placement will be submitted by the student and the mentor at the
conclusion of the co-operative training period. The advisor and Coordinator of Undergraduate
Programs will be readily accessible throughout the placement to intervene if the student
experiences any difficulty. In addition, contact will be made between the advisor and both the
student and mentor to assess progress.
Course Scheduling
Required courses for the major will be offered on a yearly or semester basis (as indicated in the
tables above) in order for students to complete their undergraduate coursework on time. Priority
will be given to bio-instrumentation majors for enrollment in these courses. Students will work
closely with their academic advisor to keep on track.
19
APPENDIX A
Course Descriptions for Public Health Core Courses
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Sph 201 Introduction to Public Health (3)
A general introduction to what public health is, its importance for everybody’s health, and how it
functions as a combination of science and politics. The role of the public health system will be
illustrated by describing issues confronting New York State and what is being done about them.
Sph/Epi 231 Concepts in Epidemiology (3)
This course is designed to introduce students to the science of epidemiology. Specific subjects
will include causal thinking, the epidemiologic framework, and study designs utilized in
epidemiologic studies. Examples of famous studies will be discussed, including outbreak
investigations and major studies that have identified risk factors for the more common diseases
in the country and world today. Prerequisite: A Mat 108 or equivalent
Sph/Epi 332 Introduction to Biostatistics: Collection, Analysis & Interpretation of Public
Health Data (3)
This course will be a basic introduction to statistics as used in the field of Public Health.
Students will learn basic descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, basic
rules of probability spaces, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions,
estimation and hypothesis testing. In addition, students will learn how to use a computer
program to analyze data.
BMS 505 (NNSE 503) Biological Basis of Public Health (3)
Introduction to field of biomedical sciences and public health, including infectious and
transmissible vectors, genetic disease and chronic disorders. Explanation of laboratory based
procedures for detection, monitoring, and treating such diseases. Concepts of basic, relevant
laboratory methods and data interpretation introduced. Discussion of impacts of nanotechnology
on biomedical sciences, medicine and public health. Prerequisite: College level biology or
biochemistry or genetics or molecular biology or permission of instructor.
20
APPENDIX B
Course Descriptions for Proposed Bio-Instrumentation Core and
Internship Courses
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
H Bms 310 Molecular and Genomic Approaches in Biotechnology I (4)
This course is the first of a two part sequence. Basic molecular biology techniques will be
reviewed, such as the purification, enzymatic manipulation, and separation of nucleic acids,
PCR, and hybridization. Subsequently the course will consider such technologies as DNA
sequencing and quantitative PCR with a focus on both the instrumentation required to perform
these technologies their research applications. Lecture topics will be partnered with laboratory
exercises that provide hands-on experience so that students develop a more full understanding of
these technologies, again focusing on the instrumentation required to perform them. While
instrument operation and data analysis will be highlighted, there will be significant coverage of
other key issues such as instrument design, maintenance, quality control calibrations, and
troubleshooting.
H Bms 311 Molecular and Genomic Approaches in Biotechnology II (4)
This course is the second of a two part sequence. Next Generation Sequencing and microarray
analysis will be covered with a focus on the instrumentation required to perform these
technologies. Research applications of the technologies will be highlighted. Lecture topics will
be partnered with laboratory exercises that provide hands-on experience so that students develop
a more full understanding of these technologies, again focusing on the instrumentation required
to perform them. While instrument operation and data analysis will be highlighted, there will be
significant coverage of other key issues such as instrument design, maintenance, quality control
calibrations, and troubleshooting.
H Bms 312 Proteomic Methodologies in Biotechnology (4)
The course will begin with a brief review of basic analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE,
chromatography and mass spectrometry. The main focus of the course will be on such
technologies as 2D gel electrophoresis, high pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry
and the instrumentation required to perform these technologies. Applications of the technologies
will be highlighted, including small molecular analysis, peptide and protein sequencing, protein
expression analysis, and protein post-translational modifications. The lecture topics will be
partnered with laboratory exercises that provide hands-on experience so that students develop a
more full understanding of these technologies, again with a focus on the instrumentation required
to perform them. While instrument operation and data analysis will be highlighted, there will be
significant coverage of other key issues such as instrument design, maintenance, quality control
calibrations, and troubleshooting.
H Bms 314 Animal and Cell Culture Model Systems (4)
The course will begin with a brief review of the most commonly used animal model systems.
Techniques used to generate and analyze these models will be discussed in detail. The use of
cell culture and in vitro differentiation systems as alternatives to animal models will be
21
considered. Applications of the technologies will include nucleic acid extraction from cells and
tissues, histological examination of tissues, laser capture microdissection, flow cytometry, and in
vitro cell differentiation assays. Lecture topics will be partnered with laboratory exercises that
provide hands-on experience so that students develop a more complete understanding of these
technologies, with a focus on the instrumentation required to perform them. While instrument
operation and data analysis will be highlighted, there will be significant coverage of other key
issues such as experimental design and troubleshooting.
H Bms 410 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship, Molecular Core Lab (3)
Students will acquire practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in molecular
biology/genomics research in a core laboratory environment. Projects may include the usage of
instrumentation for nucleic acid extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, and DNA sequencing.
H Bms 411 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship, Proteomics Core Lab
(3)
Students will acquire practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in
proteomics research in a core laboratory environment. Projects may include the usage of
instrumentation for 2D gel electrophoresis, high pressure liquid chromatography, and mass
spectrometry.
H Bms 412 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship, Genomics Core Lab (3)
Students will acquire practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in
genomics/microarray research in a core laboratory environment. Projects may include the usage
of instrumentation for nucleic acid extraction, microarray analysis, and Next Generation DNA
sequencing.
H Bms 414 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship, Cell Analysis Core Lab
(3)
Students will acquire practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in cell
analysis research in a core laboratory environment. Projects may include the usage of
instrumentation for histological examination of cells and tissues, laser capture microdissection,
and flow cytometry.
H Bms 415 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Research Internship, Academic Lab (3)
Students will acquire practical, hands-on experience with the use of instrumentation in an
academic laboratory environment. Projects will include the use of instrumentation relevant to the
research activities of the particular academic laboratory. Permission of the Principle Investigator
of the laboratory is required.
H Bms 420 Bio-Instrumentation Co-operative Training Internship (Local Biotechnology
Company or Academic Laboratory) (3)
Students will perform a research internship with a local biotechnology company or academic
laboratory. Students will gain a more full understanding of how instrumentation is used in
biotechnology to address complex research questions, as well as the expectations that come with
a professional career in laboratory research.
22
Appendix C
Letters of Support
23
UN IYERSITYATA LBANY
Stllte C"nMndyol 1\'ew von
Mw:h II. 2013
Philip C . ~ • .., •. Ph.D.
Dean. S<hool of Publi< Health
vnivmiry at Albany
State Unive-rsity of~e\V York
One UnivC1"'Soity Place
Rensselaer. ~cw York 121~
Dear Phil
Coftege Oil Arts and Soieno•.s
~ofebtDean
This lcner scrocs to ptO'I.ide my cntbusias.tie support for }'OUt School"s faculry~iuitiatc-d
interdisciplinary major in bio.instnuncntation. This degree prop-am will share a strong
linkage with your Department of Biomedical Science$ and focus on the biomedical basis of
public health. includin¥ the molecular foundation of disease and implic.atioas for public
health in.tCJ'\·auioJls. 1 consider the proposed bac-calaureate dcp-« in bio.illS-tnuncntation an
excdlcnt idea. Tiuougb proper rraining in the- application of cuning-cdgc tcc.hnolog)' sn•dents
will be able to pursue rotry-le\'cl jobs as technicians in scientific: awiromnents and \\;11 ha\·c
acquit-~ a high]y marketable U:iU.
bnplcmcntation of the bi<>--inS.tnllllcntatiotl pro~ in the School of Public Hc:.alth will add
to the richnCis and divcnity of the Univc:nity's tUldergraduate curriculwn.. while al$0
pro,.·iding a pathway for students to pt~nue other academ.ic offerings at the Univenity.
It is my ooderstandin~ that lbe srudc:nts you will recruit from Hudson Valley Community
Colle~e ";_u have taken the n«esfHtry and ~d
bMic sc:ic:ncc COUJ'$eS and n01 inc:f'Casc: dte
pressure on the Ocpartntc:nts of Biological ScicncCi and Chemistry in the College of Arts and
Sciences. Shottld the program in bio-instnlDlentation become more popular and anract a
lar,er nwnber of majors. the: College to~ethcr with your Scllool will c,·aluate what resourc:es
are nec:dc:d (e.~ .. Mathetn3ti« and General Education course-s provided by Arn and Sc-iences
departments) to C11$u.rc that we deli,·er the optimal educ:.ational e::<pc:rience for uudents in
these growing areas.
In conclusion. I run \ 'cty supportive of this planned majM in bio· instnuumta.tion and I
congratulate you and your faculty on this innovative endeavor.
Sin<erc:ly.
c~dtv/Llf~
Eddprd Wulfert
Dean and ProfessorofPsycbology
Collins Fellow
Am mel Sctmee$ ~Room
217
J..OO'Q.'a~k.~~. NYI2222
-
Sll-U246S1 n. Sl~!-3374
ww allrM)'oedu
Letters of Support:
A. Letters from Academia
B. Letters from Industry partners (re-solicitations)
C. Letters from Industry partners (new)
Letters from Academia
Be bold. Be a Viking.
15 April 2014
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director, Cancer Research Center
University at Albany, SUNY
CRC 304
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Dr. Tenniswood:
As the Chair of the Biology, Chemistry, & Physics Department at Hudson Valley
Community College, I would like to express my continued support for the University
at Albany's application for a New York State Regional Economic Development Grant.
The development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation at the University is highly desirable in the Capital Region.
This program will complement initiatives here at HVCC like our Associate's Degree
in Biotechnology as well as our advanced Certificate in Biotechnology and
Biomanufacturing. It will also provide our students with a pathway to pursue their
career aspirations in biotechnology and offer them additional training for the
workforce. Ultimately, it will expand the pool of highly trained personnel in the
region who are available to fill technologically demanding positions in research and
industry. In turn, programs like this one will make the area more attractive as a
location for new biotechnology ventures.
I look forward to the success of your application and the continued collaboration
with HVCC.
Yo~/1~
Peer A. Schaefer, PhD
Chair of Biology, Chemistry, & Physics
Cc: Sridar Chittur, PhD
80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, New York 12180-6096// (518) 629-HVCC II www.hvcc.edu
Sponsored by Rensselaer County II Part of the State University of New York
Printed using soy-based inks on paper containing 50% overall recycled content.
0
50%
Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health
a joint venture with
School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York
M. Joan Curcio, Ph.D.
Department Chair
curcio@wadsworth.org
www.wadsworth.org/bms
Wadsworth Center
Center for Medical Sciences
P.O. Box 22002
Albany, NY 12201-2002
PH 518-473-4213
FX 518-474-3181
April 14, 2014
Martin Tenniswood, PhD
Director, Cancer Research Center
Dept. of Biomedical Sciences
University at Albany
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
In response to your request, I’m happy to affirm that in my opinion, the education and experience
afforded by the new Bioinstrumentation program at the Cancer Research Center would make students from
that program extremely attractive candidates for most graduate programs, including ours. (Assuming, of
course, that GRE scores and GPAs met admissions criteria.) Even if the instruments and approaches needed
in graduate school are not exactly what they have trained in, the fact of students training in a variety of
methods, coupled to education in hypothesis testing, will provide them versatility and open-mindedness that
will serve them well in research-oriented graduate programs. As Chair of the Admissions Committee for
BMS for the past seven years, I can aver with confidence that we would look upon the experience that your
program will provide very favorably.
Yours truly,
Randy Morse
Professor, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health and
Chair, Graduate Admissions Committee
PURDUE
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
& MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
--------------
UNIVERSITY
Martin Tenniswood PhD,
Department of Biomedical Sciences,
University at Albany,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Professor Tenniswood,
April 8, 2014
I am responding to your request for the review of the proposal to establish a BS degree
program in Bioinstrumentation in the School of Public Health at SUNY Albany. It is a pleasure to be able
to review the documentation and learn of this inspired faculty driven initiative. The vision and timing
for such a program at the University and in the region is likely staged for significant positive impact on
New York. The various opportunities afforded to students will certainly make it desired degree plan.
By way of credentials, I have been on faculty at Purdue for 25 years serving key roles in both BS,
M.S., Pharm.D., and Ph.D education and training programs. I have been involved in mentoring students
in three different graduate programs while at Purdue. I have served on Ph.D. advisory committees in
six different programs at Purdue. I have also served as an independent reader of graduate theses for
programs in India, France, and China. Over the years, I have played administrative roles in
departmental and interdepartmental graduate programs. Finally, I chaired a task group that
formulated the re-structuring of the Graduate School at Purdue to accommodate administration of
multiple interdisciplinary graduate programs at Purdue.
My review of the proposal is with perspective of student qualifications for graduate programs in
Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology as well as the Purdue University Life Science
graduate program. I can say that without a doubt, the mix of practical and theoretical training in the
using of instrumental technologies to address contemporary questions in biomedical and life science
research is an excellent educational foundation.
There are not many (if any) BS programs in the US currently that can lay claims to having such a
focus. Of course, the motivated students at Tier 1 research universities who take advantage of the
environment are exposed to many of these tools. What will be distinctive would be BS students who
are well grounded in fundamental principles governing the design, operations, and implementation of
instrumentation used in the bioscience/biomedical laboratories. Pedagogy for practical training in
these areas are generally lacking in most modern discipline-oriented BS degree programs. It is a major
hurdle for our incoming students and those who are adept with research tools make more rapid
progress. Thus, I would anticipate that the motivated and talented students from the BS
Bioinstrumentation degree plan to be excellent candidates for laboratory-based graduate programs.
Election of minors in areas that are complementary to those established programs at the University
will make these students even more competitive candidates.
('
t()~
Sincerely,
Professor V. Jo Davisson, Ph.D.
OFF ICE OF PROFE SSOR V i NCENT J O DAVI SSON
DEPARTMENT OF M EDICI NAL CHEMISTRY AND MO LEC ULAR PHARMACOLOGY
HEINE PHARMACY BUILDING • 57 5 STADIUM MALL DR • P URDUE UNIVERS ITY
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN 47907- 2091 • {765) 494-5238 • FAX {765) 494-1414 • dayjssoo@pur due.edy
Martin Tenniswood, PhD
Empire Innovations Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Director, Cancer Research Center,
University at Albany,
1 Discovery Place,
Rensselaer NY 12144
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Dear Martin
I’ve read the proposal for the new BioInstrumentation program at the University of Albany with
very great interest. I wish to endorse, unequivocally, your innovative program design and also
to underline how useful I believe this training program will be for the students. For example,
applications from graduates of the program would be very welcomed at RPCI, as it is clear they
will receive precisely the education needed to pursue cutting edge graduate training in cancer
research.
By way of background I will describe my experience in designing and assessing scientific
training programs. I have an h index of 30 and have authored over 80 papers, reviews and
book chapters with key studies focusing on both basic mechanisms and translational studies in
prostate cancer research. I have personally trained 12 graduate students, including 4 MD
students undertaking research degrees, 4 post-doctoral fellows, 2 of who are now transitioning
to roles as independent researchers and 6 MS students. I frequently work as a reviewer for
high impact cancer journals and undertake grant review work for several international grant
agencies and NIH study sections. Importantly, I am a full member of NIH/NCI (F), Manpower
and Training Review Committee, which deals with scientist career development and
institutional training grant applications.
Furthermore, I have significant leadership experience in catalyzing and establishing novel
graduate training programs in the biomedical arena from serving as Co-Director and Director
respectively on two international multi-center programs; NucSys (2006-2010, for PhD students)
and CanSys (2009-2014, for MSc students). These training programs have been fully externally
funded, for example by the European Community and US Department of Education, and
designed to fulfill trans-disciplinary training needs by the application of systems biology
approaches to biomedical research. To date, collectively, these programs have trained over 40
graduate students.
At Roswell Park Cancer Inst. I have held various leadership positions and within the Graduate
School and I am currently an Associate Dean responsible for designing graduate curricula.
Therefore, as part of the process of assessment of graduate training at RPCI, I was the lead on
the quinquennial external review of the graduate school. Specifically, in 2012, I coordinated the
external review of all graduate programs by an EAB. Subsequently, I was also the lead author
on the Division’s response to the recommendations from the EAB and I now chair the
2
curriculum committee that is designing a new integrated umbrella program. I will take the lead
role in development of the written proposal to establish an integrated cancer biology PhD and
MS program at RPCI, which will be submitted to the NYS Department of Education in late 2014.
The goal is to offer this new program structure to Ph.D. and M.S. students enrolling in August
2015.
Therefore I have strong expertise in designing and assessing cutting-edge scientific training
programs, and judging their relevance for biomedical trainees.
This is of relevance to your proposal, as the training program proposed in the
BioInstrumentation program is precisely in line with developing the skill set, insight, and
scientific understanding that we would wish to find in applicants to the graduate programs
offered at RPCI. That is, clearly you, and the curriculum design committee, have worked very
hard to develop a curriculum that has the correct balance between rigorous scientific training
and developing cutting edge biomedical insight. Clearly, the trainees will develop the core
building blocks of science knowledge such as hypothesis testing, scientific paradigms and the
essence of biomedical research. This is complemented by a very contemporary overview and
practical understanding of bioinstrumentation, which lies at the center of the required
knowledge base for scientists operating across the academic and industrial spectrum.
I wish you luck with the submission of your proposal and I genuinely look forward to welcoming
its graduates to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Yours Sincerely,
Moray J. Campbell, PhD
Associate Prof of Oncology,
Roswell Park Cancer Inst.,
Program Director, CanSys
Associate Dean,
Roswell Park Graduate Division, University at Buffalo
http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_skYTnUAAAAJ
Moray.campbell@roswellpark.org
Letters from Industrial Partners (re-solicitations)
April 10 2014
Martin Tenniswood, PhD Empire
Innovations Professor Department
of Biomedical Sciences Director,
Cancer Research Center University
at Albany
One Discovery Place,
Rensselaer NY 12144
Dear Martin,
I would like to congratulate you on the successful funding of the BS in Bioinstrumentation. The need for
trainees who are familiar with high tech bioinstrumentation has never been higher. I am excited to learn
that this degree program is now being put in place. On behalf of all the Neural Stem Cell Institute’s
scientists, I would like to reiterate that we are very excited by your invitation to join the founding IHHS
membership and participate in the IHHS research and training programs.
The Neural Stem Cell Institute is focused on both basic and translational stem cell research, with the
aim to develop new therapies for neurodegenerative disease. Our studies require substantial
technological expertise, including high-content imaging, cell surface molecule definition, fluorescent
activated cell sorting and RNA-sequencing down to the single cell level. We are constantly looking for
individuals who are well-trained and who can adapt their knowledge to the new instruments that
emerge every year.
We are delighted to continue our collaborative efforts here on the University at Albany East Campus, to
develop a high profile and innovative interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to understanding,
preventing and developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and infectious diseases,
all of which are significant health problems. Should we need to expand our workforce, we would look for
trainees from this program, both for NSCI and our affiliated biotechnology company, Stem Culture Inc.
Yours sincerely.
Sally Temple, PhD
Professor and Scientific Director
Neural Stem Cell Institute
One Discovery Drive; Rensselaer NY 12144. Phone 518 694 8188; Fax 518 694 8187
7UniversityPlace,B127B
Rensselaer,NY12144
Phone:518Ͳ573Ͳ8315
Fax:518Ͳ375Ͳ7025
Email:lzΛƉƵůŵŽŬŝŶĞ͘ŶĞƚ
Ɖƌŝůϭϭ͕ϮϬϭϰ
Dr.MartinTenniswood,
Director,
CancerResearchCenter,
1DiscoveryDrive,
Rensselaer,NY12144
DearMartin,
IenthusiasticallysupportthedevelopmentofanundergraduatetrainingprograminBiotechnology
InstrumentationattheUniversityatAlbany.IamthefounderandCEOofPulmokine®,abiotechnology
companythatislocatedontheUAlbanyEastCampusinRensselaer.TheCenterforFunctional
Genomics’CorefacilitiesattheUniversityatAlbanyhasbeenimportantinthegrowthanddevelopment
ofstartupbiotechnologycompaniessuchasoursontheEastCampus.
Developingaprogramtogenerateapoolofhighlytrainedpersonnelthatisreadilyavailabletofillnew
technologicallydemandingpositionswillbeanimportantgrowthstimulusforthecampusandthe
region.OurcollaborationswithCFGhaveledtosignificanttranslationalresearchintheareaof
pulmonaryvasculardisorders,includingthedevelopmentofparticularkinaseinhibitorsforthe
treatmentofthesediseases.Weareparticularlyexcitedabouttheopportunitytoparticipateinthe
proposedCoͲoptrainingprogramsinceitwillprovideanopportunitytoidentifypotentialemployees
whowouldbeexcellentadditionstoourworkforce.
,ĂǀŝŶŐŶŽǁƐĞĞŶƚŚĞĨƵůůƉƌŽŐƌĂŵĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ/ǁŝƐŚƚŽĂĨĨŝƌŵWƵůŵŽŬŝŶĞΖƐŽŶŐŽŝŶŐŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ͘We
lookforwardtoparticipatingintheTrainingprogramandwitnessingthecontinuedexpansionof
BiotechnologyInfrastructureintheCapitalRegion.tĞǁŝůůďĞŚĂƉƉLJƚŽĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌWƌŽŐƌĂŵ
'ƌĂĚƵĂƚĞƐƚŽŵĞĞƚWƵůŵŽŬŝŶĞΖƐƉĞƌƐŽŶŶĞůŶĞĞĚƐŝŶƚŚĞĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘
Yourssincerely,
LawrenceS.Zisman,MDFACC
CEO,Pulmokine®
One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer NY 12144
April 4 2014
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director, Cancer Research Center,
One Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
On behalf of Stem Culture Inc., a biotechnology company affiliated with the Regenerative
Research Foundation – Neural Stem Cell Institute, I would like to express our whole hearted
support for the implementation of the undergraduate training program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation at the University at Albany. We recognize that the Center for Functional
Genomics’ Core facilities at the University at Albany have been an important component for the
growth and development of startup biotechnology companies on the university’s East Campus.
Regional and national economic growth and development will require a readily available pool of
highly trained individuals to assume the technologically demanding positions needed in the
biotechnology arena. We anticipate that our collaborations with CFG will provide the impetus to
develop new products and services.
StemCulture generates high technology bioengineered products for stem cell research.
Currently, we export these specialized reagents to over 10 different countries worldwide.
Our company is growing, and we are grateful for the support of the local academic
environment which has helped provide a fertile environment for our growth.
We look forward to participating in the training program and the continued expansion of the
Capital Region’s biotechnology infrastructure. Most importantly, we do anticipate hiring new
skilled personnel in the future, and the graduates of this program would be highly competitive to
grow our workforce.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Stern, PhD
Stem Culture Inc.
cc: Dr John Tine
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC
7 University Place, Suite B236
Rensselaer, New York 12144
MKT-0101-FM01-Letterhead
14 April 2014
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director, Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin:
We would like to express our support for the development of an undergraduate training
program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the founder and
CEO of Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, a biotechnology company that is located in the
Capital Region. The Center for Functional Genomics’ Core facilities at the University at Albany
has been important in the growth and development of the startup biotechnology companies on
the East Campus of the university. Developing a program that ensures that a pool of highly
trained personnel is readily available to fill new technologically demanding positions will be an
important growth stimulus.
Our collaborations with CFG have led to successful publication of a translational research
study in the journal PAIN (Hou et al., 2011), successful funding of an NIH Phase 1 STTR
(R41NS070387), and the submission of other proposals including the successful funding of
one of the flagship NYCAP grants in 2013. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to
participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it will provide an opportunity to
identify potential employees who would be excellent additions to our company and network of
national and international collaborators. We look forward to participating in the Training
program and seeing the continued expansion of the Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital
Region.
Sincerely yours,
President, CEO, and Chief Scientist
April15, 2014
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director
Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
N-EXT ) )
ADVANCE
Innovative Lab Products for the Life Sciences
As president and founder of Next Advance, Inc., I would like to express my support for the development of
an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. Next
Advance develops and manufactures laboratory instruments for molecular biologists. We started in the East
Campus Incubator in 2003, and have grown from just me to over a dozen employees and sales to customers in
over 50 countries worldwide. Support from the incubator program and access to the Center for Functional
Genomics core facilities at the University of Albany have been instrumental in our success. We would be
very interested in coop training or interns from an instrumentation training program. Students graduating with
a degree in Bioinstrumentation and expertise from the program would be of great interest to us, especially
with the hands-on approach of the program. In fact, we have been very happy with the student interns (from
other colleges) that have worked for us, so we would be greatly interested in hiring Bioinstrumentation
students from this program at SUNY. Our invaluable collaborations with CFG have led to one of our product
lines, real-world product testing, and development of manufacturing protocols.
We look forward to participating in the training program and seeing the continued expansion of
theBiotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Ian Glasgow, PhD, PE
President
cc. Dr. John Tine
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Next Advance, Inc., 1548 Burden Lake Road, Averill Park, New York 12018, USA
Tel. 1.518.674.3510
Fax. 1.518.674.0189
www.nextadvance.com
Tools to Analyze
Cellular Function
1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 150 • Carlsbad, CA 92008 • toll free 877 222 9543 • fax 760 431 1351 •
www.activemotif.com
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director
Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
On behalf of Active Motif Inc., I would like to re-affirm our support and interest in being
involved in the co-op portion of the undergraduate training program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am a co-founder of Lake Placid
Biologicals, now part of Active Motif, Inc., a biotechnology company located north of the
Capital Region.
As a growing small biotechnology business that is focused on the development of
innovative kits and assay systems for accelerating epigenetic research, we are
challenged by our ability to locally recruit qualified and trained personnel for scientific
positions. Students graduating with a Bioinstrumentation degree, with the expertise
developed in the program would definitely be of interest as employment candidates. We
look forward to participating in the Training program and seeing the continued
expansion of the Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Jelinek, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Active Motif, Inc-Lake Placid
1915 Saranac Ave, Suite 2
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(T) 518-523-7025, ext. 204
mjelinek@activemotif.com
cc. Dr John Tine,
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Letters from Industrial Partners (new)
!
April 15, 2014
!
Martin Tenniswood, Ph.D.
Director, Cancer Research Center
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University at Albany
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
!
Dear Drs. Tenniswood and Chittur,
!
RE: Support for the Contemplated BioInstrumentation Program
!
Errant Gene Therapeutics, LLC (“EGT”), is a leader in the development of rare-disease therapies
utilizing genomic and epigenetic interventional therapies. Examples of our activities include our
development of a genetic therapy for ß-Thalassemia Major with autologous CD34+
Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Transduced with TNS9.3.55, a lentiviral vector encoding the
normal human ß-globin gene first developed by EGT and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center (“MSKCC”) in 2005. It is currently subject to a clinical trial at MSKCC, one of the few
centers in the East Coast with trained bio-technicians capable of assessing the performance of the
vector using state-of-the-art instrumentation and analysis tools.
!
In addition to our genomic program, EGT has been collaborating with The Gen*NY*Sis Center
for Excellence in Cancer Genomics on the East Campus in the investigation of our histone
deacetylase inhibitors. EGT is planning on submitting a FDA IND application for a human Phase
I clinical trial of our lead molecule, CG-1521, for the mono-therapeutic and combinatorial
treatment of hormone refractory cancers. Such current incurable cancers include, hormone
refractory prostate cancer, as well as triple-negative and inflammatory breast cancers. Our
collaboration with the East Campus under the auspices of Drs. Tenniswood, Chittur and
Chatterjee is largely as a result of the availability of trained bio-technicians who are able to
operate the state-of-the-art instrumentation necessary in assessing molecular activity of our
formulations in diseases models. EGT’s ability to commercialize its histone deacetylase
inhibitors portfolio is materially impacted by the quality and availability of trained bio-
instrumentation operators. These skills are essential for life-sciences entities that depend on the
highest quality of pre and post-clinical analytics derived from the investigation of cell samples.
!
We cannot imagine a more apropos program at the University at Albany than one focused on its
core competency of utilizing state-of-the-art bio-instrumentation to further life-saving research.
218 North Jefferson Street I Suite 300 I Chicago, IL 60661 I T: 312-441-1800 I F : 312-893-2200
w w w.errantgene.com
!
We are highly supportive of this initiative and commend the vision of the University in correctly
positioning itself, with this program, as a leading supplier of tomorrow’s skilled professionals.
!
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a more comprehensive assessment of the importance of
this program to EGT and or industry peers.
!
Yours sincerely,
!!!
Sam Salman
President
218 North Jefferson Street I Suite 300 I Chicago, IL 60661 I T: 312-441-1800 I F : 312-893-2200 I
w w w.errantgene.com
April 15, 2014
!
Martin Tenniswood, Ph.D.
Director, Cancer Research Center
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University at Albany
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
!
Dear Martin,
!
We are writing to confirm our support for the launch of the new BioInstrumentation
degree program under consideration at the University at Albany. BioHarvest Ltd is a
pioneer in the discovery, development and commercialization of highly impactful
health products created entirely from the cells of functional foods.
!
BioHarvest products utilize state-of-the-art bioreactors which mimic the
microenvironmental conditions considered as optimal for the growth of cell cultures
into a final form product. The Company is also committed to conducting pre-clinical,
clinical and meta-analyses studies on the effects of its products in human and disease
models.
!
These requirements attracted us to the the East Campus where after much
consideration and pursuant to our comprehensive review of alternative sites, we
launched a Center of Innovation for Functional Foods with the University at Albany. A
key decision point for us was the availability of trained technicians able to use
sophisticated bio-instrumentation tools to support our needs. The University at
Albany’s proximity to some of the world’s most advanced bio-instrumentation
manufacturers makes it an ideal place for a program that will guarantee industry
access to the types of job skills vital for the future of bio-engineering and
instrumentation.
!
We therefore submit our enthusiastic support for the launch of this program.
!
Sincerely,
!
Eli Mor, CFO & Senior VP of BD
!!!
!
I ANAPOLE
15 April 2014
Dr. Martin Tenniswood, Director
Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Subject:
Development of Undergraduate Training Program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation
Dear Dr. Tenniswood:
I am in receipt of the documentation describing the above referenced Bioinstrumentation
Undergraduate Degree Program and whole heartedly support its implementation.
As president of an advanced technology Company, it has been my responsibility to evaluate
capabilities of numerous academic institutions in the United States to determine those that are
best suited to support our commercial growth. As a result of this search, we have chosen to
collaborate with the Cancer Research Center (CRC) for a number of reasons which include, but
are not limited to the following:
i)
high quality personnel;
ii) advanced analytical techniques; and,
iii) CRC's ability to integrate these advanced techniques with emerging technologies.
We are very interested in a program that could develop a cohort of highly qualified personnel
with hands on experience who are trained in hypothesis testing experimental design and data
collection/interpretation using the state-of-the-art instrumentation in the Core Facilities in the
Center for Functional Genomics.
Our Company would be willing to participate in the training program and clearly see a need in
our future to hire undergraduate students with a Bioinstrumentation degree using expertise
described in this.
We strongly support the Undergraduate Training Program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at
the University of Albany as described in the documentation provided.
If anyone has questions; or, is in need of further information, please feel free to have them
contact me at their convenience.
Sincerely,
~Jt,a;tari
President, Anapole Technologies Inc.
cc:
Dr. John Tine
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Ana pale Technologies Inc.
1530 Bluff Road, PO Box 399, Burlington, IA52601
~888·690-2091
-<?"
RGO GROUP
April 15, 2014
Confidential & Via Email: mtenniswood@albany.edu
Martin Tenniswood Ph.D.
Director, Cancer Research Center
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University at Albany
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Re: Support for the Bioinstrumentation Program
Dear Dr. Tenniswood:
Please accept this letter in our support of the Bioinstrumentation Program at your facility.
As you kno-w, ARIS Title Insurance Corporation, a member of Argo Group International
Holdings:, Ltd. (NasdaqGS: AGII), recently announced a ground-breaking partnership with the
State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany on an initiative which will revolutionize the
global arts and collectibles industry by developing industry-accepted, scientific-legal-market-
efficacy object identification (or authenticity) standards.
The University at Albany will serve as the international location for the "SUNY Center of
Innovation on Standards and Solutions for Object Identification Technologies in the Global Art
and Collectibles Industry." We hope to utilize the full resources of the university and to provide
intern and permanent employment opportunities to qualified members of the SUNY Albany
community. We expect that the Center's industry partners will also reach-out to your qualified
research community in support ofthe Center's work to be conducted on campus and the likely
industrial and scientific cluster to form in support of the economic opportunities created and
promoted by the Center's leadership.
The Center will bring together academic and private sector stakeholders from around the
world to collaboratively establish defmitive, third-party, peer-reviewed industry standards: and
solutions for object-identification and authentication of art and collectibles. The goal of this
initiative is to create a platform on which all market stakeholders - from international trade
regulators, the financial services: and property insurance sectors, to the not-for-profit museum
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
April 15,2014
Page2
community, artist estates, foundations and today's living artists - can engage and protect both
their legacies and the art industry as a whole through new solutions. Such a goal can only be
achievable if the Center of Innovation is housed and supported by a world-class institution such
as the University at Albany, which has long made and continues to make this commitment to
leading research and provides its community with the sophisticated tools to support the needs of
a changing environment.
Our collaboration would not have been possible but for the University at Albany's
commitment to provide and its proficiency in cutting-edge research in the biological sciences
along with its state-of the-art facilities in bio-instrumentation. The rollout of the technologies
being developed on the University at Albany East Campus to serve industry as a whole and those
germane in particular to the Center of Innovation's initiative will require a workforce of highly
trained personnel with skills in genomic and nano-based technologies. The graduates of the BS
Bioinstrumentation program have precisely the kind of technical expertise that will be needed for
the successful implementation of the authentication protocols that are part of this ARIS-
sponsored Center of Innovation.
We therefore submit our enthusiastic support for the launch of your program and strongly
note the many important synergies between these two initiatives.
Yours truly,
Lawrence M. Shindell
Chairman, ARIS Title Insurance Corporation
C: Sam Salman, Chairman & CEO, NRS Associates, LLC
PROPOSAL FOR A FACULTY-INITIATED INTERDISCIPLINARY
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR IN BIO-INSTRUMENTATION
Appendix C
Letters of Support
Man:b II. 2013
Philip C. ~a sea. Ph.D.
Dean. School of Publi< Health
vniv~ity at Albany
State University ofNe.v York
On< University Place
RC'Jls'»Clac:r. ~e\\' Yotk 1214-t
Dear Phil
Col~
of Arts and Soienc••
05:ot of tbe Dun
This. letter SC:f\'<S to pro"--idc my <nthusiastic suppon for }'OUt Schoors farolry·iuitiatcd
lnterdisciplinary major in bic>instnunentation. This degree program will share a strong
linkage with your Department of Biomedical Science~ ru,1d focus on the biomedical basis of
public health. including the molecular foundation of disCJ.-s-c and implic.ations for public
health intM'C:tltions .. 1 consider the proposed bKealau~atc dtFC in bic>i.usttw.Uoltation an
cxccl1cnt idea. Through prope:r training in the application of c:uzting~dge technology snadena
will be able to pursue attry-lC\·el jobs u technicians ln !.Cicntific cn;.-iroaunents and ,,_;n have
acquired a highly marketable s.L:ill.
hnpiCtUcntation of the bic>instnnueauatioll propatn itt dte School of Public Health win add
to the richne-u nnd divcnity of the Uni;.·cn.ity'.s undergraduate cunicuhun. while aho
pro;.·iding a pathway for student~ lo ptu'Sue other a-cad-ciUic offcting~ at the Uni\·ersity.
It i~ my uo<krstattdin' that the student$ you will recruit from Hudson Valley Community
Colle~e \'\i.U ha\'e taken the n«ess.ary and required ba~ie science course~ and no&: increase the
prC"Ssure on the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry in the College of Arts :lnd
Sciences.. Sbotdd the program in bio-iu~b'\lmcntation become more popular and attract a
tar~et t1wnbc:t of majots. lhe College cogetlw- with your School will evalU3te what teSOutee~
arc needed (e.g: .. Mathemati~ and General Education co~c-\ provided by Arts and Sciences
dep3rtn1ena) to ensure that we: dell;.·er the optimal educ,ational C:!itpcriencc for ~rude:nt~ in
these growing area~
In conc:lmion. I am \'c:ry wpporti\'e of rhis planned Ulajot in bio-insi.J"UUlle:ntation attd
congratulate you and your faculty on this innovati\'e: ende-avor.
Sin«tc:ly.
c~ttL iv~M-
Edd~ Wulfert
Dean and ProfessorofPs}-cbology
Collins feUow
Aru a
&MCU:~ ~Room
lli
t.aQO\\'~A~.M~My. NY1 222.l
,... StS-S-U-46.S1 ~
Sll-44l-))7.t
--
Professor Richard S. Zitomer
Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
PHONE: 518-442-4305 FAX: 518-442-4767
rzitomer@albany.edu
www.albany.edu/biology
To: Philip C Nasca, Dean of the School of Public Health
From: Richard S. Zitomer, Chair of Biological Sciences
Date: December 30, 2013
Subject: Bio-Instrumentation Major
I have reviewed the proposed joint School of Public Health- Hudson Valley Community College Bio-
Instrumentation major. Since the number of students that will be enrolled in the major will be
limited and since much of the introductory courses will be taken at Hudson Valley Community
College or other Community College as the program expands, the Department of Biological
Sciences will not be significantly impacted.
Should the program grow larger than anticipated, which I realize is unlikely given the sophisticated
instrumentation training that students will require, we can discuss the need for additional
resources at that time.
To:
Philip C Nasca, Dean of the School of Public Health
From: Li Niu, Chair, Department of Chemistry
Re:
Bio-Instrumentation Major
Date:
January 14, 2014
________________________________________________________________________
I have reviewed the joint proposal of the Bio-Instrumentation major by the School of Public
Health and the Hudson Valley Community College. I do not foresee any significant impact of
the enrollment of the students in this program on the curriculum delivery by the Department of
Chemistry. However, if the program expands in the future to a point that the impact on
Chemistry becomes substantial, we can discuss a solution to address the need of additional
effort and resources.
I therefore support the proposal.
Chemistry
1
From: "Zhu, Kehe" <kzhu@albany.edu>
Date: January 6, 2014 at 10:19:42 AM EST
To: "Nasca, Philip C" <pnasca@albany.edu>
Cc: "Wulfert, Edelgard" <ewulfert@albany.edu>
Subject: your proposed new major in Bio-instrumentation
Dear Phil,
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics supports your proposal for a new major in Bio-
Instrumentation. From the discussions we had with you some time ago, I am convinced that the
impact on my department, in the form of a Statistics requirement, will be minimal in the next few
years, and we should be able to provide the few extra seats in AMAT 108 for your students
without additional resources. Of course, if this new major eventually turns into a blockbuster and
attracts a much larger number of students than you currently predict (let me congratulate you in
advance if that is the case), we may have to take another look at how you can help us with the
resources necessary to support the instructional needs in AMAT 108.
Happy New Year!
Kehe Zhu
Professor and Chair
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
2
27 October 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director, Cancer Research Center
University at Albany, SUNY
CRC 304
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Dr. Tenniswood,
As the Chair of the Biology, Chemistry, & Physics Department at Hudson Valley Community College, I
would like to express my support for the University at Albany's application for a New York State Regional
Economic Development Grant. I enthusiastically support the development of an undergraduate training
program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. This program will complement
initiatives here at HVCC, like our Associate's Degree in Biotechnology as well as our advanced Certificate
in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, and provide our students here with a pathway to pursue their
career aspirations in biotechnology. Ultimately, it will expand the pool of highly trained personnel in the
region available to fill technologically demanding positions in biotechnology research and industry. This
should in turn make this area more attractive as a location for new biotechnology ventures, and thus
this project will be an important stimulus for growth ofthis sector.
I look forward to the success of your application and the continued expansion of opportunities for those
interested in pursuing careers in biotechnology research in the Capital Region.
y~~~~~,~~
Peter A. Schaefer, Ph.D.
Chair of Biology, Chemistry, & Physics
cc.
Dr. John Tine
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
80Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, New York 12180-60?6/ (518) 629-HVCC I www.hvcc.edu
3
~ NSCI
~~.. ,~ NEURAL STEM CELL INSTITUTE
.._-.r.~~a..,- Regenerative Research Foundatoon
October 27, 2011
Martin Tenniswood, PhD
Empire Innovations Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Director, Cancer Research Center
University at Albany
1 Discovery Place,
Rensselaer NY 12144
Dear Martin,
You have my whole hearted support for your proposal to create an Institute for Human Health Sciences
(IHHS). On behalf of all the Neural Stem Cell Institute's scientists, I want to inform you that we are very
excited by your invitation to join the founding IHHS membership and participate in the IHHS research and
graduate training programs. The formation ofthe IHHS will provide opportunities to expand federal, state
and local research funding and initiatives, and an interdisciplinary post graduate training environment to
provide these students with the skills required to become the scientist and innovators of the future.
In collaboration with the University at Albany Cancer Research Center and the Trudeau Institute vve look
forvvard to the development of a high profile and innovative interdisciplinary research environment
dedicated to understanding, preventing and developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases,
cancer and infectious diseases. All of ......tlich are goals that v.111 have a significant impact on human
health.
We are also very excited about the concurrent development of the articulation agreement with the
community colleges in the Capital Region. The opportunity to host trainees during their co-op rotations
will be extremely beneficial for both NSCI and our affiliated biotechnology company, Stem Culture Inc.
I wish you good fortune and success in this exciting endeavor.
Yours sincerely.
~if/ ~-'Y<-
sally Temple, PhD
Professor and Scientific Director
Neural Stem Cell Institute
One Discovery Drive; Rensselaer NY 12144. Phone 518 694 8188; Fax 518 694 8187
4
Pharmaceutical
Research Institute
ALI3ANY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIE!'ICES
October 31, 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director
Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
The Pharmaceutical Research Institute (PRI) of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences would
like to express our support for the development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation at the University at Albany. As the Executive Vice President of PRI, a research institute
located in the Capital Region, I am aware that the Center for Functional Genomics' Core facilities at the
University at Albany has been important in the growth and development of the startup biotechnology
companies on the East Campus of the university. Developing a program that ensures that a pool of
highly trained personnel is readily available to fill new technologically demanding positions will be an
important growth stimulus. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the
proposed Co-op training program since it will provide an opportunity to identify potential employees
who would be excellent additions to our work force.
We look forward to participating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion ofthe
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
Shaker A. Mousa, PhD, MBA, FACC, FACB
Vice Provost for Research & Professor of Pharmacology
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Chairman and Executive Vice President
The Pharmaceutical Research Institute
cc. Dr. John Tine, Coordinator
Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
PRI at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, Ph. (518) 694-7575 Fax. (518) 694-7567
5
1 ntegrated Tissue Dynam lcs, LLC
7 university Place, Suite B 236
Rensselaer, New York 12144
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
••
~ , .. ~
.
t:•: .. · INTIDYN
•••\
~ lnt,.gratrcl 1'i!tf6ur l>ynamiC'!rJ
••
22 October 2011
We would like to express our support for the development of an undergraduate training program in
Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the founder and CEO oflntegrated
Tissue Dynamics LLC, a biotechnology company that is located in the Capital Region. The Center for
Functional Genomics' Core facilities at the University at Albany has been important in the growth and
development of the startup biotechnology companies on the East Campus of the university. Developing
a program that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is readily available to fill new
technologically demanding positions will be an impottant growth stimulus. Our collaborations with CFG
have led to successful publication of a translational research study in the journal PAIN (Hou et al., 2011),
successful funding of an NIH Phase 1 STTR (R41NS070387), the submission of a multi-center NIH R01
proposal (R01NS078139) and the preparation of a Phase 2 STTR proposal. We are particularly excited
about the opportunity to participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it will provide an
opportunity to identify potential employees who would be excellent additions to our work force.
We look fotward to participating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion of the
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
Frank L. Rice, PhD
President and CEO
c. c. Dr John Tine,
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
MKT-0101-FM01-Letterhead
6
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
Tools to Analyze
Cellular Function
October 26,2011
On behalf of Active Motif Inc., I would like to express our support for the development of an
undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation atthe University at Albany. I am
a co-founder of Lake Placid Biologicals, now part of Active Motif, Inc., a biotechnology company
located north of the Capital Region that is focused on the development of innovative kits and assay
systems for accelerating epigenetic research. The Center for Functional Genomics' Core facilities at
the University at Albany has been important in the growth and development of the startup
biotechnology companies on the East Campus of the university and beyond. Developing a program
that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is readily available to fill new technologically
demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus. Our collaborations with CFG have led to
the submission of a series of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant proposals to the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) that if successful will result in significant technological advances
in the field of epigenetic research that will have a tremendous impact on the future growth
potential and commercial success of Active Motif.
As a growing small business, we are challenged by our ability to locally recruit qualified and trained
personnel for scientific position. Thus, we are particularly excited about the opportunity to
participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it will provide an opportunity to identify
potential employees who would be excellent additions to our work force. We look forward to
participating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion of the Biotechnology
Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Anne Jelinek, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Active Motif, Inc-Lake Placid
1915 Saranac Ave, Suite 2
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(T) 518-52 3-702 5, ext. 204
mjelinek@activemotif.com
cc. Dr John Tine,
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
1914 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite ISO • Carlsbad, CA 92008 • toll free 877 222 9543 • fax 760 431 1351 •
www.activemoti(com
7
October 25, 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
Pulmokine@
7 University Place, B127B
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Phone: 518-573-8315
Fax: 518-375-7025
Email: lz.pulmokine@gmail.com
I enthusiastically support the development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology
Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the founder and CEO of Pulmokine ®,a biotechnology
company that is located on the UAibany East Campus in Rensselaer. The Center for Functional
Genomics' Core facilities at the University at Albany has been important in the growth and development
of startup biotechnology companies such as ours on the East Campus.
Developing a program to generate a pool of highly trained personnel that is readily available to fill new
technologically demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus for the campus and the
region. Our collaborations with CFG have led to significant translational research in the area of
pulmonary vascular disorders, including the development of particular kinase inhibitors for the
treatment of these diseases. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the
proposed Co-op training program since it will provide an opportunity to identify potential employees
who would be excellent additions to our work force.
We look forward to participating in the Training program and witnessing the continued expansion of
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
Lawrence S. lisman, MD FACC
CEO, Pulmokine®
8
REGENERON
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director, Cancer Research Center
University at Albany, SUNY
CRC 304
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Dr. Tenniswood,
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
81 Columbia Turnpike
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Phone
518-488-6000
Fax
518-488-6220
www.regeneron.com
As the Senior Director of Human Resources and Technical Training of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, I would like to
express my support for the University at Albany's application for a New York State Regional Economic
Development Grant. Several aspects of this application are of significant interest to Regeneron. The proposed
undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation will help to increase the pool of highly
trained personnel in this region available to fill technologically demanding positions in biotechnology research.
This will be of great value not only to existing companies such as Regeneron, but also will make this region more
attractive as a location for new biotechnology ventures and thus will be an important stimulus for growth of this
sector.
We are particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the proposed cooperative internship training
program. Participation in the education of students is in keeping with our institutional goals, and it will also
provide us with an opportunity to identify promising candidates for positions within our company.
I look forward to the success of your application, and the continued expansion of the biotechnology
infrastructure on the East Campus and throughout the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
II!YM- v~~
Lyn~~ Fuierer, SPHR
Senior Director, Human Resources and Technical Training
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
81 Columbia Turnpike
Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 488-6175
cc.
Dr. John Tine
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
9
Smart Solutions To Improve Human Health
Tccon~c:
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
October 27, 2011
Dear Martin,
The Albany Site Laboratories of Taconic Farms, Inc would like to express our support for the development of an
undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am Director, Head
of Global Scientific Services and Development at Taconic, a biotechnology company with laboratories located in
at the University of Albany East Campus. The Center for Functional Genomics' Core facilities at the University at
Albany has been important in the growth and development of biotechnology companies on the East Campus of the
university. Developing a program that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is readily available to fill
new technologically demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus. Our collaborations with CPG have
Jed to successful testing relationships and services in support of our core research models business. We are
particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it will
provide an opportunity to identify potential employees who would be excellent additions to our work force.
We look forward to pa1ticipating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion of the
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely~
l.------
te hen Festin, PhD
Director, Taconic Farms
Head of Global Molecular Analysis, Health Testing and R&D
cc. Dr John Tine,
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Corporate Office
One Hudson City Centre
Hudson. NY 12534
Tel: 518.697.3900
Fax: 5 18.697.3905
custserv@taconlc.com
European Office
Tornbjergvej 40, Ejby
4623 Lille Skensved, Denmark
Tel: +45 70 23 04 05
Fax: +45 56 86 14 20
taconiceurope@taconic.com
www.taconic.com
10
October 31, 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
I Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Dr. Tenniswood,
Albany Molecular Research, Inc. I 26 Corporate Circle 1 P.O. Box 15098 1 Albany, NY 122 12-5098 USA
t. (518) 512·2000 I f. (518) 512-2020 I www.amriglobal.com
I would like to express my support for the development of an undergraduate trammg program tn
Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the Chairman of Global Quality Council,
and Senior Director of Pharmaceutical and Quality Services, Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI)
headquartered in the Capital Region. I oversee analytical chemistry, preformulation and fonnulation,
quality assurance and regulatory affairs efforts; provide leadership to a team of over 170 skilled scientists
and quality professionals.
The Center for Functional Genomics (CFG)' Core facilities at the University at Albany has been
important in the growth and development of biotechnology companies in the capital region. Developing a
program that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is readily available to fill new technologically
demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus. CFG's scientific capabilities such as high-
resolution mass measurements and excellent peptide analysis is of importance in the development of new
drug candidates; as our company grows we anticipate increased collaboration with CFG.
We are
particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it
will provide an opportunity to identify potential talents who would be excellent additions to our work
force.
We look forward to participating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion of the
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
~
Junan Guo, Ph.D.
Chairman, Global Quality Council
Senior Director, Phannaceutical and Quality Services
AMRI
cc. Dr John Tine,
Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
11
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director
Cancer Research Center
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Dr. Tenniswood,
RANDALL WEINBERG LLC
7 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144
27 October 2011
We would like to express our support for the development of an undergraduate training program in
Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the lead scientist for Randall Weinberg
LLC, a biotechnology company located in the Capital Region. The Center for Functional Genomics Core
facilities at the University at Albany has been important in the growth and development of startup
biotechnology companies on the East Campus of the University- it was a significant reason for locating
our startup lab here. Developing a program that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is
readily available to fill new technologically demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus.
Our very positive collaborations with CFG include maintenance and amplification of cells for tissue
culture, construction of novel plasm ids, complex DNA sequencing, and excellent peptide analysis that
have facilitated our development of new vaccine candidates; as our company grows we anticipate
increased collaboration with the Center for Functional Genomics and are encouraged by the prospect of
an expanded pool of potential new employees from the training program.
We look forward to seeing continued expansion of the Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital
Region.
Yours sincerely,
Randall Weinberg LLC
randyweinberg@msn.com
cc. Dr John Tine,
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
12
October 27, 2011
Dr. Martin Tennisvvood,
STEM CULTURE INC.
ONE DISCOVERY DRIVE
RENSSELAER, NEW YORK 12144
518.694.8188
Director, Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
On behalf of Stem Culture Inc., a biotechnology company affiliated with the Regenerative
Research Foundation - Neural Stem Cell Institute, I would like to express our whole hearted
support for development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation
at the University at Albany. We recognize that the Center for Functional Genomics' Core
facilities at the University at Albany have been an important component for the growth and
development of startup biotechnology companies on the university's East Campus.
Regional and national economic growth and development will require a readily available pool of
highly trained individuals to assume the technologically demanding positions needed in the
biotechnology arena. We anticipate that our collaborations with CFG will provide the impetus to
develop new products and services. We are very excited with your invitation to participate in the
proposed co-operative training program which will provide an opportunity to identify potential
employees with exceptional skills required to fill our firm's highly technical positions.
We look forward to participating in the training program and the continued expansion of the
Capital Region's biotechnology infrastructure.
Sincerely,
Sally Temple, PhD
Stem Culture Inc.
cc: Dr John Tine
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
13
N-EXT
October 28, 20 I I
Dr. Martin Termiswood
Director
Cancer Research Center
I Discovery Drive
Renssdaer. NY 12144
Dear Martin.
> -ADV-ANC£
J\s president and founder of Next Advance. Inc .. I would like to express my support for the
development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University
at Albany. Next Advance develops and manufactures laboratory instrwncnts for molecular biologists.
W..: started in the East Campus Incubator in 2003. and have grown from just me to 12 employees and
sales to customers in over 40 countries worldwide. Starting in the incubator and access to the Center
for Functional Genomics· core faci lities at the University of Albany have been instrumental in our
success. We would be very interested in coop training or interns from an instrumentation training
program. Students (from other colleges) that have done work for us have been invaluable to us and
they have gained very useful experience and knowledge ti·om our veteran technicians and engineers.
Developing a program that ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel to fill new technologically
demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus. Our invaluable collaborations with CFG
have led to one of our product lines, real-world product testing, and development of manufacturing
protocols. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the proposed Co-op
training program since it will provide an opportunity to identify potential employees who would be
excdknt additions to our work force.
We look forward to participating in the training program and seeing the continut:d expansion of the
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Sin_Fcrely.
,,
I I
,--; / /
../ "
Jan Glasgow, PhD. PE
Pr!.!sidcnt
cc. Dr. John Tine
Coordinator. Bioteclmology lnstnunentation Training Program
Next Advance. Inc .. 24 Prospect Avenue. Averill Park, New York 12018. USA.
Tel. 1.518.674.3510 Fax. 1.518.674.0189 INWW.nextadvance.com
14
Dr. Martin Tenniswood
Director, Cancer Research Center
University at Albany, SUNY
CRC 304
1 Discovery Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
As the CEO of V-Core Technologies Inc. I would like to express my support for the University at Albanys'
application for a New York State Regional Economic Development Grant.
Several aspects of this application are of significant interest to V-Core Technologies. The Core Facilities
located on the East Campus were one of the factors that made this site attractive when locating my
company here. I have utilized the services provided by these facilities to a significant extent, and the
\
proposed expansion of the facilities is a positive development that will continue to make this a desirable
location for start-up biotechnology companies.
In addition, the proposed undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation will help to
increase the pool of highly trained personnel in this region available to fill technologically demanding
positions in biotechnology research. This will be of great value not only to existing companies, but also
will make this region more attractive as a location for new biotechnology ventures and thus will be an
important stimulus for growth of this sector.
On behalf of my company I would like to additionally expresses interest in participating in the proposed
co-operative training (internship) program and I am looking forward to receiving additional details.
I look forward to the success of your application, and the continued expansion of the biotechnology
infrastructure of the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
/:;;;?v~/6
Enzo Paoletti, PhD
CEO, V-Core Technologies, Inc.
Laboratory B210
7 University Place
Rensselaer, NY 12144-12973
Cell # 518 210 8850
Email enzopaol2@gmail.com
cc. Dr. John Tine, Coordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
15
(j
BREONlCS~
BREONICS
W.A. Harriman Technology Campus
Bldg 7A, Suite 310
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518.213.4670
October 28, 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood, Director
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
RE: development of an undergraduate training program in Biotechnology Instrumentation at the
University at Albany.
Dear Dr. Tenniswood,
Please consider this
11Letter of Support" for the development of an undergraduate training program in
Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am a co-founder and Chairman of
BREONICS, Inc. a biomedical research and development company that is located on the Harriman State
Campus in Albany. The Center for Functional Genomics' Core facilities at the University at Albany will be
important to the growth and development of small developing companies such as ours.
Developing a program to generate a pool of highly trained personnel that is readily available to fill new
technologically demanding positions will be an important growth stimulus for the region. Our successful
collaborations with CFG as well as the College of Nanoscale Science have given us the needed access to
technologies that have resulted in our ability to qualify for several large NIH funded grants. We are
particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it
will provide an opportunity to identify potential employees who would be excellent additions to our
work force.
We look forward to participating in the Training program and witnessing the continued expansion of
Biotechnolo
lnfrastru tu e in the Capital Region.
cc. Dr John Tine,
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
16
/~
Ultra dian
Diagnostics
October 31, 2011
Dr. Martin Tenniswood,
Director,
Cancer Research Center,
1 Discovery Drive,
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Dear Martin,
I would like to express our support for the development of an undergraduate training program in
Biotechnology Instrumentation at the University at Albany. I am the founder and CEO of Ultradian
Diagnostics, a biotechnology company located on the East Campus. Th.e Center for Functional Genomics'
Core facilities at the University at Albany has been important in the growth and development of the
startup biotechnology companies on the East Campus of the university. Developing a program that
ensures that a pool of highly trained personnel is readily available to fill new technologically demanding
positions will be an important growth stimulus. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to
participate in the proposed Co-op training program since it will provid~ an opportunity to identify
potential employees who would be excellent additions to our work force.
We look forward to participating in the Training program and seeing the continued expansion of the
Biotechnology Infrastructure in the Capital Region.
Yours sincerely,
~w~
~~hn P. Willis, PhD
cc. Dr John Tine,
Co-ordinator, Biotechnology Instrumentation Training Program
Ultradian Diagnostics LLC
5 University Place, Suite A324
Rensselaer, NY 12144-3425
518.618-0046 (voice)
518.465.3121 (fax)
www. ultradian. com
