Introductory Life Science Experience
The Introductory Life Science Experience (ILSE) created by the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Inc. is a pilot program that was developed to gain more student interest in the life sciences industry. This summer, 18 youth had the opportunity to participate in this two-week summer exploratory program and received a $500 stipend for completion.
Students gained hands-on laboratory training at the Southern California Biotechnology Center at Miramar College and visited various companies including Aquatic Adventures, Biogen Idec, Conservation for Research and Endangered Species, Ruben H. Fleet, and The Scripps Research Institute. Youth learned more about the various career pathways this industry has to offer and experienced real world science by visiting labs, participating in seminars, and conducting experiments.
To learn more about this program please contact: Erika A. Aranguré at erika@workforce.org
LSSI Teacher Externship Program Hosts 29 Teachers
The 2009 LSSI Teacher Externship Program launched on July 9 at Biogen Idec in their state-of-the-art Community Lab. During the 12-day Institute, 25 teachers from across San Diego County including 4 teachers from Brazil gained insight into the biotech and medical device industry, participated in laboratory experiments that can be replicated in their classrooms, and also had the opportunity to tour and interact with local scientists from companies such as Conatus Pharmaceuticals, Dow Chemical Company/Pfenex, Life Technologies and Senomyx. These teachers will then bring these new science skills and knowledge of the life science community back to their classrooms where their impact on students will be much greater. If you would like more information regarding the LSSI or having your company host students/teachers or for other ways to get involved, please contact biotech@workforce.org.
Mentoring and Diversity in Science
The American Chemical Society, BIOCOM Institute, NOBCChE & The Scripps
Research Institute present Mentoring and Diversity in Science, Friday, October
16 at 12pm at The Scripps Research Institute. This event will offer a view of
Professor Saundra McGuire’s efforts in helping students to discover the
metacognitive processes involved in mastery learning of science as well as the
importance of programs that promote mentoring and diversity in science. This
program will offer attendees an opportunity to learn about local efforts to
increase diversity and access to STEM mentoring programs.
Dr. McGuire is
a Chemistry Adjunct Professor and the Director of the Center for Academic
Success at Louisiana State University. In addition to her teaching and mentoring
roles, Dr. McGuire has also served as a Curriculum or Evaluation consultant to
the National Science Foundation, The National Institutes of Health, The National
Urban Coalition, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. At a November
16, 2007 White House ceremony Dr McGuire was honored for earning a Presidential
Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics & Engineering Mentoring.
To register please click HERE
The Leadership Edge-How to do More with Less
The Challenge:
I am on a tight deadline and I don't have enough resources. Help! What do I do?
Answer: This is an incredibly common challenge in high growth, entrepreneurial companies; too much work, not enough resources and unrealistic timelines. Here are some steps you can take to tackle the challenge:
Step One - Make sure you have a plan. It also serves as a great communication tool so that everyone is clear on the goal, understands their role in the "big picture," and has clearly defined and communicated target dates.
Step Two - Revisit the vision. People need motivation under pressure. Demonstrate how this goal supports the team vision.
Step Three - Check for efficiency. Revisit high-payoff-activities. Make certain everyone is focused on doing the right things. Eliminate low-payoff-activities.
Step Four - Renegotiate conflicting priorities. Gain a sense of what is taking priority and if anything can give.
Step Five -Seek additional resources. Remember the Lego-man exercise. Make sure you have taken an inventory of the required resources as soon as possible. Check with others and compare the timing and number of resources required. In a Matrix System, with great planning you might be able to utilize resources from other groups.
Step Six - Increase communication and use the team. Get the team involved in problem solving. Have productive meetings focused on decision-making and problem solving. Check with the team for hidden talents that we might not be aware of.
Step Seven - Position people to do their best work. Remember their Myers-Briggs type and let them do the kind of work they were designed to do. It will be less stressful and they will be more productive.
Step Eight - Track, monitor and revisit the plan.
This Issue’s Tip:
Remember the people as well as the process when you are working to be more efficient.
Don't forget to sign up for the next From the Lab to Leadership Program.
Please click here for more information: http://www.biocom.org/event/labtoleadership/