University of Buffalo - The State University of New York
Invitrogen Foundation Supports UB's Life
Sciences Initiatives in Buffalo
Contact
Cynthia Machamer
716-881-8207
Release Date:
November 7, 2008
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Invitrogen Foundation headquartered in
Carlsbad, Calif., has given the University at Buffalo $50,000 to support
marketing and outreach efforts for UB's iSci: Career Pathways in the Life
Sciences program.
The iSci program, which was created in 2007, increases awareness
of local life sciences job opportunities in Western New York and creates new
training programs at UB's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and Millard
Fillmore College to prepare individuals for careers in local life science
companies and institutions. The program, co-developed by EOC and the New York
State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences at UB, is part of
the UB 2020 and community-wide effort to grow a vibrant, knowledge-based economy
in the Western New York region.
A leader in the biotech revolution, Invitrogen is committed to
strengthening the pipeline of future life scientists. Through outreach and
education, Invitrogen also seeks to increase society's understanding of life
sciences and its critical role in addressing global issues. The company provides
essential life science technologies for disease research, drug discovery, and
commercial bioproduction. Invitrogen's own research and development efforts are
focused on breakthrough innovation in all major areas of biological discovery,
including functional genomics, proteomics, stem cells, cell therapy and cell
biology -- placing Invitrogen's products in nearly every major laboratory in the
world. Invitrogen operates a plant in Grand Island, N.Y. More than 4,700
employees work for Invitrogen in more than 70 countries.
"We are pleased to find a partner with common goals and
appreciate that the University at Buffalo shares Invitrogen Foundation's passion
for science and innovation," said Amanda Clardy, vice president of investor
relations and corporate communication for Invitrogen Corporation. "Our goal
is to drive lifelong learning, inspire students to become tomorrow's scientists
and deepen the public's understanding of how science is shaping our global
communities."
The Invitrogen grant will support iSciWNY orientation sessions,
production of a promotional video, design and printing of high-quality marketing
materials and multi-media advertising for the iSciWNY program. These efforts
will promote the program to middle and high school students, college students,
science teachers, guidance counselors, adult learners, transitioning workers and
other community members who are interested in careers in the life sciences. A
special effort will be made to reach out to the traditionally underserved
populations within Buffalo and the Western New York region.
"The Buffalo Niagara region has a long history as a hub for
biomedical research and education," said Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., director of
business development at the Center of Excellence. "It offers a critical
mass of resources and expertise from UB, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman
Woodward Medical Research Institute and various clinical and research
organizations within the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. And now through the
Invitrogen gift, iSciWNY allows us to link these organizations with industry to
empower individuals to pursue careers in the life sciences, including technical
and non-technical positions."
"Invitrogen's support is vital to our marketing and outreach
efforts," said Sheryl Weems, executive director of the EOC. "These
efforts will help us to encourage the members our community to further
investigate and pursue life sciences careers."