Hood College Receives National Science Foundation Grant for Biotechnology Training Program

Hood College has been awarded a $999,850 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program to launch the Innovative, Immersive Training Program in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing. 

Led by Rana Khan, Ph.D., director for the Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC), the three-year project will prepare undergraduate and community college transfer students for high-demand careers in the biotechnology workforce.

A total of 51 students, 17 annually, will participate in a year-long immersive experience, including specialized coursework, paid summer internships, site visits, site-specific mini-courses at partner sites, and hands-on training aligned, supported by local industry partners such as the Maryland Tech Council, with AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, and Texcell.

Additionally, planned partnerships with Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College will reserve spots in the program for community college transfer students. 

“This NSF ExLENT grant is a recognition of our leadership in preparing students for the evolving workforce needs of the bioscience industry,” said Rana Khan, inaugural director of BREC. 

“Focused on cutting-edge technologies in gene therapy and biomanufacturing, this funding will provide hands-on training and paid internships for our students while strengthening industry partnerships and transfer pathways with local community colleges. It supports BREC’s mission to help grow the bioscience industry in Frederick County and beyond.”

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