What is the Biotechnology Center?

The Biotechnology Center is an outreach arm of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, providing technical support for biotechnology enterprises and expanding educational opportunities for individuals seeking careers in the life sciences. Anticipating the rapid growth of the biotechnology industry, UCCS organized the Center in 1987 to establish a stronger link between industry and the university.

Mission Statement

To serve as a catalyst in the commercial development of biotechnology and biomedical technology through collaborative research, expert consulting, open forums, and undergraduate training and placement in Colorado.

Center Objectives

Provide Quality Education that will ensure that the development of sufficient technical personnel will be available for the growing needs of the biotechnology industry. Educate and Inform the Public about biotechnology and the potential benefits of biotechnology research for society and the local community. Conduct Research, leading to significant academic contributions and new intellectual property. Research at UCCS includes flow cytometry, oncology and computer modeling of cancer, plant molecular biology, genetic engineering of microorganisms, brewing research, expression of human genes in yeast, fermentation and environmental microbiology. Facilitate Technology Transfer between laboratories, industry and private entities.The Center emphasizes the need to commercialize inventions and processes which result from the research activities in Center laboratories.

Programs at CU-Colorado Springs

 

Flow Cytometry 

The cytometry teaching and research program utilizes technology for quantitative single cell analysis. The program is a National Specialty and Education Program (STEP) of the International Society of Analytical Cytology. Research projects are focused primarily on tumor biology, but include diverse topics in pathology, immunology, and cellular and molecular biology as well.

Plant Molecular Biology 

The plant molecular biology program prepares students for work in the USDA, agricultural agencies, biotechnology companies or graduate school. The curriculum includes plant physiology, genetics, tissue culture and molecular genetics. Research projects include topics in expression of nuclear and chloroplast genes, photosynthesis, plant pathology and stress.

Genetic Engineering of Microorganisms 

Recombinant DNA technolgy and classical genetic techniques are used in research projects with laboratory and industrial yeast. Recombinant DNA methods are also being used to understand principles of gene regulation, especially of those genes involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Fermentation and Environmental Microbiology 

Fermentation research includes studies of natural and recombinant yeast capable of direct fermentation of starch. A related project involves large-scale production of brewing yeast and the development of completely new brewing yeast strains by classical genetic breeding techniques. An environmental project to develop instrumentation to detect dangerous pathogens such as Crithidia in Giardia in domestic water supplies is well advanced.

Technology Transfer 

The Center, together with the Colorado Institute of Technology Transfer and Implementation (CITTI) and local supporters, sponsors the Rocky Mountain Microbrewing Symposium which is attended by many craft brewers from Colorado and surrounding states.

Education 

Students completing the Biotechnology curriculum will be prepared to obtain immediate employment in biotechnology companies or research laboratories. By arrangement with CU-Denver and the CU-Health Sciences Center it is also possible for students to carry out MA and PhD programs in Biotechnology/molecular biology. Thesis research is carried out on the UCCS campus.

For More Information, please contact:

Dr. James Mattoon, Director
Biotechnology Center
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
P.O. Box 7150
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150
Tel (719) 262-3231
Fax (719) 593-1239