Biomedical Research & Education Center

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Biomedical Research & Education Center

The Biomedical Research and Education Center (BREC) at ŷ�� is a hub for innovation and workforce development in the sciences.

Under the leadership of Associate Provost April Boulton and led by Hood faculty and regional partners, the BREC places students and working professionals who are seeking to upskill at the forefront of science, technology and healthcare, offering real-world experience that complements industry needs. The goal of BREC is to equip students and workers alike with advanced skills and knowledge, as well as industry connections, to propel them into successful careers in biomedical fields that bolster workforce development in the central Maryland region and along the I-270 biotech corridor. Unique programs, designed in collaboration with Hood’s partners, will give students access to cutting-edge labs, technology and equipment as well as internship opportunities on campus and beyond.

For years, ŷ�� has played an integral role in the region, creating a workforce pipeline for rapidly growing science and technology industries. As more biomedical research companies establish locations in Frederick County and the State of Maryland, Hood will continue to align academic programming and campus facilities with these emerging opportunities.

BREC is committed to training the next generation of biomedical science professionals to improve health outcomes and create a better tomorrow.

To learn more about the center, contact Associate Provost April Boulton at boulton@hood.edu or 301-696-3619.

ŷ�� is proud to partner with Kite Pharma for the first pilot project of the Biomedical Research and Education Center. Cherry Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, has worked closely with Kite Pharma staff to design and implement an undergraduate course in cell therapy. Students gain hands-on cell therapy manufacturing experience working in the Kite Pharma Lab in the Hodson Science and Technology Center at Hood.

Currently, Dr. Meredith Yeager Ph.D., assistant professor of biology and director of the Biomedical Science (BMS) graduate program, is establishing an on-site research program in collaboration with national labs to study feline genetics. Hood students will analyze thousands of tissue and DNA samples taken from domestic cats, Asian leopard cats and hybrids. These specimens will offer students a unique opportunity to perform genetic analyses using state-of-the-art sequencing equipment at ŷ��.

Hood students at Kite Pharma facility. — ŷ�� students with Professor Cherry Liu at the Kite Pharma cell manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland.

BREC is funded in part by generous state and federal grants.

Matched by a gift from Ruth Whitaker Holmes ’55, H’93, Ph.D., the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund provided grant support to establish the endowed director position for BRTC. The director will be active in program development, student recruitment and creating ties to the local and regional community, specifically the biomedical industry sector. They will initiate research and educational collaborations with the appropriate companies, governmental agencies and other academic institutions in the area.

BREC also received Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE) support through the FY23 Federal Omnibus Bill. The funding provides resources for faculty course development and research, travel to conferences and needed equipment for BREC.

A conceptual rendering of the expanded Hodson Science and Technology Center

Renovating and Expanding the Hodson Science and Technology Center

Part eight of the feature story in Hood Magazine fall 2023.

Biomedical Science student applies classroom knowledge to vaccine development

After Rachel Sklutuis earned her associate degree, and then bachelor of science in biology, Rachel decided to further her education by enrolling to ŷ��’s Biomedical Science program.