In the picturesque setting of The McMahan House on the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) campus, Innovate78 gathered over 15 North County biotechnology and biomanufacturing companies for the second of three industry-specific dinners Innovate78 will host in 2023.
This gathering had two goals: to strengthen the local supply chain by creating an opportunity for companies to network with their local industry peers and to present information about key advantages and opportunities for life sciences in the region. Each company had the opportunity to share about what their company does and how it contributes to the local supply chain. After further networking at dinner, presentations were given from the deans of the STEM programs from both MiraCosta College and CSUSM.
MiraCosta’s Biomanufacturing Program
MiraCosta College offers the first Biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree in the nation and is one of only 15 California community colleges authorized to offer a bachelor’s degree program. The unique degree prepares students to work in the biotechnology industry with a combination of classes in science, quality, and compliance. Companies can secure an intern from this program for their business through MiraCosta’s JAIN (Job and Internship Employer Network) either for pay or for college credit.
CSUSM’s Biotechnology Program
CSUSM’s Biotechnology bachelor’s degree combines science and business management coursework, integrating biological concepts with the legal, ethical, and business perspectives of the life sciences industry. CSUSM offers Bridges to Stem Cell Research and COMPASS Internship programs which encourage diverse groups of people and recruit high school students to study stem cell sciences.
Each of these programs can be a great resource to establish a workforce pipeline for life sciences companies in North County. Recruiting and training talent from within the region lessens or even eliminates the need to spend increased resources find talent from outside the area and relocate them.
From left to right: Jacqueline Trischman, Ph.D., CSUSM Dean of CSTEM; Mike Fino, Ed.D., MiraCosta Dean of Mathematics & Sciences; Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM; Dr. Sunny Cooke, President of MiraCosta College
For more information about MiraCosta STEM programming or internships, contact the Dean of Math and Science, Mike Fino, Ed.D. at Mfino@miracosta.edu.
For more information about CSUSM STEM programming or internships, contact the Dean of CSTEM, Jacqueline Trischman, Ph.D. at trischma@csusm.edu.
About Innovate78
Innovate78 is a multi-city partnership along the SR 78 corridor with a shared vision to boost economic prosperity and innovation in North County. Together, the cities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista supports the business ecosystem of the 78 Corridor by elevating North County San Diego’s reputation and assisting businesses as they evolve. This partnership helps businesses prosper in place for the betterment of all who work and reside in the region. For more information about Innovate78, contact Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manger for the City of Oceanside at mgeller@oceansideca.org.
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About the Author
Caitlyn Canby loves to discover and share people’s stories. She has her bachelor’s degree in Communications, Print Journalism with over 8 years of journalism experience. An Escondido native, she just moved back from Catalina Island to North County with her husband and two children to the town of Fallbrook. Caitlyn enjoys collaborating on projects as Marketing and Events Coordinator at SDNEDC, traveling, and exploring new restaurants, venues, experiences, and cultures.