A German U.S. Faculty/Intern Exchange Program In Biotechnology

Abstract

A consortium for exchange of student industrial interns and academic and industrial expertise in biotechnology and bioengineering education has been established between the NSF-funded VaNTH Engineering Research Center in Bioengineering Educational Technologies and an alliance of universities and trade organizations in Niedersachsen, Germany. The purposes of this consortium are (1) to supplement VaNTH domain expertise in biotechnology, (2) to explore differences in European/US models of bioengineering and biotechnology education and attitudes toward biotechnology development, and (3) to provide students opportunities for internships in other countries. (1) The expertise of authors H-JJ and BH in plant biotechnology and biochemistry will supplement that of VaNTH biotechnology domain leader author TG in the creation of biotechnology learning materials. Exchanges of US and German faculty and students for short courses will also take place. (2) A workshop of scientists and educators from the U.S. and Germany is being organized for Fall 2002 in Germany to introduce and allow input from the European engineering education community to VaNTH, and to address controversial aspects of biotechnology such as stem cell research and genetically modified food. US and European policies and public opinion toward both these issues differ substantially and will benefit from scientific and other discussion. (3) US intern, author HL, works with Solvay Pharmaceuticals in Hannover, Germany and is mentored by author CB. Other positions in Germany are being sought for US students. European engineering students previously hosted by author PK have been well-trained in research and industrial applications and are desirable interns for both US engineering design courses and US companies. GOALS OF THE PARTNERSHIP