Biotech program advancing rapidly
By Ashley Benson
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News
The Langston Biotechnology Program is developing quickly and this hidden treasure is one that cannot be concealed anymore.
Dr. Kanyand Matand was hired to create the Biotechnology Program in 2000, as well as its lab, which he said cost approximately $2 million to build. Biotechnology is a new field that focuses on using biological materials such as cellular components, cells, tissues, organs, and/or whole organisms to improve human life.
Matand said when he graduated from Tuskegee University he decided biotechnology had the most opportunities.
"I chose this field because it is very new and challenging. It might sound strange to some people reading this, but to me, biotechnology is life," Matand said. "There is not a single aspect of life you can identify that has not the potential of being affected by biotechnology."
Matand currently focuses on cell biology research, which emphasizes plant cell manipulation, and genomic research, which focuses on both plants and animals. Matand is especially interested in peanut plants. The four main fields of research he is focusing on with peanuts are peanut plant cell biology research, peanut plant hair cell biology research, peanut plant genomics research, and peanut hair genomics research.
Currently, four biology students assist Matand: Sharhonda Pickett, Stephan Conley, Marshall Bailey, Antwon Watson. Matand said the program takes each student through a process to be properly trained to work in the lab. The first step is shadowing, during which they follow scientists and senior students during their research activities and ask questions about anything that is unclear. Then they participate in rediscovery research, where the students learn how to research as part of a team. Finally, they are able to take part in discovery research and conduct individual experiments. Matand said this stage is designed for students to acquire broader investigative skills.
"We strongly believe that the techniques we develop ought to be transferred to students," Matand said.
Dr. Kanyand Matand was hired to create the Biotechnology Program in 2000, as well as its lab, which he said cost approximately $2 million to build. Biotechnology is a new field that focuses on using biological materials such as cellular components, cells, tissues, organs, and/or whole organisms to improve human life.
Matand said when he graduated from Tuskegee University he decided biotechnology had the most opportunities.
"I chose this field because it is very new and challenging. It might sound strange to some people reading this, but to me, biotechnology is life," Matand said. "There is not a single aspect of life you can identify that has not the potential of being affected by biotechnology."
Matand currently focuses on cell biology research, which emphasizes plant cell manipulation, and genomic research, which focuses on both plants and animals. Matand is especially interested in peanut plants. The four main fields of research he is focusing on with peanuts are peanut plant cell biology research, peanut plant hair cell biology research, peanut plant genomics research, and peanut hair genomics research.
Currently, four biology students assist Matand: Sharhonda Pickett, Stephan Conley, Marshall Bailey, Antwon Watson. Matand said the program takes each student through a process to be properly trained to work in the lab. The first step is shadowing, during which they follow scientists and senior students during their research activities and ask questions about anything that is unclear. Then they participate in rediscovery research, where the students learn how to research as part of a team. Finally, they are able to take part in discovery research and conduct individual experiments. Matand said this stage is designed for students to acquire broader investigative skills.
"We strongly believe that the techniques we develop ought to be transferred to students," Matand said.
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