#USA #Chicago #Synthetic Biology #North Park University #Northwestern University

North Park and Northwestern Launch Synthetic Biology Internship Program

This spring, North Park University, in collaboration with Northwestern University, is set to unveil an internship initiative designed for biotechnology students. This program offers future scientists the unique opportunity to work directly with leading researchers at Northwestern's Center for Synthetic Biology, located in Evanston, Illinois.

Professor Timothy Lin of North Park, who has spearheaded this initiative, emphasized the importance of practical learning. He stated, "We want our students to learn about this subject hands-on, not through YouTube videos or in TED Talks, which is why I'm grateful for the partnership." This commitment to experiential learning aims to enrich students’ educational journeys and equip them for future challenges in biotechnology.

Synthetic biology, a groundbreaking field, involves the modification of DNA and RNA to engineer new proteins. This rapidly evolving discipline holds potential for addressing critical global issues, particularly in health and biomanufacturing. Northwestern's synthetic biology laboratory prides itself on being a global hub, tackling some of the society's most pressing challenges, including food shortages through lab-created food alternatives.

The program will select up to two North Park students each year from approximately 20 qualified candidates pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBBT). These selected students will engage in 10 hours of weekly work at Northwestern while earning academic credit toward their degree.

The genesis of this collaboration can be traced back to a career development series organized by Dr. Lin, where he invited Dr. Danielle Tullman-Ercek, the director of Northwestern's Master of Biotechnology program, to speak on the societal impacts of synthetic biology. Following her discussion in 2022, Dr. Tullman-Ercek recognized the quality of students at North Park and invited one to intern at Northwestern the following summer, setting the stage for this formal partnership.

North Park University is one of the few Midwestern institutions that offer undergraduate degrees focused on molecular biology and biotechnology. Professor Lin is actively seeking to form connections with other educational institutions such as Roosevelt University to broaden internship and employment opportunities for North Park students.

Commenting on the bright future of synthetic biology, Lin remarked, "Synthetic biology is the future. Whether it's designing a new protein or an antibody, it's a growing field that will become even more significant with the help of artificial intelligence.” He believes the agreement with Northwestern marks just the beginning of expanding career pathways for students within the MBBT program.

In a landscape where practical experience is crucial for career readiness, this internship program reflects North Park University's commitment to fostering innovative educational experiences. As students engage with real-world challenges and solutions in synthetic biology, they will be better prepared to contribute meaningfully to society through their careers in science and technology.

North Park University seeks to position itself as a leader in higher education by providing students with the tools necessary to navigate and excel in these complex fields. This new internship opportunity is a testament to that commitment, promising to enhance the academic experience and professional prospects of its biotechnology majors.