Explore Programs
Biotechnology
Overview
Biotechnology is the science behind life-saving medicines, cleaner energy, better crops, new types of food, and eco-friendly plastics. It’s a fast-growing career area, and there are job opportunities are available and expanding in Nebraska.Whether you are just starting out, switching careers, or adding to what you already know, the MCC Biotechnology Program is designed to help you. You will begin working in a lab right away and learn basic skills like keeping things clean and safe, storing cells, and writing proper records. As you continue, you’ll learn how to use special machines and go through the full process of making biological products, from growing cells to cleaning the final product. You’ll also learn how to follow important safety and quality rules used by the FDA. MCC offers a flexible schedule and focused courses to develop your skills in your area of interest.
MCC Biotechnology is supported by a National Science Foundation ATE grant and is proud to be part of the InnovATEBIO Network.
To request a tour of the Biotechnology Lab, email biotechnology@mccneb.edu
Why Choose Biotechnology at MCC?
No Previous Experience Needed
- MCC offers all training and courses needed to jump start our career in biotechnology. You do not need previous experience in this field to get started.
Review these considerations to see if Biotechnology might be right for you:
- Do you like working with your hands and following precise procedures?
- Are you detail-oriented and good at following instructions carefully?
- Are you interested in science, health, sustainability, or how products are made?
Hands-On Experience
- Starting in your first quarter, you’ll be in a professional lab learning foundational skills for your career. You will learn to operate the same systems used in pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing facilities.
Day & Evening Classes for Flexible Schedules
- We offer day (Fall start) and evening (Spring start) pathways on a quarter system. Same courses, same equipment, same credentials. Full-time students can complete the Career Certificate in three quarters. Part-time options are available.
Industry-Connected
- Our BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) advisory network and Bio Nebraska partnerships connect you to the employers that are hiring. As industry trends evolve, our training programs will be updated based on feedback and guidance from local industry partners.
State of the Art – Industry specific lab
Equipment Highlights:
- Eppendorf BioFlo 120 bioreactors (upstream processing)
- Chromatography systems (purification)
- Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and sterile processing
- Vertical Autoclave
- Gowning room for cGMP practices
- PCR thermocyclers, gel boxes, transilluminators (AS degree lab)
- SDS-PAGE and Western blot systems (AS degree lab)
- Microscopy for hematology (elective)
Nebraska’s Bioindustry:
- Surrounded by natural resources, agricultural and medical industries, Nebraska has a need for employees with skilled training.
Regional employers include companies producing biofuel, sweeteners, animal feed additives, bioplastics, pharmaceutical products and more.
Industry Partners & Advisory Team
Advisory Team:
The MCC Biotechnology Program was built with direct input from professionals through our BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) advisory model. Students who choose the internship elective are placed at local biotech companies under professional supervision. Our BILT network makes these placements possible. Many internships lead to job offers.
Industry Partners include:
- Evonik
- ADS Biotec
- Novonesis
- Phibro Animal Health
- Merck Animal Health
- Streck
- Bio Nebraska
To get involved in the community industry events, please visit Bio Nebraska.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty
- Jackie Clifford
- Biotechnology Program Director
- Biology Instructor
- Ashley Cunningham
- Biotechnology/Biology Instructor
Lab Coordinator
- Shawn Erickson
- Biotechnology Lab Coordinator
Youth Opportunities
High School Biotechnology Academy (Coming Fall 2027)
A structured academy program for high school students to experience biotechnology firsthand. Students will learn foundational lab skills, explore career paths in biotech, and see what it’s like to work in a professional laboratory setting. The academy is being developed in partnership with area high schools and is expected to launch in Fall 2027. Details on eligibility, schedule, and enrollment will be posted here as they become available.
Biotech Summer Camps
Hands-on summer experiences for middle and high school students. Camps introduce students to biotechnology through fun, accessible lab activities and connect them to career possibilities they may not have known existed. Past and planned camp topics include:
- Introduction to lab safety and aseptic technique
- DNA extraction and visualization
- Fermentation experiments
- Biotech career exploration and industry tours
Middle School Biotechnology Exploration Camp
- Ages 13-15
High School Science Research & Discovery Camp
- Ages 15-18
Bio Nebraska Foundation STEM Scholarships
The Bio Nebraska Foundation offers $2,500 scholarships for Nebraska high school seniors planning to pursue STEM education. This is a great opportunity for students interested in our Biotechnology Program.