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Agricultural Biotechnology

The Bill and Nancy Covington Education Center at Alamance Community College. The image shows a scenic view of a wooden fence enclosing a green field with trees and light morning mist in the background. A sign prominently displays the center's name along with the Alamance Community College logo, emphasizing the rural and serene setting of the Covington farm.

AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE  |  CERTIFICATE  |  CCP CERTIFICATE

Agricultural Biotechnology applies molecular biology, biochemistry, and agricultural techniques, including genetic engineering, to enhance crop yields, disease resistance, and other desirable traits. North Carolina boasts the 3rd most diverse agricultural economy in the nation, with over 80 commercial crops, a robust animal agriculture sector, and 17.5% of its workforce engaged in agriculture and agribusiness.

ACC offers a unique program combining biotechnology and agricultural sciences, providing you with hands-on experience in labs, greenhouses, and farm settings. 


MISSION

Our mission is to prepare graduates who excel at the intersection of agriculture and biotechnology. Equipped with effective documentation skills, plant production expertise, a deep understanding of plant growth, equipment proficiency, and mastery of aseptic techniques, our students are poised to be leaders in the field. We emphasize precision, safety, ethics, and environmental responsibility, ensuring our graduates contribute positively to innovation and sustainability in plant production. Our program's commitment is to produce professionals who drive excellence while meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements, making a significant impact in the AgTech sector.

 

A technician in the AgTech sector could work in a research laboratory assisting scientists in creating new genetically engineered crops, or as a culturist scaling up crops or ornamentals in a plant tissue culture facility. There are also emerging agtech companies in the region focusing on lab grown meats.  Some AgTech companies found in North Carolina include, AGEYE, BASF Agricultural Products Group, Believer Meats, Syngenta and Targan.

You can find employment in many areas of agriculture, research and development, or the emerging AgTech industry within NC. Some examples include; Lab Technician, Research Associate, Extension Agent, Field Specialist, Grower.

What is the approximate salary range for biotechnicians in this area?

According to the most recent publication from the NCBiotechCenter; the average starting salary is $51,142 for entry level roles - ranging from $45,900 in biomanufacturing to $69,500 in validation (WoW Report, 2023).

After Graduation

After graduation ACC Biotechnology graduates have the practical laboratory experience to prepare them for the workforce or to further their education at the university level. ACC has three articulation agreements with area universities to ensure credits earned at ACC transfer to a public university.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Biotechnology?

  • Cell Culturist- Growing cells for vaccine and therapeutic medications
  • Environmental Monitor/Microbiologist Technician- making sure contamination does not happen in manufacturing, microbial control
  • Biomanufacturing Associate- processing and manufacturing of drug products  
  • Laboratory Technician- Testing samples, running assays, and medical diagnostics

Questions? Contact Us.

Michelle Sabaoun
Department Head
michelle.sabaoun@alamancecc.edu
336-506-4224

Meagan Vallejos
Lab Operations/ Project Manager
mlvallejos530@alamancecc.edu
336-506-4284

Dr. David Battigelli
Instructor
dabattigelli189@alamancecc.edu
336-532-5052

Dr. Izy Obi
Biotechnology Pathway Navigator
ilobi923@alamancecc.edu
336-506-4293

ACC Biowork
biotechnology@alamancecc.edu


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