The image showcases a farmland backdrop with a "Career Pathways" wheel at its center. Choices listed include: "Agribusiness Systems," "Animal Systems," "Biotechnology Systems," "Environmental Service Systems," "Food Products and Processing," "Natural Resources System," "Plant Systems," and "Power, Structural and Technical Systems." Text boxes pose questions such as "Do you tend to ask questions and then work to find answers?" and "Are you interested in creating new technologies?"
Do you tend to ask questions and then work to find the answers? Are you interested in creating new technologies? If these ideas intrigue you, then you might consider biotechnology as a career pathway.
"Biotechnology Systems" is highlighted on the choice wheel.
The biotechnology pathway focuses on the science of living organisms to improve our food supply, conserve resources, and provide higher quality food.
A man observes something through a microscope in a laboratory and inputs data into his computer.
Biotech scientists have specific goals tied to agriculture. They work to make plants more nutritious or push the boundaries of what plants can do. Imagine delivering a vaccine via a salad!
Locals navigate a Chinese animal market, a woman and child fill cans using a hand pump in Africa, and two women work in a farmland appear one by one.
While advances in biotechnology may help us feed the world, they may also increase global access to safe drinking water and increase crop production to make food more affordable.
A slide titled "Biotechnology Pathway: Learn Skills" features images of plants, chemicals, and scientific equipment.
In the biotechnology pathway, you may learn skills such as how to operate science equipment, how to mix chemicals, and how to grow hundreds of plants and then select the few with the traits you are looking for.
Women work in a biotechnology lab, with one inserting a sample into a machine. Lab essentials like goggles, measuring cups and beakers, and gloves are placed on the table.
Your biotechnology SAE may focus on one of many agricultural areas. Would you enjoy applying techniques to enhance the production of food using enzymes, or implement safe handling procedures for chemicals in a school lab?
Image of three fuel pumps, with the middle one being a bio pump.
Are you interested in sustainable fuels? How about examining the properties of biofuels and weighing the pros and cons of each type of fuel?
A boy works on his laptop while a smiling girl sits next to him in a classroom. A girl is seen working on a science project.
Consider working with your science teachers to develop an agriscience fair project based on your SAE. These science fair projects have been known to grab the attention of a college professor or company, which can expand your future opportunities.
Someone picks up a leaf from a small box. Later, a plant biologist appears extracting seeds from a bottle.
One career in this pathway is a plant biologist. Plant biologists may specialize in plant breeding or genetics, or they may conduct and support research focused on increasing yields for plants.
A scientist in a lab coat and mask peers through a microscope in a laboratory. A man by a river fills a test tube with river water.
Scientists in the biotechnology pathway may work with animals, microorganisms, or disease, while others may focus on environmental issues dealing with the land and water.
Two scientists observe through microscopes in their laboratories.
Within this pathway, you will likely continue your education beyond high school and a 4-year degree. To be competitive and acquire top positions, most scientists working in biotechnology hold multiple degrees, including PhDs.
Scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory setting.
As we strive to raise enough food for our growing population and combat our changing climate, the demand for scientists in this field will continue to grow.