FAU - SCI Partnership Yields First Careers
Students touring Sancilio & Company facilities.
Florida Atlantic University’s new workforce training partnership with Sancilio & Company (SCI), a Riviera Beach-based biotech company, has yielded new careers for three recent graduates. SCI’s Daneish Patterson ‘17, human resources administrator; Alexander Haddad ‘17, scientist; and Courtney Cocilova ‘17, senior scientist; were among the first to enroll in FAU’s graduate-level course that is led by SCI scientists and focused on biopharmaceuticals and drug development.
FAU’s Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB) and SCI began a partnership in fall 2016 to address unique biopharmaceutical workforce needs. Conducted at FAU’s Jupiter campus, the course is popular among FAU students studying diverse disciplines, from biological sciences to healthcare administration. Students who participate in the course have the opportunity to apply for internship positions at the company.
“As an intern, I engaged in real project scenarios and gained industry knowledge as well as professional experience,” said Cocilova, who accepted her job at SCI after graduating from FAU with her doctorate in May. “I am very thankful for the opportunity that FAU and SCI provided me, which led me to my career.”
SCI is focused on the development of novel therapies for application in the emerging field of lipidomics, the science related to the structure, function, interaction and movements of cellular lipids and their relationship to diseases.
“We are advancing Palm Beach County’s economic vitality by providing workforce solutions for industry, which includes training students for high paying careers,” said Frederick D. Sancilio, Ph.D., founder, president and CEO of SCI. “The collaborative program with FAU and Sancilio will lead to further growth of the biopharmaceutical industry in the county.”
FAU’s CMBB and SCI recently expanded the joint program to include a second graduate-level course offered on FAU’s Jupiter campus, focusing on the biopharmaceutical industry. FAU’s Jupiter campus houses its CMBB, the Brain Institute, Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Honors College and Lifelong Learning Institute, among other programs. Also home to Scripps Florida and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, FAU Jupiter is the nation’s newest hub for the life sciences.
“For nearly two decades our Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology has led initiatives to provide biotech companies in southeast Florida with advanced access to state-of-the-art technology, scientists, and students to support industry innovation and growth,” said Daniel C. Flynn, Ph.D., FAU’s vice president for research.
For more information about the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB), visit http://www.science.fau.edu/cmbb/ .
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