"Career Day is aimed at introducing West Michigan's top high school students to the excellent life science university programs and career opportunities available in our state," said Matt Dugener, executive director of the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative at Grand Valley State University. "Through collaborative programs like this, we hope to encourage some of our state's best and brightest to attend universities and pursue life science careers right here in Michigan."
Grand Valley Provost Gayle Davis will open the morning session at the Van Andel Institute with a discussion on opportunities in higher education, followed by Van Andel Education Institute Graduate School Dean Steve Triezenberg, Ph.D. and members of the Van Andel Research Institute scientific staff who will talk about their careers and share personal advice. The morning program will also feature motivational speaker Jim Jordan who will guide students through a series of exercises and demonstrations to help them seek out the career path best suited for them. The afternoon will include speakers from Grand Valley's Kirkhof College of Nursing and Spectrum Health, as well as a tour of Grand Valley's Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.
"The life science industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in West Michigan," said David Van Andel, chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute. Van Andel is also scheduled to deliver the opening keynote address at the MichBio conference on Thursday, Oct. 12. "It is vital that we prepare today's students for tomorrow's careers. We need to direct greater resources and attention to math and science education, beginning at the elementary level and continuing through graduate level programs."
This is MichBio's second student life science career day. Last year, the event was held at Wayne State University and hosted 300 students and teachers.
"We are dedicated to driving growth in the life sciences industry," explained MichBio Executive Director Stephen Rapundalo, Ph.D. "We had an overwhelming response to last year's event from Southeast Michigan schools and are excited about bringing this opportunity to students in West Michigan."
This program is for high school students in West Michigan who are interested in pursuing a science career. Letters of invitation were distributed to area public, parochial and charter schools last month. The event is free to students and their chaperones. Interested schools should contact Michelle Sharp at [email protected].
MichBio Expo 2006 is expected to attract industry leaders from across the state. More information is available at www.michbio.org.
MichBio Expo 2006 sponsors include Pfizer Research and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Van Andel Institute, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan, Esperion Therapeutics, Asterand Inc., Michigan State University, West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative, Warner Norcross & Judd, Clark Hill, Charter One and Michigan Business Review.
