NanoBioNexus Partners with UCSD Extension for Nanobiotechnology Course

NanoBioNexus, Inc. (NBN), a non-profit organization devoted to nanobiotechnology and acclaimed for its excellent educational forums, has announced its partnership with UCSD Extension, the professional education division of UCSD, with a 40 year history serving as the catalyst for continued economic, intellectual and cultural growth in San Diego and Baja California. NBN has designed a course,"Introduction to Nanobiotechnology" which will be offered April 24th as part of Extension's "Cutting-Edge Knowledge" offerings in the Spring 2007 catalogue. See http://extension.ucsd.edu for further details.

Recognizing the growth in nanotech development, the goal is to grow and nurture a skilled nanobiotech workforce by developing expert courses that will help open doors to more cutting-edge jobs. With $9.6 billion invested in research and development by governments and corporations worldwide in 2005, an 18% increase over 2004, education in nanoscience has never been more important. Nanotechnology is helping to transform careers and job opportunities worldwide creating a growing demand for nano-skilled workers.

Dr. Sama Tamrakar, a senior member of NBN's Executive Team and Adjunct Professor at Southwestern College will be the lead instructor for the class. The curriculum will cover both theoretical concepts and practical applications of nanotechnology. Topics will include nanostructures, nanomaterials and their fabrication, nanotech-enabled analytical tools and techniques, and specific applications in medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Tamrakar received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Rochester and did postdoctoral research at UCSD. Her research interests are in cancer, nanobiotechnology and viral diseases.

"NanoBioNexus is pleased to team up with UCSD Extension to provide the first of several nanotech course," said Adriana Vela, Founder and Chair of the team of scientists and business professionals comprising NBN. "In line with NBN's rigorous standards, students who attend this course will benefit significantly by learning from recognized experts in each topic area."

NBN also co-leads the educational component of the UCSD-headquartered NanoTumor Center, one of eight national NCI-funded Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, and provides education and facilitates communication about applications of nanotechnology in oncology.

In addition to educational services, NanoBioNexus provides a suite of professional services to help companies, both large and small, capitalize on the opportunities in this space by delivering both technical and business services. NanoBioNexus hosts an ongoing series of events that are open to the general community as well. The next NBN seminar, "Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery - How Close Are We?" will be held March 8th. For speaker and registration details, visit www.nanobionexus.org/events.aspx.

About NanoBioNexus
NanoBioNexus is a non-profit corporation headquartered in San Diego exclusively dedicated to nanobiotechnology with a growing international constituency. The NanoBioNexus mission is to provide a community service by building awareness and understanding of nanotechnology and by fostering business opportunities in the application of nanotechnology in the life sciences. NanoBioNexus enables constituents in the Southern California area and beyond to keep up-to-date on the nanobio business environment. Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter smaller than 100 nanometers and taking advantage of properties that are present only at that scale.