By Susan Thwing-McHale, staff writer
Three hundred southeastern Michigan high school students interested in health and science careers will visit Oakland University for the MichBio Life Sciences Career Day on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event will take place in conjunction with the MichBio Expo and Conference in Novi.
MichBio is an organization committed to the growth of the state's bioscience industry. Members include bioscience companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers and related organizations.
“We will introduce Michigan's top high school students to the diversity of health and life science careers available to them,” said Virinder Moudgil, senior vice president of academic affairs and provost. “Our goal is to help retain Michigan's best by encouraging them to explore the many career opportunities available, study at our state’s great universities, like OU, and work for Michigan’s businesses.”
The career day program will feature a keynote presentation by Michael Chopp, distinguished professor of physics at OU and director of neuroscience research at Henry Ford Hospital. Students will learn about recent breakthroughs in brain treatment and recovery after stroke or neurological injury.
After the keynote address, students will attend breakout sessions with topics including apiary science, environmental sustainability, bioengineering and bioinformatics, as well as career opportunities in health, life sciences and bioscience. Students also will see demonstrations of physical therapy, chemistry and lab imaging procedures, as well as SIM Baby, a high-tech simulator that provides realistic pediatric patient care scenarios.
In addition to participating in the Career Day at OU, Moudgil will open the MichBio Expo’s breakfast panel discussion titled “Hospitals of the Future – Biotech Meets Patient Care” on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Frank Giblin, professor of biomedical science and director of the Eye Research Institute will serve as moderator for the panel.
MichBio Expo 2008, held Nov. 18-19 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, will attract more than 500 participants from across the state and is designed for professionals from across the life sciences spectrum and at every stage of business development. The conference will provide attendees an opportunity to hear from top industry speakers, view more than 110 exhibitors, attend special networking events and meet with business development executives from national pharmacy and medical device companies.