2. BIOWHAT? Biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use

3. Many fields use biotechnology Biofuels Bioremediation Diagnostic testing Education Food and agriculture Forensics Medicine Pharmaceutical development

4. Biofuels Algae biodiesel Corn ethanol Switchgrass Ethanol Other crop biomass Ethanol Butanol Animal byproducts Biodiesel Bacteria CO2 to isobutanol

5. Bioremediation Relies on naturally occurring microbes in the soil for cleanup Breaks down pollutants to water and harmless gasses

6. Food and agriculture biotechnology Increase yield and efficiency Decrease pesticide use Cleaner processes Increased nutrition

7. Diagnostics Testing Genetic Diseases Bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases Genomics to select treatment regimen Paternity testing Cancer screening

8. Medicine and pharmaceuticals More than 200 therapies and vaccines currently on the market More than 400 drugs and vaccines in clinical trials Gene therapy Genetic engineering Cancer treatment

9. Responsibilities of the biotech lab technician Maintain clean equipment Set up and calibrate equipment Prepare solutions Care for experimental animals and plants Gather data More responsibility with experience and training

10. Work environment Academic or commercial settings Indoors in a lab, in a greenhouse or in the field May work with animals May work with pathogens

11. Career advancement Requires greater responsibility and training Many private employers offer tuition assistance

12. Your ticket to a rewarding career Helping others Helping the environment Achieving energy independence Promoting cures Opportunity