The National Science Foundation awarded a three-year grant amounting to more than $500,000 to the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) in Kansas. The funds will help the school develop a critical environment engineering technology program, which will train students to become engineering technicians to assist in veterinary medicine. “One of the key elements is providing a skilled workforce to support the research scientists, veterinary scientists, and lab managers so the facilities operate safely and effectively,” said James Genandt, MATC president. “MATC is excited to lead the way with technician training for biotechnology, biosafety risk reduction, and critical environment technology. The new program expands Kansas City’s Animal Health Corridor, a cluster of animal-science businesses and educational programs available in the region, including Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine and the Biosecurity Research Institute. Additionally, soon the corridor will include the college’s National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility—a $1.25 billion animal disease laboratory, constructed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “It is clear that the Animal Health Corridor is a key component of the regional economy and provides this area with a global connection offering the winning combination of research, product development, markets, and good career opportunities,” said Genandt. MATC also received grants from AT&T Kansas and the Kansas Department of Commerce.
