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Anchin Center and ABE Tampa Prepare Biology Teachers to Bring Biotechnology into Classrooms
On July 17, 2026, biology teachers from across the Tampa Bay area gathered in TECO Hall on the USF Tampa campus for the Amgen Biotech Experience Tampa Professional Development Institute.
ABE Tampa is a partnership among the Amgen Foundation, the University of South Florida and Tampa Bay-area high schools, with support from the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. The program equips teachers with the training, resources and laboratory materials needed to provide authentic biotechnology learning experiences for their students.
Molecular genetics and biotechnology are consistently among the most challenging concepts for students to master. Authentic, hands-on biotechnology laboratories can also be difficult for schools to offer because of the cost of specialized equipment and materials. ABE Tampa helps address these barriers by providing educators with professional learning, ongoing implementation support and access to classroom-ready laboratory kits at no cost to their schools.
This year’s Professional Development Institute introduced a streamlined one-day format designed to prepare teachers to begin implementing ABE laboratory experiences more quickly. During the institute, participants gained hands-on experience with micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes and bacterial transformation. They also received practical guidance for preparing laboratory materials, facilitating investigations and managing the equipment in their classrooms.
Following the in-person institute, teachers will reconvene for a 90-minute virtual session on Microsoft Teams. During the follow-up session, participants will review the results of their bacterial transformation experiments, explore LabXchange and other online resources, and discuss kit scheduling and program logistics.
Participating teachers received access to:
- Classroom-ready biotechnology laboratory kits delivered to their schools
- Canvas resources, answer keys and LabXchange materials
- Hands-on support with laboratory setup and implementation
- A professional learning certificate
By reducing the financial and logistical barriers associated with biotechnology instruction, ABE Tampa enables more students to engage in the practices of professional scientists. Teachers leave the experience prepared to create meaningful laboratory opportunities that strengthen students’ understanding of molecular genetics while encouraging curiosity about biotechnology and related careers.
Learn more about ABE Tampa.