Biotechnology program greets director

Fabiola Janiak-Spens
Photo by Mairead Todd

By Mairead Todd, News Writing Student

OCCC’s new biotechnology program director is determined to prepare her students for what some call a promising future in the Oklahoma biotechnology industry.

Fabiola Janiak-Spens took over as director in January.

“We picked the right person to lead the program to the next level,” said Charlotte Mulvihill, outgoing biotechnology program director and current Advanced Technology Education director.

“We are very happy to have her.”

After conducting a nationwide search for the perfect candidate, Mulvihill said, a hiring committee chose Janiak-Spens because her depth of experience enabled her to both mentor and teach biotechnology students.

“She has proven the department right so far,” Mulvihill said. “She is a perfect fit.”

Prior to accepting the position, Janiak-Spens worked as a biochemistry post-doctoral research associate at the University of Oklahoma, where she completed her doctorate in biochemistry in 1991.

She came to the United States with a chemistry exchange program through OU in 1984, and continued to study back and forth between Oklahoma and Germany.

Although born in Berlin, OCCC’s new faculty member understands what drives Oklahoma’s biotechnology pursuits.

“Oklahoma has an ideal environment for the biotechnology industry because of our rich history in farming technology and room for commercial growth, as well as our inexpensive cost of living and central location,” Janiak-Spens said.

OCCC offers both an associate degree and a certificate of mastery in biotechnology.

Janiak-Spens said there are many organizations in the Oklahoma City area that offer opportunities for recent biotechnology graduates.

After completing the program, many students go on to complete a bachelor’s degree or find lab technician jobs.

Lab technician jobs range from bio-fuel research with an energy company to peanut butter testing at the Oklahoma Department of Health, to DNA typing for the Federal Aviation Administration.

“I hope that during my time here as the biotechnology program director, I can keep my students and staff up to date with the ever-evolving changes within the industry so their skills match the needs of the industry,” Janiak-Spens said.

Just as important, Jan-iak-Spens said, she plans to create a workforce for a potential biotechnology industry that very well could find a home here in Oklahoma.

For more information on the biotechnology program, contact Janiak-Spens at 405-682-1611, ext. 7414, e-mail her atfspens@occc.edu or check out the biotechnology program website at www.occc.edu/biotech.