Hood College Receives NSF Grant for Biotechnology Training Program

Biotechnology Training Program to be held in Hood's Bioscience Research and Education Center

FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hood College has been awarded a $999,850 grant from the National Science Foundation's Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program to launch the Innovative, Immersive Training Program in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing.

Led by Rana Khan, Ph.D., director for the Biomedical Research and Education Center (BREC), the three-year project will prepare undergraduate and community college transfer students for high-demand careers in the biotechnology workforce.

A total of 51 students, 17 annually, will participate in a year-long immersive experience, including specialized coursework, paid summer internships, site visits, site-specific mini-courses at partner sites, and hands-on training aligned, supported by local industry partners such as the Maryland Tech Council, with AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, and Texcell.

Additionally, planned partnerships with Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College will reserve spots in the program for community college transfer students.

"This NSF ExLENT grant is a recognition of our leadership in preparing students for the evolving workforce needs of the bioscience industry," said Rana Khan, inaugural director of BREC. "Focused on cutting-edge technologies in gene therapy and biomanufacturing, this funding will provide hands-on training and paid internships for our students while strengthening industry partnerships and transfer pathways with local community colleges. It supports BREC's mission to help grow the bioscience industry in Frederick County and beyond."

About Hood College
Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering 30 bachelor's degrees, four pre-professional programs, 20 master's degree programs, three doctorates and 13 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities.

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SOURCE Hood College