Laboratory Science Technology Program at NTID

The new Laboratory Science Technology (LST) program at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) prepares deaf and hard-of-hearing students for employment as laboratory technicians. The program was developed primarily from an industry perspective, with course sequences in Chemistry (Fundamental, Analytical, & Organic), Biology, Microbiology, Instrumental Analysis, Laboratory Mathematics, and a unique six-part Laboratory Applications series. Program flagships are a required Co-op experience and a state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratory.

The LST program awards Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, and allows qualified students to transition to related Baccalaureate programs. LST graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in a broad range of fields including chemistry, biology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, inductrial chemistry, and food science. The LST program has experienced successful growth and implementation, and is currently promoting partnerships with industry.

Student experience:

LST students are well-trained to function in laboratory employment settings. Their program has focused on application and many hands-on experiences. The students have had practice with instrumental, volumetric, gravimetric, and biological techniques, as well as demonstrated proficiencies in general “bench skills”. Additional instructional emphasis has been placed on laboratory organization, storage, record keeping, maintenance, and functioning as a member of a team.

Working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students:

For the past 30 years, RIT/NTID students and graduates have successfully worked in a variety of workplace settings. Communication needs will be explained and strategies suggested to minimize obstacles, as an inclusive system is sought for all. There are a variety of aides and alternatives available to enhance communication. We are committed to working together to make Co-op experiences positive for both student and employer.

Our students in the program are very knowledgeable in practical information, have excellent bench skills, and are often able to enter a new laboratory facility and contribute from the start. The employers that have worked with our students on cooperative work experiences in the past have given high recommendations. Some of the organizations with which we have placed the Laboratory Science Technology students in the past include: Paradigm Environmental Services, Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, RJ Lee Group, FDA, Kodak, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Land-of-Lakes, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Stanford University, and NOAA. In fact, Dr. J. Beno, of the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, Forensic Toxicology Lab- was quoted in a local publication saying the following about her experience with one of our students (Lori) "I've never had an intern from any college as qualified as Lori. She came into our lab wonderfully prepared. Her (skills) lead me to recommend NTID's LST students to any lab in the country".

Proposed Laboratory Renovations:

The LST program has experienced tremendous success and growth. The program expansion and need to maintain state-of-the art instructional facilities, calls for the renovation of antiquated laboratory space. Newly designed laboratories will include an additional 700 sq.ft. of space, divided between a classroom/meeting room and a larger area to accommodate the state-of-the art instrumentation laboratory (which will house the program’s GC-MS, HPLC, Capillary Electrophoresis, IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, and Atomic Absorption instrumentation). One of the two redesigned laboratory spaces provides a combined instrumentation laboratory and classroom while the second will meet the needs of the biotechnology curriculum. Hood access will be increased from four to twenty-four linear feet, providing vented workspace for up to twelve students simultaneously and includes ventilated chemical storage cabinets. Additional counter space and storage areas, and most importantly, increased access to work areas, safety stations, and materials are incorporated into the new design.

The proposed laboratory renovations are aimed to accommodate program growth and vastly improve the student work environment. The renovations will also provide the deaf and hard-of-hearing students with improved visual access to the learning environment. The current facilities are not adequate for classroom instruction of these students, as the visual field to the instructor and other students is obstructed. The proposed renovations will conform with the current standards in design of learning environments for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

For more information, please contact:

Todd Pagano
Assistant Professor, Department of Science & Mathematics
Director, Laboratory Science Technology program
Rochester Institute of Technology/ National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester, NY 14623

585-475-4539
tepnts@rit.edu

If you would like to make a donation to the Laboratory Science Technology program or to the renovation lab project, please make checks payable to:

NTID Foundation

Checks can be mailed to:

National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Office of Development
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
LBJ Building 60 - Room 3799
Rochester, NY 14623-5604