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A Teacher and Student Guide to Getting Involved in Bioindustrial Manufacturing in Cedar Valley


What is bioindustrial manufacturing?

At its core, bioindustrial manufacturing uses living systems—like microbes, algae, or enzymes—to make products we rely on every day. Instead of using oil wells or smokestacks, bioindustrial manufacturing can turn plants and renewable resources into fuels, plastics, fabrics, foods, and medicines. It’s a growing industry nationally, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense and BioMADE (Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem), which sees it as critical for both economic growth and national security. And in Utah, schools and colleges are taking a lead role in preparing the next generation of workers.

For teachers and students in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield, this is a new opportunity to explore hands-on science, connect with real industry partners, and prepare for careers that didn’t exist a decade ago. Here’s how to get involved.

1. Start Early: Bringing Bioindustrial Science into Your Classroom

Teachers in the Alpine School District (serving Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs) can begin by exploring STEM outreach already happening through the Utah STEM Action Center. Project coordinator Torin Agnelli, BioMADE outreach specialist, is “working to show Utah students future pathways in the biotech and bioindustrial manufacturing industries” (Utah STEM Action Center).

  • Teachers: Contact the Utah STEM Foundation to request classroom demonstrations, lesson plans, and information on BioMADE’s “early outreach” activities.
  • Students: Ask your CTE (Career & Technical Education) teacher or counselor if your school has pilot courses or extracurricular programs connected to biotech. Schools like Cedar Valley High and Westlake High are already expanding their STEM offerings.

2. Hands-On Projects: Build a Bioreactor in Class

One of the most exciting resources available is the low-cost classroom bioreactor developed by students and faculty at the University of Utah. BioMADE provides free curriculum and design instructions so schools can build these devices using simple, affordable parts (BioMADE Learning & Workforce).

  • Teachers can access these DIY bioreactor kits through BioMADE’s curriculum library.
  • Students can use them to grow microbes, observe fermentation, and learn how living cells make products like enzymes and biofuels—just like scientists in industry do.

3. Stackable Credentials: Map Out a Path from High School to College

One of the key features of Utah’s biotech workforce program is the availability of stackable credentials. This means students can earn certifications at different stages that build on each other.

  • In high school, you might complete an introductory biotech course and earn a basic lab certificate.
  • At Salt Lake Community College (SLCC): Continue with a one-year biotechnology certificate or a two-year associate’s degree, learning through hands-on labs and even real-world biomanufacturing at SLCC’s STUDENTfacturED program.
  • At Utah Valley University (UVU): Transfer those credits seamlessly into UVU’s Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program, offered in Orem and West Jordan.

This path makes it possible for students in Cedar Valley to move from a high school lab class to a biotech career in just a few years.

4. Connect with Industry Partners

Part of what makes this initiative unique is that companies are directly involved in shaping education.

  • Checkerspot, a biotech company with labs in Salt Lake City, engineers microalgae to make new oils and materials.
  • CleanJoule develops sustainable biofuels.
  • Technology Holding works on innovations like bio-based materials.

These businesses partner with schools and colleges to align curricula with real job skills. Teachers can invite guest speakers, arrange field trips, or connect with mentors from these companies through the Utah STEM Foundation.

5. Look Ahead: Career Opportunities for Local Students

For students in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield, bioindustrial manufacturing offers a clear payoff. Careers range from lab technicians and quality assurance specialists (requiring a one- or two-year program) to engineers and research scientists with bachelor’s or advanced degrees.

The average wage for science technicians in Utah is about $55,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and demand is expected to grow. As Curtis Blair, president of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, explained: “Education and workforce development is one of our key pillars of growth. You cannot have businesses thriving if you do not have a qualified workforce” (UVU Magazine).

For students, that means local biotech programs don’t just build skills—they open doors to well-paying jobs in Utah’s rapidly growing life sciences sector.

Quick Resources: How to Get Involved

For Teachers

For Students

For Parents

Sources

Photo by Nathan Rimoux on Unsplash

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