September 19, 2025
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Oakland High School’s Dr. Sarah Daron-Mathis is leading a new class designed to help adult learners transition into careers in biotechnology.
The program is offered through Motlow State Community College’s Work-Based Learning initiative, in partnership with Vanderbilt University, Oakland High School, the Tennessee Board of Regents and supported by a National Science Foundation grant.
The six-week after-school boot camp equips students with the hands-on lab skills needed to succeed in the growing biotechnology field in Middle Tennessee. Participants also prepare for the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE), an industry-recognized certification that strengthens candidates’ qualifications for entry-level biotech positions.
In addition to lab training, learners have access to a textbook and online resources to reinforce concepts and techniques. The program addresses a critical need for skilled biotech workers in the region, where demand for trained professionals continues to increase.
Daron-Mathis currently teaches BioSTEM I, II, III and IV, along with dual enrollment biology at Oakland.
This year also marks the first time Oakland High School has utilized its state-of-the-art BioSTEM facility, part of a recent campus addition, which provides students with a university-level, hands-on environment for biotechnology training.
"We believe this facility will set the standard for BioSTEM in a public school throughout Tennessee," Oakland Principal John Marshall said.
Learn more about Motlow State’s Biotech Training Program here: https://www.motlow.edu/news/2025/motlow-state-launches-6-week-biotech-training-program.html