Stanislaus State has received a $435,255 grant from BEAM Circular to establish the Centre for Sustainable Biotechnology (CSB), a state-of-the-art research and training hub dedicated to advancing workforce development in biotechnology and the circular bioeconomy in Stanislaus County.

The project led by Principal Investigator Alok Arun, an associate professor of biological sciences at Stan State, will equip students with hands-on experiential research training, connect them with local industry partners and provide pathways for high-demand biotechnical careers in the Central Valley.

"This will essentially help us to further develop research capacity at Stan State, specifically in the College of Science and in particular the Department of Biological Sciences," Arun said. "Through this grant, we plan to renovate a large lab space and dedicate it for those students who would like to delve into this research."

The project aligns closely with Stan State's commitment to expanding hands-on learning and research opportunities for students.

"This initiative represents the kind of forward-looking, community-connected science that defines Stanislaus State," said Martina Ramirez, Dean of the College of Science. "By creating opportunities for students to engage in real-world biotechnology research, we're not only strengthening academic excellence but also helping drive regional innovation and workforce development across the Central Valley."