The purpose of this article series is to highlight the career paths of members of the Society for In Vitro Biology to provide student members with information about the diverse career opportunities in in vitro biology.
I went to college and got a degree as a Medical Technologist. It was fascinating, but the shift schedules forced me to look for a job in Hong Kong with no weekends so I could be with my two sons. I worked at the university as a Plant Pathology research technician, and got a Master’s in Microbiology while working. They encouraged us to do this – I could take classes and do the research as part of my job. After 13 years, the State Seed Department asked me to apply for the supervisor position at their tissue culture and greenhouse facility. I have been with the state seed department for 10 years now.
Debra Baer, Minituber production, North Dakota State Seed Dept. Fargo, ND
I am an agronomist working on fruit trees, trading and setting up orchards. Three years ago our supplier from Europe couldn’t deliver our order for rootstocks so I made a plan to propagate them at a local university. After our project had started the university told us they could not continue to propagate root stocks for us. I had to start my own lab because of this. Now it’s my first season and I’m very happy to have my own lab.
Arif Can Berkoz, www.PulpTarim.com
