BACE Credential Earner: Cayden Parker

Name:

Cayden Parker

Organization:

Santa Fe High School

Position:

President of the SFHS Institute of Biotechnology

> About Me:

My name is Cayden Parker. An Intellectual. A Determined Worker. A Biotechnology Fanatic. I have been in the Institute of Biotechnology at Santa Fe High for the past three years, and it has been incredibly life changing. We’ve learned how to do bacterial transformations, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction and so much more! Our program has grown immensely the past few years, and as we continue to add more certifications along with gaining notoriety and influence, we will certainly continue to grow! I have the privilege of serving as the President of the Institute for the 2024-2025 school year; I am willing and ready to continue serving our community of future biotechnologists, and the BACE credential has certainly propelled us into the right direction! I am also the President of the Pre-Collegiate Club & President/Founder of the Black Student Union at Santa Fe High. I am very involved on campus with being in our Student Government Association along with taking five AP classes.

> BACE Impact:

Within our biotechnology program, we specialize in learning about the four main avenues of biotechnology: research & development, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and technology. Throughout all four years we do in-depth research through different lab experiments and lectures. At the end of students’ third year of the biotechnology program, students take the BACE credentialing exam – being that it encompasses the main areas of biotechnology that our program is based around. Receiving the BACE credential is a major milestone within our program because earning it represents all of the dedication and effort we put into specializing in this area of biotechnology. Comparatively, earning this credential certifies our standing within the biotechnology community. As a high school student, it can be perceived that I am inexperienced in this field due to my young age. By passing a certification in high school that qualifies me to join the workforce, different companies in the industry can acknowledge that I am adamant about my career in biotechnology. Also by earning this credential, I have made many connections with different industry workers and owners on LinkedIn and even with Tamara Mandell, the Director of Biotility.

> Job Description:

I have served as the Vice President of the Institute of Biotechnology this past school year, and it has been required making weekly plans for the program, participating in and organizing middle school recruitment opportunities, organizing and executing program-wide events, making administrative decisions for the program, and so much more! I also serve as the Project Director within my laboratory group, which consists running the main parts of different experiments with the rest of my team. As President of the Institute this school year, I will continue to partake in these responsibilities and do everything in my power to continuously enhance the program.