BACE Credential Earner: Cayden Parker

Name: Cayden Parker
Organization: Santa Fe High School
Position: President of the SFHS Institute of Biotechnology

> About:

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

> BACE Impact:

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

> Job Description:

Cayden has served as the Vice President of the Institute of Biotechnology this past school year, participating in and organizing middle school recruitment opportunities, organizing and executing program-wide events, making administrative decisions for the program, and so much more. He also serves as the Project Director of his laboratory group, which consists running the main parts of different experiments with the rest of his team. As President of the Institute this school year, he will continue to partake in these responsibilities and do everything in his power to continuously enhance the program.

> Best Thing About Your Job?:

Cayden says he loves the people. Being in a cohort with the same people since freshman year has built lifelong relationships that he will cherish forever.

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