The biotechnology sector is expanding at a rapid pace, linking scientific discovery with practical solutions for health, agriculture, and the environment. At Southern Utah University (SUU), a student-run collective called BioHive is turning that momentum into a campus-wide learning ecosystem. By gathering students from diverse STEM backgrounds, BioHive creates a space where curiosity meets real-world application, and where future professionals can start building the networks they will need after graduation.
Beyond the classroom, the organization acts as a bridge to Utah’s thriving biotech industry. Partnerships with local companies enable members to attend high-quality seminars, engage in mentorship, and explore career pathways that might otherwise remain hidden. As Dr. Tyson Edwards, a biology professor at SUU, notes, the link to the larger parent network “scaffolds networking and career services for our students,” turning theoretical knowledge into employable skill sets.
BioHive at Southern Utah University – building a biotech community
BioHive operates under an open-membership model, welcoming anyone enrolled in a STEM major—or even those simply interested in the life sciences. The group’s activities span three core pillars: networking, hands-on experience, and professional development. Monthly speaker series introduce members to pioneers in genetics, synthetic biology, and environmental biotech, while workshop nights let students practice techniques ranging from CRISPR design to data analysis in Python. In addition, the chapter collaborates with the university’s career services to host résumé clinics and mock interviews, ensuring that members are prepared for the competitive job market.
Because the organization is student-led, leadership roles rotate each semester, granting participants the chance to manage event logistics, negotiate sponsorships, and refine project management skills. Those experiences, combined with exposure to cutting-edge research, equip members with a portfolio that stands out to recruiters from both startups and established firms in Utah’s growing biotech corridor.
Nov. 19 Bio-Hackathon – turning ideas into prototypes
The centerpiece of BioHive’s calendar this fall is the SUU BioHive Bio-Hackathon, scheduled for 5 p.m. on November 19 in Room 114 of the Science Building. The event adopts a team-based competition format: participants form groups of 3-5, receive a brief outlining a real-world challenge—such as rapid diagnostic development, sustainable bio-fuel synthesis, or novel waste-bioremediation pathways—and then have three hours to devise a viable solution.
Judging criteria emphasize creativity, potential impact, technical soundness in biotechnology, and teamwork. A panel comprising faculty members, industry professionals, and alumni will evaluate each presentation, awarding prizes that include cash awards, internship interviews, and access to lab space for further development. Notably, the competition does not require prior biotech experience; newcomers are encouraged to join, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between biology majors, chemists, engineers, and even data-science students.
Logistics are student-friendly: the venue will provide basic laboratory equipment, laptops, and high-speed internet, while catering will supply pizza, snacks, and beverages to keep energy levels high. To register or learn more, interested students can follow the chapter’s Instagram handle @BIOHIVESUU or email Dr. Edwards directly at [email protected]. The hackathon aims not only to spark innovative ideas but also to cement lasting connections among participants, mentors, and potential employers.
