Catawba College and Eremid Open Graham Genomics Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus
SALISBURY, NC AND KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Catawba College and Eremid® Genomic Services, LLC, (Eremid), a specialist genomics contract research provider, are opening the Bill and Shari Graham Genomics Laboratory specializing in genomic sequencing at Eremid’s facilities on the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
“The Graham Genomics Lab is an example of the exceptional liberal arts education offered at Catawba College,” said Catawba President David P. Nelson. “Students will engage in vital research, gaining broad and deep knowledge in a particular field, enabling them to put that knowledge to work for the common good.”
Eremid’s Dr. Francisco Camacho, Director of the Graham Genomics Lab, and Professor Affiliate of Catawba College, will offer a unique undergraduate genomics course focusing on next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), beginning in Spring 2023. Students will learn clinical laboratory procedures and develop the hands-on skills to perform the most challenging laboratory techniques. The Graham Genomics Lab will offer the only undergraduate NGS training in the United States and, combined with an academic-private partnership, will equip Catawba College students with real-world skills in the growing genomics arena.
“Training in these advanced genomics techniques is usually only available to graduate students,” said Dr. Constance Rogers Lowery, Provost, and Professor of Biology at Catawba. “It is exciting that training Catawba College’s undergraduates will be the focus of the laboratory. A unique element of this collaboration is giving our students a window into the business side of science, along with exposing them to additional career pathways in science as a profession.”
The Graham Genomics Lab will boast next-generation sequencing platforms from leading technology providers, including Illumina® and Pacific Biosystems. Catawba students will acquire hands-on skills as they conduct research projects and work with innovative sequencing equipment. They will participate in multi-disciplinary, multi-platform research from concept through to data delivery and interpretation. This experience will provide them with a distinct advantage as they enter their careers and graduate programs.
“We are thrilled to partner with Catawba College in providing this one-of-a-kind lab that will enable students to gain experience that will provide them a path into a truly world-changing area of research,” said Dr. Camacho. “Genomics is the wave of the future, and Eremid’s collaboration with Catawba College will provide the guidance for students to ride new cutting-edge technology and clinically relevant training to master that future.”
“Next-generation sequencing is really this generation’s technology, a launching pad for asking and answering new questions about human health and the environment,” said Dr. Jay Bolin, Dean of Natural Sciences and Associate Professor of Biology at Catawba. “I’m excited for our students and faculty to engage in these platforms.”
About Catawba College
Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college conveniently located in Salisbury, N.C. Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, Catawba is a learning community providing students with unique opportunities to discover their vocation, calling, passions, and purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. The College offers more than 70 undergraduate and three graduate programs allowing students to explore diverse interests and create their own academic pathways. Additional information is available at catawba.edu.
About Eremid® Genomic Services, LLC
Eremid® Genomic Services is a high-complexity genomics contract research organization, focusing on science that influences human health and longevity. The company offers specialist expertise in human health, nutrition, and agbiotech, delivering high-quality research-enhancing data through customized, collaborative projects. Eremid has invested in world-class scientific staff, and cutting-edge genomic instrumentation and automation to create a unique offering that meets the increasing demands for higher data quality, reliability, and accuracy in genomics research. The company forms the cornerstone of a biotech hub based on the North Carolina Research Campus, offering collaboration and partnership opportunities, and serving both the local and wider scientific communities. For more information on Eremid Genomic Services, visit https://eremid.com.