Stan Harrison is an energetic and passionate force in biotechnology education, dedicated to opening doors for young learners and guiding them toward meaningful careers. Over the past 15 years, he’s led state biotech secondary education (CTAE/STEM) initiatives for the industry-recognized Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE), served as Master Instructor for the Georgia Life Sciences teacher training initiatives, conducted stem cell research at UGA, and more. He most recently launched a new biomanufacturing lab at the Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA), serving as the district’s biotech pathway instructor. 

Stan blends deep expertise with a genuine passion for helping students grow, thrive, and see just how far their potential can take them.

Key takeaways:

• Stan Harrison connects students to real-world biotechnology through hands-on lab experience and industry exposure.
• ACCA’s biomanufacturing pathway equips students with certifications, skills, and confidence for careers. 
• He blends traditional teaching with technology to reinforce learning and meet students on their level.

Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA)

At ACCA, Stan has built a biomanufacturing pathway that blends cutting-edge science with real-world opportunity. This program gives high school students hands-on skills and life-changing confidence to imagine futures they might never have thought possible.

About ACCA & the Biomanufacturing Pathway

At ACCA, Stan has designed a pathway that transforms how students see their futures.

“Our pathway spans an entry-level course, through an essential lab and production skills course, and culminates with a pathway completion course focused on long-term projects such as culturing and passaging stem cells.  The cohort completes the pathway by sitting for a professional certification exam and has the potential to earn their biotechnician credential. Along the way, Harrison’s students work in a state-of-the-art lab that rivals what you’d find at a major university. Students often go on to  serve as lab assistants in college or get placed with local biotech companies through work-based learning (WBL), internships, or direct hire.”

This pathway is more than a series of science classes; it’s a launchpad for students to confidently enter the biotech workforce or higher education.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Stan knows that every student comes with a different story, a different level of confidence, and a unique set of challenges. Many of his students come from low socio-economic backgrounds or enter with limited experience in science.

“Often, students enter my program with one of two attitudes: a fatalistic belief that they are stuck where they are, or they want to break out. I always tell them, in a ‘tongue in cheek’ manner, that this is not rocket science, just biotechnology. I can teach anybody the basic content knowledge and skill sets needed for entry-level employment in this industry. However, it’s often the soft skills that will get them in the door and lead to promotions. “

He knows reaching every learner requires combining proven teaching methods with modern tools.

“I’m an old school teacher at heart, but I like to mix things up. I teach hands-on and face-to-face, but I still use textbooks, along with videos, and collaborative discussions. These methods are foundational and help students grasp basic concepts. But I also embrace new technologies like virtual reality labs and AI. It lets me give students extra practice, track their progress, and explore concepts beyond what we can do in the lab.”

Labster as a Crucial Extension

In his quest to give students every chance to succeed, Stan turns to technology that complements his hands-on approach. Labster is one tool that evolves alongside him while staying intuitive and practical.

“I was an early adopter, beta testing Labster when it first launched. I like how it’s evolved but has remained simple and user-friendly, exactly what a teacher needs without overcomplicating things. So many other platforms try to do too much, but Labster delivers what we need and what works. If Labster keeps evolving with the times, I’ll use it as long as I’m teaching. It’s a tool that grows with the curriculum, the students, and the industry.”

Labster isn’t tech for tech’s sake; it’s about giving students more chances to succeed. Virtual labs provide a safe space for students to practice, explore, and deepen their understanding.

“Labster helps with prep, reinforcement, and replacing costly labs. Some labs cost hundreds of dollars in reagents. I can’t really let them redo that in person, but Labster gives them a safe, low-pressure way to practice. It lets students explore concepts before we do them in the lab, or dig deeper afterward to extend learning. If a student finishes a skill set, they can dive into more advanced modules that I wouldn’t otherwise have time or resources to offer.”

Stan is doing incredible work adjusting his curriculum on the fly to adjust to student needs, and Labster offers the analytics to do that.

“With Google Classroom integration, I can see how much time students spend on each module, their quiz scores, and overall effort. It gives me metrics I can use to quickly assess if they’re really grasping a concept or need extra support. I can tailor the curriculum to each class, picking the modules that match their skill levels and interests.”

Looking Ahead

Biotechnology is just getting started, and Stan is excited to see where innovation will take his students next.

“We’re in a genetics revolution, and AI is already part of biotechnology. It was really the first true application of AI in a real business setting and it’s only going to expand across every industry. I keep telling my students that by the time they’re in the workforce, things will look completely different, and the skills they’re building now will give them a huge advantage.”

For Stan, it’s about preparing students not just for a lab, but for life.

“The work we’re doing now is heavy lifting, but it’s important. These are real opportunities for high-paying jobs. It’s about showing students that the world is really open if they’re capable and dependable. By the time they are 25, they may leap ahead of bachelor’s degree students and be in management, making six figures, because they’ve got the experience.”

Not resting on his laurels, Stan is focused on what’s next for his students and the rapidly evolving biotech field. He wants every student to see that their potential is limitless, and with the right skills, determination, and guidance, they can thrive in a world full of opportunity.