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The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
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Building Future Together: The Biotechnology Certificate Dual Program

Jennie Nguyen, Staff Reporter
April 28, 2026
HANDS-ON AP Biology students conduct their Enzyme Catalysis laboratory project under the guidance of AP/Honors Biology Teacher and Biotechnology Coordinator, Marla Utley. At the beginning of the school year, students participated in several laboratory investigations to develop technical skills and become familiar with real-world lab procedures. Monarch alumna Valerie Noria highlights how lab experiences offer powerful, hands-on insights that bring classroom learning to life. “I found learning the practical laboratory skills has been most helpful in establishing a foundation of applicable knowledge,” Noria said. “I feel prepared to lead and excel in my hands-on classes because I have prior experience working in a laboratory setting.” Photo courtesy of Alejandro Vera.

High school is more than a steppingstone; it’s a launchpad for the future. At Mater Dei High School, students exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have access to hands-on experiences, professional networking, and college-level learning that prepare them for success beyond high school.

For 75 years, Mater Dei’s Science Department has partnered with industry leaders and organizations such as FIRST Robotics, Project Lead The Way, Boeing, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Project STEM, and the College Board. These collaborations have fueled programs like the MD Robotics Team (4141) and the Biotechnology Certificate Program, offering students authentic exposure to scientific careers while still in high school.

Laboratory research is increasingly accessible to Mater Dei students through the Biotechnology Certificate Program, developed in collaboration with Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. Students gain hands-on, college-level lab experience, preparing them for competitive careers in life sciences and beyond.

To qualify, students must complete three science courses at Mater Dei, then enroll in Biotech 191 at mentioned colleges. Students can follow one of three pathways:

  1. Biology → Human Anatomy & Physiology → Chemistry
  2. Honors Biology → Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology → Chemistry (College Prep or Honors)
  3. Honors Biology → Chemistry (College Prep or Honors) → AP Biology

Additionally, students must complete Biology 191: Biotech A – Basic Lab Skills at one of the partner colleges. This course is tuition-free and earns four college credits, giving students a head start in life sciences education. Summer sessions are also available for Biotech 191, allowing students to accelerate their learning further.

Kali Gomez, Mater Dei Science Department Chair since 2009, co-leads the program with Science Teacher Marla Utley.

“This program gives students the chance to explore biotechnology in a hands-on environment,” Gomez said. “They also learn about internships, college opportunities, and the latest advances in the field.”

An outstanding 2025 graduate and Biological Sciences student at Chapman University, Valerie Noria highlights the program’s impact. As a STEM Distinction Award recipient and Biotechnology Certificate holder, she emphasizes that STEM is inclusive and open to all.

“Participating in this program solidified my interest in biotechnology and prepared me to succeed at the college level,” Noria said. “It gave me confidence and opened doors to undergraduate research and internships.”

The program requires dedication. Beyond the school day (8:00 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.), students  have to balance Biotech coursework, extracurriculars, and college preparation. Careful planning is key, and summer coursework can help manage the load.

Dual enrollment offers more than early college credit. It strengthens university applications, demonstrates academic rigor, and can shorten college time. Some California community colleges even offer free tuition for select courses aligned with a student’s field of study.

Through ongoing partnerships with colleges, Mater Dei ensures students have access to up-to-date academic requirements. The school actively coordinates with colleges as policies and course offerings evolve.

“Program requirements change, so we work closely with our partner colleges to keep students on track,” Gomez.

The Biotechnology Certificate Program equips students with skills highly sought after in the modern workforce: Genetic analysis and DNA techniques, Microbiology and cell culture, Bioinformatics and laboratory data management, Critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world lab settings

Graduates leave not just with college credits, but with a competitive edge for internships, research positions, and higher education.

Students interested in the Biotech Certificate Program should speak with their counselor or directly with Marla Utley or Kali Gomez. Staying informed, planning ahead, and dedicating time to coursework can open doors to incredible opportunities in STEM.

At Mater Dei, the message is clear: STEM is for everyone, and the future is yours to shape.

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