NDSU biotechnology degree opens pathways to rewarding careers
For NDSU alum Wyatt Warkenthien, a biotechnology degree has opened the door to several rewarding opportunities centered in innovative research right here on NDSU’s campus.
“NDSU has been a great launch platform for my career. It provided me with all the skills I needed in the lab and hands-on experience,” Warkenthien said.
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that merges biology and technology to develop solutions for health challenges and environmental issues. NDSU’s biotechnology degree provides students with a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The comprehensive curriculum covers subjects in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology.
Faculty in the department are dedicated to students’ success, ensuring you’ll have everything you need to succeed through a favorable student-to-faculty ratio and cohort learning groups.
“I think the program has some of the best faculty,” Warkenthien said. “They’re always willing to help students if you ask them for advice, and they do a really good job teaching.”
The program also provides ample hands-on opportunities to explore gene cloning, recombinant DNA and genetic engineering through cutting-edge research that takes place in state-of-the-art labs.
During his time at NDSU, Warkenthien was heavily involved in various experiential learning projects, including participating in NDSU’s Genetic Engineering Corps, a student organization that allows students to work as a team to engineer a microbe and present it at the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition.
The projects Warkenthien had a part in through iGEM included seeking to replace textile dyeing with a non-toxic, protein-based dye, and developing a novel detection method for Varroa mites in Honeybee hives to prevent colony collapse disorder.
Additionally, Warkenthien participated in various entrepreneurial opportunities at NDSU to broaden his educational experience.
“One of the main ones that was beneficial for me was the Possibility Fellowship through the College of Business. That’s a program where you can collaborate with other students on campus to work towards starting your own venture by learning how to do it. Everything from how to make a pitch deck to how to raise capital,” he said.
The Possibility Fellowship helped paved a way to Warkenthien’s current career. After graduating in 2024, Warkenthien co-founded Lilac Agriculture with NDSU assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Barney Geddes, an NDSU Richard and Linda Offerdahl faculty fellow. Lilac is a biologicals company, that advances biological fertilizers for agricultural purposes.
“What inspired this project was a lot of the work being done in Dr. Geddes’ lab here on campus. He was looking to commercialize some of it and make a real impact in the world with the research he was doing, and he was looking for students who dealt with that process,” Warkenthien said.
For prospective students wanting to gain valuable skills and opportunities that will shape their future careers, Warkenthien highly encourages NDSU’s biotechnology program.
“Students should choose to study biotechnology at NDSU because it is one of the best programs,” Warkenthien said. “It’s very diverse, as you can go into a lot of different industries. A lot of the information you learn in the biotechnology program can be applied to medicine, microbiology and chemistry.”
Learn more about the biotechnology program and Warkenthien’s path to success on NDSU’s official YouTube channel.
Apply now to start shaping your future or schedule a visit.