Frederick Community College (FCC) and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR), operated by Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that forms the basis for future collaborations between the institutions, including the development of research opportunities and joint initiatives.
 
“This is an exciting opportunity for Frederick Community College to partner with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, which performs cutting-edge research and work in the areas of biomedical science and technology to improve human health,” said Dr. Tony D. Hawkins, FCC provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs, Continuing Education, and Workforce Development. “We look forward to future collaborations that will benefit both of our institutions and our community through a variety of initiatives, including augmenting student training through hands-on internships and enhancing professional development opportunities for our faculty.”
 
“As a scientific organization, we are eager to connect with and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals,” said Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, director of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. “We are proud members of the Frederick community and look forward to engaging with Frederick Community College faculty to enhance both FCC and FNL.”
 
The MOU highlights areas where joint initiatives between the institutions may occur, including:

1. workforce development through the accommodation of mutual visits and exchange of technical expertise and personnel
2. supporting biomedical training opportunities for students
3. collaboration in existing and future consortium and partnership opportunities
4. training and /or professional development opportunities for faculty

 
The MOU was signed by Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Dmitrovsky during a joint meeting at FCC on December 6, 2021.
 
During the meeting, Drs. Hawkins and Dmitrovsky, joined by Dr. Thomas Powell, FCC interim president, Tom Lynch, chair of the FCC Board of Trustees, and other representatives from FCC and FNLCR, discussed the common ground of the two institutions to serve the public interest through education and public health.
 
“Bringing our institutions together in this way will pave the way for incredible work to happen,” Dr. Powell said. “We are fortunate to have such an innovative national laboratory right there in Frederick that is performing research and making discoveries to save countless lives, and we are honored to partner with them.”
 
About Frederick Community College
Focused on teaching and learning, Frederick Community College provides affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community. FCC offers more than 85 degree and certificate programs through credit and Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) that are designed for career and transfer students as well as those studying for job credentials, professional development, and personal enrichment. FCC recognizes the different learning needs and preferences of students and offers instruction in flexible learning formats that include day, evening, weekend, online, and hybrid options. In addition, FCC offers current high school students access to college courses through its Open Campus and High School-Based Dual Enrollment programs. For more information about Frederick Community College, click here.
 
About the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is the national laboratory for biomedical research and a Federally Funded Research and Development Center dedicated to the application of biomedical science and technology to improve human health. FNLCR scientists conduct basic, translational and applied research, create new technologies, and collaborate with government, industry and academic colleagues. The Laboratory supports the National Cancer Institute and other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health. As a government-owned, contractor-operated scientific enterprise, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research efficiently addresses critical biomedical questions that others cannot readily do, and rapidly responds to emerging health threats. For more information about the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, click here.