蒂曼(William J)，Thieman taught biology at VenturaCollege for 35 years and biotechnology for 11 years be-fore retiring from full time teaching in 2005.He contin-ues to teach the biotechnology course at Ventura part-time.He received his B.A.in biology from CaliforniaState University at Northridge in 1966 and his M.A.degree in Zoology in 1969 at UCLA.In 1993, he starteda biotechnician training program at Ventura Collegewhere he has been teaching since 1970.In 1995, headded laboratory skills components to the course andarticulated it as a state-approved vocational program.

Mr.Thieman has taught a broad range of under-graduate courses including general, human, and can-cer biology.He received the Outstanding TeachingAward from the National Biology Teachers Associa-tion in 1996 and the 1997 and 2000 Student SuccessAward from the California Community CollegesChancellor Office.The Economic Development Asso-ciation presented the biotechnology training programat Ventura College its 1998 Program for EconomicDevelopment Award for its work with local biotech-nology companies.His success at acquiring grants tosupport the program was recognized at the NationalCenter for Resource Development Conference in 2007.