National Manufacturing Day: Updates from BioMADE’s First Education and Workforce Development Projects
National Manufacturing Day is held every year to show students, parents, and the public what modern manufacturing is all about. New advanced manufacturing technologies bring about whole new careers, requiring a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them.
Biomanufacturing poses a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a brighter future with safe, high-paying jobs distributed across the country. The U.S. has the potential to be a biomanufacturing leader in the coming years, but investment in education and workforce development must complement investments in technical research – which is where BioMADE comes in. BioMADE is building the workforce of the future by pairing industry-driven competencies with program development through K12 schools, community colleges, universities, and professional development organizations.
Celebrate Manufacturing Day this October by catching up on BioMADE’s first suite of Education and Workforce Development projects.
Early Exposure: Biomanufacturing in the University of Texas Freshman Research Initiative
The University of Texas, Austin currently has an inaugural group of 25 sophomores learning about biomanufacturing career opportunities and training in biomanufacturing skills and techniques. Soon, they’ll be progressing to conducting original research in both upstream and downstream processes.
Students are also working to optimize and scale-up novel research on a new microbial manufacturing system, creating a pipeline from the research lab to industry. This program is collaborating with Austin Community College to create a certification pipeline that will help prepare all of our students to seamlessly enter the biomanufacturing workforce.
Nanobiotechnology to Inspire the Next Generation of the Skilled Biomanufacturing Workforce
The University of North Carolina, Greensboro is working with Forsyth Technical Community College and Genome Insights to host nanotechnology workshops. Eight teachers – from middle school, high school, and community colleges – participated in their first workshop. The workshop provided an immersive, hands-on laboratory experience that put cutting-edge nanobiotechnology in the hands of participants to reveal the hidden and powerful universe of soil microbes. By expanding the knowledge and exciting the imaginations of these teachers, we gave them the tools they needed to take the message to their students and prepare the next generation of bioindustrial manufacturing innovators.
ALAKA‘I: Applied Life-Science Academy: Knowledge Advancing Industry
Researchers at University of Hawai‘i, Hilo are establishing a Hawaiian bioeconomy academy to develop industry-relevant training for delivery in Hawaiʻi and across the United States. In its first year, this project has:
Surveyed industry and identified the need for mid-level technical and non-technical managers
Received strong support from the Hawaiian voyaging community, highlighting mutual interests in promoting sustainability
Had participation from students interested in implementing climate change solutions
Heightened appreciation that indigenous Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultural perspectives can inform contemporary approaches to sustainability and climate change solutions
Received recognition that raising awareness across multiple disciplines is necessary to implement bioeconomy solutions
Educating the Current and Future Bioindustrial Workforce: Molecular Biology, Bioprocessing Fundamentals, and Responsible Innovation
North Carolina State University is developing a new course, Biomanufacturing Principles, Processes, and Responsible Innovation. The course will cover a range of topics related to bioindustrial manufacturing, including foundational microbiology and molecular biology concepts, the design and execution of biomanufacturing processes, and social/ethical considerations in the area of biomanufacturing. The course, on schedule for December 2023, is idea for professionals who are new to biomanufacturing and university students considering a career in biomanufacturing.
Regional Partnerships for Training the Biomanufacturing Workforce in Worcester, MA
Member BioBuilder, in partnership with Worcester Public Schools, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Twist Bioscience, is launching an after-school program focused on training students for biomanufacturing careers.
Since project launch, the team has developed the curriculum, recruited students, and ran the first Technical Course of the Biotechnology Innovation Pathway Program at Worcester Public Schools.
The course involved classroom and technical laboratory skills, as well as professional interviews with practicing scientists, exposure to local biotech firms, and a workshop at the BioBuilder Learning Lab in Boston.
Bioreactor Education, Setup, and Training
Researchers from University of Georgia and Albany State University are developing a cost-effective DIY bioreactor in order to give more students the appropriate training they need for careers in the industry. The team has:
Hosted a workshop focused on building upstream manufacturing skills with attendees from community college biotech programs across the U.S.
Acquired equipment from BlueSens and constructed a prototype bioreactor with functioning off-gas detection (BlueVary), pumps, motor as well as pH and DO sensors.
Built a prototype bioreactor in collaboration with several UGA departments
Next, researchers will be integrating temperature control and manufacture adapters for the motor to various vessels motor mounts.
Building BioMADE Awareness: The STEMconnector Ecosystem Approach
Member STEMconnector is partnering with University of California, Davis to raise awareness of current and emerging career opportunities and the social and global impact that bioindustrial manufacturing can bring. In the first year of this project, STEMconnector:
Conducted an Environmental Scan to examine current gaps and potential undiscovered assets in the bioindustrial manufacturing workforce and gain knowledge about the factors that are affecting the industry
Hosted stakeholders at a manufacturing plant for a discussion about workforce gaps and with students to hear about their perspectives regarding their educational journeys as they pursue careers in bioindustrial manufacturing.
Convened an Innovation Lab with members and stakeholders to discuss challenges in building awareness around careers in bioindustrial manufacturing
Developed a Gap Analysis Tool, which Innovation Lab participants piloted
