This week, MassBay Community College officially opened the MassBay Center for Biomanufacturing Education and Workforce Training (CBEWT) and the MassBay Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training (CTGT) on the College’s Wellesley Hills campus. The Centers were funded through grants totaling more than $1,250,000, which were provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) and are already producing workforce-ready biomanufacturing technicians through the College’s biotechnology program.
“We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the Commonwealth and MLSC to ensure our STEM students have access to a lab with state-of-the-art equipment that will provide them with an experience they can’t receive anywhere else,” said MassBay President David Podell. “Biotechnology and biomanufacturing are growth sectors in our regional economy, and our students are well-prepared for the modern workforce of today. The opening of the Centers is key to providing a well-trained pipeline of future employees that will build on Massachusetts’ well-known strength in STEM-based industries.”
Thanks to the grant support, MassBay has acquired state-of-the-art industry-specific equipment for its Centers, including advanced technologies like Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), Bioreactors/fermenters, Chromatography System, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) system, Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), and other crucial bioanalytical technologies. These investments showcase our dedication to providing exceptional education and staying ahead of the evolving needs of the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industries.
In addition to equipping our facilities, we have partnered with high school students through the MetroWest College Planning Collaborative to offer comprehensive education in fundamental laboratory techniques related to biotechnology and biomanufacturing. This collaboration ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers in these fields. To further enhance our program offerings, MassBay has expanded its Biotech programs by introducing new courses such as Genomics, Cell & Gene Therapy, and Biomanufacturing. These courses have been specifically designed to align with industry requirements, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly advancing field. Additionally, we have established articulation agreements with four-year institutions, opening new opportunities for our biotech students to pursue further education and broaden their horizons. Through these impactful initiatives, MassBay is making a significant difference in the education and career prospects of our students, ensuring their success in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors.
“As the demand for skilled technicians in biomanufacturing intensifies due to the increasing use of vital biotechnology tools, our institution is stepping up to address this urgent need,” said Dr. Nirmal K. Singh, MassBay Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Department Chair and CTGT/CBEWT Director. “Our biotech programs are crucial in filling the employment gap and fostering regional economic development. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, we are equipping our students with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in the biotech industry. Not only do we prepare them for successful careers, but we also shape a new generation of highly skilled Biomanufacturing Technicians. Together, these centers serve as a launchpad for our students, propelling them towards impactful careers that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable bioeconomy. This is a transformative journey as we empower the next wave of biotech professionals, said Dr. Singh.”
MetroWest Medical Center