MassBay Officially Opens MassBay’s Center for Biomanufacturing Education and Workforce Development and Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-239-2636
ecooper@massbay.edu

MassBay Community College President David Podell (left) and Ken Turner, President and CEO of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (right), officially open MassBay Community College’s Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training and the Center for Biomanufacturing and Education and Workforce Training at the MassBay Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley, MA, October 2023 (Photo/MassBay Community College).

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (November 15, 2023) – 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.

MassBay Community College professor Dr. Nirmal Singh (right), shows Ken Turner, President and CEO of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (left), the biotechnology equipment that was paid for by the recent grants from MLSC during a tour of the MassBay Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training and the Center for Biomanufacturing and Education and Workforce Training at the MassBay Wellesley Hills campus, Wellesley, MA, October 2023 (Photo/MassBay Community College). 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.

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020-2021 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond.