ATE Project Talks: Cell and Gene Therapy & Biotechnician Training

Welcome to the InnovATEBIO 2023 series of virtual ATE project talks.  This series features leaders in biotechnology workforce education from across the US sharing their work on exciting projects funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.  The ATE program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy.

Our two speakers this week will talk about their experiences with project based learning and improving internships.

Each talk will be 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for questions and discussion.

View the whole series of InnovATEBIO 2023 ATE project talks.

Talk 1:  Expansion, Curriculum Evolution and Enhancement during BioTechnician Training (ExCEEd BTT)

Description: The Wistar Institute developed a Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program in 2000 to prepare students from the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) for laboratory positions. Our NSF ATE Project, Expansion, Curriculum Evolution, and Enhancement during BioTechnician Training (ExCEEd BTT) has three primary goals: 1) include more students from new community college partners in the region, 2) develop a novel curriculum based on Wistar research that effectively engages underrepresented students, and 3) redesign the program as a one-summer pre-apprenticeship with internships in academic and industry labs. Outcomes from this project as well as other education and workforce initiatives at Wistar will be shared.

Speakers:  Kristy Shuda McGuire, M.S., Ph.D., Dean of Biomedical Studies, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA

• Learn more about the Expansion, Curriculum Evolution, and Enhancement of Biotechnician Training ATE project
• BioBuzz article: The Wistar Institute Spearheads Efforts to Support Biotechnology and Biomedical Education

Talk 2:   Building an Advanced Therapy Technician Workforce in Southeastern PA

Description:  Southeastern PA is a top national hub for cell and gene therapy (CGT) research, development and manufacture. The first FDA approved gene therapy (Luxturna®) and cell therapy (Kymriah®) were developed in Philadelphia. Since then, the number of regional CGT companies and associated contract development and manufacture organizations (CDMOs) has grown tremendously. In order to address the current and future workforce demand, a regional collaborative with CGT companies, community colleges, 4-year institutions and workforce development programs and organizations has been assembled. Industry relevant curriculum, courses, and training programs are being designed, developed, and disseminated through faculty training workshops and curriculum sharing. High school student workshops and lab experiences provide career awareness, introduce skills, increase interest, and will strengthen and diversify the local pipeline into this expanding field.

Speaker:  Margaret Bryans PhD (PI), Associate Professor and Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Montgomery County Community College, Bluebell, PA

• Learn more about the Building Southeastern Pennsylvania's Advanced Technical Workforce in Gene and Cell Therapy ATE project