OU Engineering’s Role in Shaping Future Bioprocessing Experts

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Cytovance Biologics, Wheeler Bio and the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma recently joined forces in a collaborative panel discussion focused on the field of bioprocessing.

Experts in the bioprocessing industry highlighted the array of employment prospects within the sector. They also underscored the critical role played by OU Engineering in preparing students for success in bioprocessing, largely attributed to the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regions Challenge Grant. 

The discussion exemplifies the collaborative bridge between academia and industry, encouraging knowledge exchange and preparing students for promising careers in bioprocessing, says Daniel Baker, project manager for the OU Bioprocessing Core Facility which is expected to open in 2024. 

OU Engineering Dean John Klier, Ph.D., agrees adding that OU Engineering is thrilled to offer this type of opportunity to OU students.

“Biologics, medications derived from biological sources, represent the most dynamic, fastest growing and technically sophisticated sector of the pharmaceutical industry. They are used to treat many severe diseases from cancer to arthritis. Biologics manufacturing requires several engineering disciplines including chemical, electrical, and industrial and represents a tremendous career and growth opportunity for our students,” Klier said.

Industry leaders Brian Berquist, chief of development at Wheeler Bio, and Stephanie Wickham, senior director of research and development at Cytovance Biologics, shared insights into their companies' research, processes and industry expertise with students.

OU Engineering faculty members, including Vivek Bajpai, Ph.D., and Farid Talebnia Rowshan, Ph.D., both of the School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, along with Talayeh Razzaghi, Ph.D., from the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, engaged students in discussions covering current bioprocessing courses, collaborative research projects with industry partners, the OU Bioprocessing Core Facility and the forthcoming OU Bioprocessing certificate currently undergoing approval.

The certificate program will provide students a better understanding of biomanufacturing that will help them be job-ready upon graduation, says Talebnia Rowshan who recently was named the facility’s inaugural director. 

“The main objective is to train students and give them hands-on experience with the technology and the equipment being used in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries,” Talebnia Rowshan said. “This sector is growing quite fast in Oklahoma and in neighboring states. There is an urgent need for a qualified workforce. This facility will resemble biomanufacturing workflows that will give students a good understanding of what happens in these industries.”

About the project: The Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster Initiative, a coalition spearheaded by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber alongside primary coalition partners including the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Innovation District, and with industry leadership from Echo Investment Capital, has been awarded $35 million through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge of the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Learn more.

About the Gallogly College of Engineering: Engineering has been part of the University of Oklahoma since 1908. Today, the Gallogly College of Engineering is organized into seven schools and is one of the largest colleges on the Norman campus. 

By Lorene A. Roberson, Gallogly College of Engineering 

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