OU Engineering’s Role in Shaping Future Bioprocessing Experts

-


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 

Popular posts from this blog

OU Engineering Students Shine in Community Projects

-
Image
At the University of Oklahoma, a transformative course called Pathways to Engineering Thinking is leaving a mark on OU students and the community. In the first-year engineering course, over 800 students across 16 sections collaborated to tackle real-world challenges presented by community partners. Their projects ranged from developing prosthetic limbs for injured animals to creating innovative solutions for community gardens and zoos. The course aims to guide students through the engineering design process, emphasizing collaborative teamwork and problem-solving skills.  This semester’s projects reached many areas of the community. Partnerships with the OU Food Pantry, OU Community Garden, Oklahoma City Zoo, OU Engineering K-12 Outreach, a local dog rescue and the City of Norman provided students with real-world challenges to address. Each team delved into issues presented by the partners, working toward delivering functional design solutions by the semester’s end. The heart of the cou
Read more

OU Students Take on Habitat Challenge: Sooners Without Borders Constructs Ramp, More in Iowa

-
Image
In early January, six students from Sooners Without Borders at the University of Oklahoma headed to Des Moines, Iowa, teaming up with Habitat for Humanity. Their goal: construct an accessibility ramp for a local family. Their mission was part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge program, providing year-round volunteer opportunities for college students. The students, all from the Gallogly College of Engineering at OU, embraced the challenge. Formerly Engineers Without Borders, Sooners Without Borders had changed its name to be more inclusive of all majors at OU, says Lisa Morales, the group's staff adviser. “A lot of projects used to focus on clean water and students had the opportunity to travel abroad. Once Covid happened, we had to shift the focus of Sooner Without Borders,” Morales said.  In Des Moines, the project expanded beyond the ramp, involving tasks like installing kitchen cabinets and flooring for a new home. Morales says she was impressed with the student’s adeptness with
Read more

OU Engineering Welcomes 14 New Faculty Members for 2023-24

-
Image
OU Engineering has welcomed 14 new faculty members for the 2023-24 academic year. This marks a milestone in the college's growth journey, with faculty numbers increasing from just over 100 in 2017 to 175 in 2023. OU Engineering is committed to expanding its faculty ranks, aiming for over 200 faculty members by the 2025-26 academic year, says OU Engineering Dean John Klier. To achieve this goal, the college has initiated more than 20 faculty searches. The State of Oklahoma continues to acknowledge the need for more engineers. They recently responded to OU Engineering’s request for additional recurring funding. The funding will play a crucial role in offering undergraduate student tuition waivers, supporting graduate students and helping recruit new faculty and staff. These positions will be phased in over the next three years. "OU Engineering extends its gratitude for the ongoing support from the State of Oklahoma as it continues to address the growing demand for engineers,&quo
Read more