The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) welcomed a cohort of 18 diverse undergraduates on Sunday to provide them with a view into the world of biotherapeutics.
The College was one of only three institutions chosen nationally as part of the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals’ (NIIMBL) eXperience program, an exclusive in-person, all expenses paid immersion program that offers students real-world insight into biopharmaceutical industry careers through hands-on activities and direct interactions with industry professionals.
Open to underrepresented minority students (URMs) completing their freshman or sophomore year of college, CBET will usher these students to partnering organizations both in the region and beyond, providing them an exceptional experiential learning opportunity. Students will learn about the various organizations, network with current employees, tour facilities, and carry out simulated work activities. They will also learn the role federal agencies play in delivering innovative treatments to meet unmet medical needs.
“By convening regional biopharmaceutical strengths and connecting them to current biopharma students, participants engage in a career support network that ensures continued mentoring and success,” said Dr. Michelle Lewis, executive director, CBET. “This program provides an excellent opportunity for diverse students to find pathways into this emerging career field.”
An Ambitious Agenda
Students arrive at ACPHS on Sunday, June 4 to prepare for a weeklong array of programming designed to illustrate the broad spectrum of career paths available within the biopharma industry.
- Monday, June 5
The cohort has a Therapies and Biomanufacturing Introductory Day where they learn about the “Principles of Biomanufacturing.”
- Tuesday, June 6
The group sets out to visit and tour local academic pathways including SUNY Poly from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and UAlbany’s RNA Institute from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. Learn more here:
- Wednesday, June 7
Wednesday is focused on small business/entrepreneurship with the cohort visiting area partners Biomed Innova, Next Advance, Inc., and the Neural Stem Cell Institute (NSCI).
NIIMBL eXperience students enjoyed time with Next Advance
- Thursday, June 8
The group takes it to the next level by traveling outside of the area and meeting with corporate pathway partners Curia, Takeda, Amgen, and Cytiva.
- Friday, June 9
On the final day of programming, the cohort will learn about delivering the drug to the patient and brand building. They will have an opportunity to work in the ACPHS Pharmacy Practice Skills Laboratory and Compounding Laboratory and hear from the National Society of Black Engineers.
NIIMBL is a public-private partnership with the goal of advancing innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA®, a network of 14 manufacturing institutes across the country that brings together industry, academia, and the public sector to propel promising research and technology developments, accelerate new products to market, and train tomorrow’s workforce in order to secure America’s future. NIIMBL is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce, and leverages additional support from industry, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and several state governments. The NIIMBL mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.
This work is performed under financial assistance award #70NANB21H086 from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
ABOUT CBET
The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is ACPHS’ response to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical field and the need for an educated workforce, which has been cited as one of the critical constraints to growth of the biopharmaceutical industry. The Center will provide students the knowledge and hands-on experience to bring innovative biopharmaceuticals to patients. CBET is the first training facility in the nation to be created by a pharmacy college. For more information, visit https://cbet.acphs.edu/.
About Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is a private, independent college dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders to improve the health of society. The College offers 12 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the only Masters of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing degree in the state. Students have myriad opportunities to extend what they are learning in the classroom through experiential learning opportunities such as in our Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) as well as at student-supported pharmacies in underserved communities and a public health Collaboratory, designed to alleviate community health disparities. ACPHS ranks #1 in New York State for best return on investment according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce and was graded an A+ for value by Niche. For more information, visit www.acphs.edu.