From Process Development to Manufacturing: Lab-intensive Courses in Downstream Bioprocessing

Authors

  • Gary L. Gilleskie Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7928, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States 27695- 7928
  • Baley Reeves Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7928, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States 27695- 7928

Abstract

Most chemical engineering graduates work in industry, a fact that underscores the need for courses to provide experiences that prepare them for industry. The Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University has addressed this need by developing and delivering a comprehensive downstream bioprocessing program that includes two closely linked courses: “Introduction to Downstream Process Development” and “cGMP Downstream Operations.” The courses combine classroom instruction and intensive hands-on learning activities focused on the production of biopharmaceuticals. Overall student satisfaction with the courses has been high, and a follow-up survey of former students currently working in industry shows that the courses have effectively prepared them for the careers they have just entered. This article provides details on the design and delivery of these courses as well as a summary of student evaluation of the program. 

Author Biographies

Gary L. Gilleskie, Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7928, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States 27695- 7928

Gary Gilleskie is currently the Head of Operations and Teaching Associate Professor at the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University. After receiving his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota, he spent 15 years in the chemical and biopharmaceutical industries, focusing on the area of separations. While in industry, he managed downstream process development and cGMP manufacturing groups at Diosynth Biotechnologies, a contract manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals. Since coming to BTEC six years ago, he has been actively involved in the development and delivery of courses in downstream bioprocess development and cGMP biomanufacturing for both university students and industry professionals. 

Baley Reeves, Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7928, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States 27695- 7928

Baley Reeves is a Senior Scientist at the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University. She holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Princeton University, where she focused her dissertation on developing novel methods for protein purification. At BTEC, she develops and teaches courses in downstream bioprocessing and contributes to process development projects in conjunction with industry partners. 

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Published

2014-05-01

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 2 (2014): Spring 2014

Section

Manuscripts