Lifelong Learning—A “Life Cycle” Approach to Education and Training for the Biopharmaceutical Industry

Authors

  • Gary Gilleskie North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928
  • Baley Reeves North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928
  • John van Zanten North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928
  • John Balchunas North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928
  • Ruben Carbonell North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928

Abstract

 

 The Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University is an instructional center that offers education and training programs in the area of biopharmaceutical process development and manufacturing. Our programs are designed to provide educational opportunities throughout the “life cycle” of a professional – not only for 2 undergraduate and graduate students at NC State, but also for professionals already active in the industry. Many who participate in our programs are chemical engineers. 

Based on our experience, both the need and demand for learning opportunities is high among all experience levels, whether an undergraduate considering a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or a more seasoned professional. And feedback from the students and industry we serve is extremely positive. 

This article provides details on the design of BTEC’s education and training programs, the impact they are having on our students, and future directions.

Author Biographies

Gary Gilleskie, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928

Gary Gilleskie is currently the director 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. Since coming to BTEC eight 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, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 her dissertation focused 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.

John van Zanten, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928

John H. van Zanten is a faculty member in the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at NC State University. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering at the University of California at Los Angeles. He develops and teaches downstream processing and formulation courses in BTEC. His research interests include soft matter, biopharmaceutical formulation and biopharmaceutical recovery & purification.

John Balchunas, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928

John Balchunas is the assistant director of Professional Development Programs at North Carolina State University’s Biomanufacturing Training & Education Center (BTEC) where he has responsibility for managing BTEC’s open enrollment and customized training programs. John holds a Master of Science in technical communication and a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from North Carolina State University. Through his professional work, John has researched and shaped strategies related to corporate recruiting, career preparation, workforce assessment, and skill standards in the biomanufacturing and life science industry.  

Ruben Carbonell, North Carolina State University • Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7928

Ruben G. Carbonell is the Frank Hawkins Kenan Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. He joined NC State in 1984, after 10 years in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis. Prof. Carbonell is director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology, & Science, and the Golden Leaf Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC). He earned his B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Manhattan College and the Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University. 

Downloads

Published

2016-08-01

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 3 (2016): Summer 2016

Section

Manuscripts