New CellTech Institute at WPI Expands Workforce Training in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

“The future of the life sciences industry will be shaped by a highly skilled workforce with experience in the cutting-edge equipment that is driving scientific breakthroughs today,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Tayor, MD. “CellTech Institute provides students with valuable hands-on training and direct access to emerging technologies that will help them succeed in a rapidly evolving industry while addressing the growing demand for talent across the Commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem. We are proud to support WPI’s efforts in preparing the next generation of industry leaders.”

CellTech Institute is directed by Robert Dempski, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who sees the facility as a unique intersection of education, research, and workforce preparation.

“It’s a fascinating opportunity to advance workforce development while also supporting education and research,” said Dempski. “The technology in this facility is beyond the leading edge. Integrating life sciences with robotics and automation creates exciting opportunities to accelerate innovation and ultimately advance medicine.”

That interdisciplinary approach is one of the features attracting students to the institute.

“It is unique because we’re not just covering one area of science,” said Devarsh Patel, a master’s student in biochemistry at WPI. “We’re also incorporating robotics and many different disciplines. This is truly a collaborative effort.”

NIIMBL cohort with Jon Weaver, MBI, Kirk Taylor, MLSC, Megan Argoe, NIIMBL, Robert Dempski, WPI

Fellow graduate student Vida Gandahm was equally impressed by the facility and its capabilities.

“Wow—with a capital W,” Gandahm said. “I’ve worked in several research labs, and CellTech Institute is incredibly advanced. Anyone working in biotechnology or biomedical research would immediately recognize the sophistication of the equipment and technologies available here.” Among the first students to train in the new laboratory are participants in the NIIMBL eXperience program, an all-expenses-paid summer immersion program that introduces community college and undergraduate students to careers in biomanufacturing and the biopharmaceutical industry. WPI is serving as the Northeast regional host site for this year's program, welcoming a cohort of 15 students from across the country.

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) selected WPI in part because of the university’s unique emphasis on robotics and automation within a biomanufacturing environment.

“Each NIIMBL site has a different focus,” said Megan Argoe of NIIMBL. “Some programs concentrate on areas like big data, but here at WPI students are learning about robotics in industrial and biomanufacturing settings. None of our other sites is currently doing that. Being able to incorporate the latest approaches being adopted across the industry makes this a particularly exciting experience for students.”

By combining advanced laboratory technologies with hands-on, industry-focused learning, CellTech Institute positions WPI at the forefront of biotechnology workforce development while helping prepare the next generation of researchers, technicians, and innovators for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing sectors.