Mercer County Community College (MCCC), with support from Johnson & Johnson, the MCCC Foundation and NJBioFutures, announced on Oct. 16 the launch of the college’s Aseptic Biomanufacturing Program and Aseptic Mobile Laboratory.
Dr. Deborah E. Preston, MCCC president, was joined by representatives of Johnson & Johnson, NJBioFutures and public officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the 30-foot clean lab trailer, now housed at MCCC’s James Kerney Campus in Trenton.
The mobile lab’s equipment includes a centrifuge, vortex mixer, biosafety cabinet, cell counter and incubator.
The anticipated program begins this fall. MCCC students may enroll year-round, online through the college’s Workforce Training website and select program options that best fit their goals, including good manufacturing practice professional; pharmaceutical aseptic cleaning; aseptic biomanufacturing.
Upon completion of any one of the programs that range from five days to several weeks, students will receive a non-credit certificate and an opportunity to gain employment in the fast-growing, high-paying biomanufacturing industry.
The program serves as a catalyst to spark student interest in pursuing an associate of science in biotechnology or biology. Plans are underway to launch a Biotechnology Program at MCCC in collaboration with partner colleges through NJBioFutures.
Preston called the program “the latest and greatest in workforce training in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. We are fortunate that Johnson & Johnson and NJBioFutures have chosen to support our college and the MCCC Foundation in launching this important endeavor.”
“The launch of Mercer County Community College’s new aseptic biomanufacturing program and aseptic mobile laboratory is an inspiring example of how innovation in education meets students where they are to open doors to future careers,” said Kimberly Lounds Foster, vice president, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson.
“By bringing hands-on science and manufacturing learning directly to high school students in communities across New Jersey, this program can spark interest in life sciences early and prepare our future workforce for the specialized skills required to manufacture advanced therapies. Johnson & Johnson is honored to help grow a robust pipeline of talent that will drive New Jersey’s future in high-demand sectors like biopharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapy.”
