A Nov. 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of a new Aseptic Simulation Lab at Middlesex College.
The state-of-the-art training facility is part of Middlesex College’s participation in NJBioFutures. The workforce development collaboration led by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges also includes Raritan Valley Community College and Mercer County Community College. Support also comes from Johnson & Johnson and other industry partners.
NJBIZ has reported previously on NJBioFutures. The initiative aims to create a sustainable, skilled talent pipeline for New Jersey’s growing life sciences and biopharmaceutical industries.
Last month through NJBioFutures, Mercer County Community officially launched its Aseptic Biomanufacturing Program along with an Aseptic Mobile Laboratory.
The Middlesex College Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning and the Department of Natural Sciences unveiled the new lab Nov. 10. A $250,000 contribution from Johnson & Johnson funded the facility. It is designed to prepare students for careers in biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and the fast-growing field of cell and gene therapy.
The space allows learners to practice essential techniques, such as handling cell cultures, tissues and biological materials under sterile conditions. These skills are critical in sectors where even minimal contamination can jeopardize research or production of medical therapies.
Students will also receive training in cleanroom procedures, including proper gowning, masking and sanitization protocols.
Opening new opportunities
Middlesex College President Mark McCormick expressed his excitement for the opening of the lab. He says the new space demonstrates the institution’s commitment to providing students with the highest quality of education and hands-on training.
“Thanks to the support of Johnson & Johnson, we are able to provide new opportunities for this lucrative and emerging field in the workforce,” said McCormick. “The Aseptic Lab offers learners the experience of engaging in realistic scenarios that will help them develop the critical thinking and understand the strict protocols necessary in this vital lab environment.”
Thanks to the support of Johnson & Johnson, we are able to provide new opportunities for this lucrative and emerging field in the workforce.
– Mark McCormick, Middlesex College president
Kimberly Lounds Foster, vice president, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson, said that to solve today’s toughest health problems students need exposure to environments that mirror real-world biomanufacturing and biotechnology settings.
“Today’s opening of the Aseptic Simulation Lab at Middlesex College marks an exciting step forward in preparing students for high-demand careers in not just New Jersey’s but the world’s growing life sciences sector,” said Lounds Foster. “Johnson & Johnson is proud to work across communities supporting local institutions like Middlesex College and others involved in the NJBioFutures initiative to ensure that our workforce has access to the hands-on experience and rigorous training required to power the next wave of health innovation.”
