San Jacinto College prepares for new Biotechnology spaces
College breaks ground on Center for Biotechnology at Generation Park Campus and unveils Biomanufacturing Training Program at South Campus
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College, exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) for the southern part of the United States, is making major strides in the biotechnology field today.
Center for Biotechnology
This morning, the College broke ground on a new Center for Biotechnology at the Generation Park Campus. This state-of-the-art facility, which is being built in collaboration with McCord Development, Inc., will provide comprehensive, hands-on training with realistic good manufacturing practices (GMP) simulated environments.
The Center will offer an associate of applied science degree in biomanufacturing technology, and shorter credentials for post-graduates, to meet workforce needs. The facility's cutting-edge resources and immersive training environments will ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the dynamic biopharmaceutical industry.
“The Center and the overall components of the Biotechnology program will play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the biotechnology sector,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College. “We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic biopharmaceutical industry. Our vision is to not only meet the workforce needs of today but will also shape the future of biotechnology education and training in our region.”
“We are thrilled to have San Jacinto’s new Center for Biotechnology at Generation Park, reinforcing our commitment to fostering Houston’s life science ecosystem. The world-renowned NIBRT program will provide quality workforce training in the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, strengthening Houston’s ability to attract and retain world-class companies in the industry,” said Ryan McCord, President of McCord Development.
The Center for Biotechnology is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025.
This afternoon, San Jacinto College celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the Biomanufacturing Training Program at the South Campus. This program marks the initiation of the College’s comprehensive biotechnology offerings, beginning with an onboarding certificate designed to equip new professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to seamlessly enter the field.
The Biomanufacturing Training Program, a two-week hybrid initiative, integrates theoretical knowledge, practical hands-on experience, and exposure to industry practices. Furthermore, the program is customizable to meet the specific training needs of industry partners. Future offerings will expand to cover all aspects of biomanufacturing, specialized instrumentation and equipment training, and advanced techniques, ensuring that San Jacinto College remains at the forefront of biotechnological education.
“As we unveil the Biomanufacturing Training Program, we are taking a significant step toward meeting the growing demands of the biotechnology sector right now,” said Dr. Christopher Wild, executive director, San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology. “This program is designed to provide a seamless entry into the field for new professionals, with a focus on practical experience and exposure to industry practices.”
“We are delighted that San Jacinto College has joined the NIBRT Global Partners Programme to help train the biopharma manufacturing workforce of the future,” said Darrin Morrissey, CEO of NIBRT. “The Global Partner Programme provides access and support to our award-winning curriculum to ensure trainees receive best-in-class training on all aspects of biopharma manufacturing. We look forward to working with the great team at San Jacinto to deliver this training in the greater Houston region.”
At approximately 4,000 square feet, the San Jacinto College Biomanufacturing Training Program facility houses the latest industry equipment, including biosafety cabinets, benchtop bioreactors and wave bioreactors, automated viability and cell counters, filter integrity tester, and more. The resources of the Biotechnology offerings at San Jacinto College will continue to expand to meet the needs of this thriving industry.
To learn more about the biotechnology program at San Jacinto College, visit sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/stem/biomanufacturing-tech.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 41,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
For more information about San Jacinto College visit sanjac.edu.
About NIBRT
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of-the-art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT’s mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
About McCord Development, Inc.
McCord is a Houston-based opportunistic real estate company with a longstanding track record of creating substantial value through the acquisition, development, and management of office, industrial, land, single family, and multifamily assets. McCord is the developer of Generation Park, a 4,300-acre master planned commercial district and houses campuses for San Jacinto College and Lone Star College. McCord is focused on developing Houston's biomanufacturing cluster at Generation Park given its strategic location between the Port of Houston and Bush International Airport, proximity to the Texas Medical Center, curated mixed use environment and ample land for expansion. Since 1973, McCord has acquired or developed over $3 billion in successful projects across the United States. To learn more, visit https://www.mccord.com.
