BioTech/MedTech event will include an introduction to NH-INBRE, local companies and tours of Keene State College laboratory spaces
The BioTech/MedTech Cluster, an initiative of the New Hampshire High Tech Council (Council), will host a workforce-focused event at Keene State College’s Technology, Design and Safety Center on Tuesday, May 15 from 3 to 6 pm that will focus on workforce supply and demand in the life sciences industry. At the event, titled Workforce Development in Life Sciences: Bridging Education, Industry and Government, panelists will discuss the existing workforce development efforts and partnerships that businesses can leverage.
“New Hampshire’s workforce needs are continuing to evolve with the influx of new businesses, new technologies and new ways of working,” said Cindy Conde, chair of the Council’s BioTech/MedTech Cluster. “All industries seem to be facing workforce shortages, and the broader life sciences arena is no different. The May 15 event will begin to tackle this challenge by bringing industry professionals together from across the state to discuss opportunities to work on building tomorrow’s BioTech/MedTech workforce.”
The May 15 event will feature networking and laboratory tours, an overview of NH-INBRE, a keynote address by Jake Reder, CEO of Celdara Medical, and a panel discussion featuring four speakers from local businesses:
William R. Green, PhD, chair and professor of microbiology and immunology, Geisel School of Medicine
Green will provide an overview of NH-INBRE. He currently works at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. Previously, Green was a research associate at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington in Seattle. He joined Dartmouth College in 1983 and served one term as dean of Dartmouth Medical School before returning to chairmanship of the microbiology and immunology department and as director of the Dartmouth Community Medical School.
Jake Reder, PhD, director and CEO, Celdara Medical
Reder will make a keynote address and moderate the workforce development panel. He is the founder and director of the New Ventures Office at Dartmouth Medical School, and has led business development, open innovation and knowledge management initiatives at Cabot Corporation. He has also worked at PolyTechnos Venture-Partners before filling his current role as director and CEO of Celdara Medical.
Derek Dashti, PhD, founder, inventor and CEO, D&P Bioinnovations
Dashti founded D&P Bioinnovations, a regenerative medicine company focused on repairing damaged organs with smart biomaterials. He is a Tulane University doctoral NSF fellow and his education has focused on bio-innovation/regenerative medicine. Dashti has worked at regulatory agencies such as the FDA and has a solid understanding of the regulations involved in bringing innovative biologics and medical devices to market approval.
Chad Gerald, head of engineering, MilliporeSigma
Gerald is the site head of engineering for MilliporeSigma’s Jaffrey, New Hampshire facility. He has worked to develop safe, cost-effective solutions through engineering and leadership, and has managed multi-national equipment and product transfers, driven site infrastructure investment and has developed strategies to address manufacturing and regulatory challenges.
Kevin Isett, PhD, co-founder and CEO, Avitide, Inc.
Isett is the co-founder and CEO of Avitide, Inc., a venture-backed biotechnology company that delivers industry-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies. Isett’s past experience includes working at Adimab, LLC and Merck & Co, Inc. His experience ranges from being head of high-throughput manufacturing to working with vaccine and biologics discovery and bioprocess research and development. Isett’s doctoral fellowship was completed at Dartmouth College’s Thayer School of Engineering.
Mary Stewart, PhD, director of education and workforce development, ARMI/BioFabUSA
In her current position at ARMI, Stewart works as the bridge between industry and academic institutions throughout the nation. She works to identify and create educational programs to help build the biofabrication workforce. Stewart’s experience includes teaching biology at Rivier University and as the director of biotechnology for the school, as well as teaching as the CTE biotechnology instructor at Nashua High School. Stewart is the author of numerous research papers, and has conducted research at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
New Hampshire – Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) is a key partner for the Keene event. NH-INBRE assists academic institutions in developing the necessary training and degree programs to address workforce shortages. The event will help raise awareness of the numerous programs and partnerships that currently exist to foster strong collaborations across education, industry and government to help build a dynamic BioTech/MedTech workforce of the future in New Hampshire.
The May 15 event is sponsored by PC Construction and LSNE Contract Manufacturing, additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration for the event is available here, or by phone at 603.935.8951. Tickets are $15 for Council members, $25 for not-yet-members, $10 for students, and include light refreshments.
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