Cutting-edge technology—Pictured above, Steven Hatke, vice president of manufacturing for Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Thousand Oaks, speaks at the July 19 grand opening of Moorpark College’s new Takeda-sponsored biotechnology analytical lab. Pictured below, guests gather at the college’s new lab. Photo by Michael Koons/Acorn Newspapers
With an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare solutions, the biotechnology sector continues to grow.
To better train students entering this high-tech field, Moorpark College opened a new state-of-the-art biotechnology analytical lab last week. Sponsored by pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical, the cutting-edge facility is located within the college’s main biotechnology lab.
School officials said the lab will revolutionize the learning experience for students seeking degrees in the growing field.
On July 19, dignitaries, university officials and professors gathered at the institute to celebrate the opening of the new facility and Takeda’s four-year, $250,000 sponsorship of the Moorpark College Foundation, which funds the institute.
The gift will directly support the biotechnology program by funding critical lab equipment and scholarships and providing students with access to mentorship and internships. It coincides with Moorpark College introducing its first-ever bachelor’s degree this fall in applied biomanufacturing, a field expected to see significant growth over the next decade.
Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu said the new bachelor’s program was made possible with the support of local biotech giants such as Takeda and Amgen. He said the new lab will position the college as a key partner in developing the future workforce for local biotech companies.
The biotechnology program was developed in partnership with Amgen, Takeda and Fisher Scientific to provide essential technical experience and training for students looking to enter the biotechnology field. According to Moorpark College’s website, the bachelor’s degree curriculum balances basic science courses with hands-on laboratory applications.
Stephen Hatke, Takeda’s vice president of manufacturing and Thousand Oaks plant manager, said the company takes great pride in supporting the students at Moorpark College.
“Our continued partnership with Moorpark College demonstrates Takeda’s commitment to STEM education and the next generation of innovators who will drive progress and shape the future,” Hatke said.
Analytical Tools – Moorpark College’s new biotechnology analytical lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The lab is supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Michael Kuhns Acorn Newspapers
The new lab will provide students with hands-on experience, equipping them with the analytical and technical skills essential to succeed in the biotechnology field.
Professor Subhash Karkare, dean of the biotechnology program, emphasized the importance of Takeda’s support.
A sign in the biotech manufacturing building reads “Every Vial Has a Name,” signifying the life-saving impact each product has. “This shows how important quality is to Takeda,” Karkare explained. “It’s very fitting that Takeda is supporting Moorpark College’s analytical lab and allowing students to use the same equipment used at Takeda.”
The lab’s new equipment includes a metabolite analyzer that provides fast and comprehensive analysis of metabolites and nutrients, and an automated cell counter that reduces human error and processing time.
In addition, the lab has acquired new high-performance liquid chromatography equipment;
Karkare is described as follows:
“A workhorse for analytical laboratories”
Karkare, who has been teaching at the university for about 16 years, pointed out how the laboratory facilities are more advanced than anything he has come across in his research career.
“This is a state-of-the-art lab and a great place for our students to learn,” he said. “Our students will be able to learn how to use these tools and they will be prepared to work in industry.”
Jennifer Escobar graduated from Moorpark College with an associate’s degree in biotechnology in 2000 and has worked for Takeda for 24 years. Escobar credits Moorpark College with giving her the skills to begin her career in biotechnology.
“I am very proud of this program and of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s contributions to this region,” she told the audience at the institute’s grand opening.
Moorpark College is accepting applications for admission to its Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing program for the fall semester through Wednesday, July 31st.
Prospective students may also enroll in fall semester classes toward an associate degree in biotechnology without applying to a bachelor’s program.
For more information, visit moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/biotechnology
