A Work Force Development Success: Distance Based Bs Program In Bio Manufacturing
- Conference
- Location
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Chicago, Illinois
- Publication Date
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June 18, 2006
- Start Date
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June 18, 2006
- End Date
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June 21, 2006
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology
- Page Count
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8
- Page Numbers
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11.148.1 - 11.148.8
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--203
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/203
- Download Count
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437
Paper Authors
Greg Smith Pitt Community College
GREG SMITH received both his Ph.D. degree in Safety Engineering from Kennedy-Western University and his Master of Science in Safety Engineering from Kennedy-Western University. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from East Carolina University and another Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University. He has worked in the bio-industry as a manager and leader, he has served in project and facility management positions, health and safety administration, design and manufacturing, and quality control and quality assurance positions for over ten years and is currently is the Curriculum Coordinator for the BioNetwork Bioprocessing Center. He is a member of the East Carolina University School of Medicine Biosafety Committee, and the Pitt Community College Biotechnology Curriculum Advisory Board.
Bill Cooper Pitt Community College
BILL COOPER received his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Bill is the Manager of the BioNetwork Bioprocessing Center, helping to develop an effective workforce for the biotechnology industry. Bill is a retired operations executive who led and transformed processing sites into world class facilities. Bill's expertise stems from 30 years processing industry, including time spent producing agricultural commodities, food grade additives, bulk organic chemicals, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
David Batts East Carolina University
DAVID BATTS received an EdD. From East Carolina University in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology at East Carolina University. He is the Program Coordinator for the 2 + 2 Industrial Technology degree and research interests include distance education and workforce development.
Paul Kauffmann East Carolina University
PAUL KAUFFMANN received a Ph.D. from Penn State in Industrial Engineering, and a MENG in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is Department Chair of Technology Systems at East Carolina University and research interests include technology management and managerial decision methods. During his industrial career, he held positions as project engineer, plant manager, and engineering director.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
A Work Force Development Success: Distance Based BS Program in Bio-Manufacturing
Introduction
A well-trained workforce is an essential factor when manufacturers analyze and decide where they will locate, expand or maintain production facilities. Bio- manufacturing, which includes diverse areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, is a growing and competitive area that has the potential to replace some manufacturing operations in many states that have been lost to global economics. To maintain a competitive position for this industry segment, North Carolina implemented the BioNetwork initiative which connected community colleges across the state to provide the specialized training, curricula and equipment needed to develop a world-class workforce in bio- manufacturing.
Although the BioNetwork provides a focal point for development of the North Carolina bio-manufacturing work force, its benefit could be enhanced by creating a formal pathway for associate degree graduates to continue to a baccalaureate program. To complicate the situation, many BioNetwork former and current students are working adults and are geographically bound due to family and employment commitments. To address this need, East Carolina University and the North Carolina Community College System partnered to create a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Bioprocess Manufacturing that would be delivered through the ECU distance education network. Students in this program complete the first two years of a bio- manufacturing curriculum at one of several participating community colleges in the North Carolina BioNetwork and obtain an associate degree. The students will then have the opportunity to continue their studies through the ECU distance learning network and complete the aforementioned Bachelor of Science Degree.
This paper examines the bio-manufacturing industry and the development of the North Carolina BioNetwork. It then explains how the 2+2 degree completion program was developed, the identification of learning objectives, and the process of building a collaborative relationship with a community college system.
Bio-manufacturing Industry
The United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration reported that the biotechnology industry would have an employment level of 814,900 by 200710. Not only will there be a rise in biotechnology jobs, but bio- manufacturing positions excellent pay helps with the recruitment of a workforce. Annual salaries for entry-level technicians start at $25,000 to $30,000 and can progress to $50,000 in as little as five years8. The average salary for all
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Smith, G., & Cooper, B., & Batts, D., & Kauffmann, P. (2006, June), A Work Force Development Success: Distance Based Bs Program In Bio Manufacturing Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--203
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