Middlesex CC Unveils State-of-the-art, Fully Renovated Biotech Lab

For 30+ years, Middlesex Community College has been a leader of educating the biotechnology workforce in Massachusetts. To celebrate the full renovation of the laboratory on the college’s Lowell campus, Middlesex held a special ribbon cutting event on Friday, September 23.

“One of the first in the state, MCC’s biotechnology program graduates are highly sought after for their extensive training and preparation,” said Phil Sisson, MCC President. “Part of the success of MCC’s program can be attributed to the hands-on lab work our students receive while completing their studies. As the biotech industry grows – especially in Massachusetts – it is more important than ever that we continue to offer state-of-the-art facilities, expert instruction from our incredible professors led by Dr. Mariluci Bladon, and opportunities for advancement in an industry that provides our community with stable jobs, incomes and opportunities.”

Following President Sisson’s address, Ryan Mudawar, Vice President of Education & Workforce Programs at Mass Life Sciences Center (MLSC) and Bladon, MCC’s Professor & Chair of Biotechnology spoke. After its start in 1990, MCC’s program is now platinum endorsed, highly respected, and a prototype for similar programs across the country, according to Bladon.

“Thanks to the funding provided by the MLSC Foundation, we are able to provide our students with the education for certificates and associate degrees,” Bladon said. “In addition to a scientific foundation, MCC’s program provides hands-on, in-person training in our clean room, preparing students to secure jobs and internships in the biotechnology industry. Our highly qualified graduates will have a profession, high income, and the ability to further their education. This 32-year-old program has prepared graduates who are now vice presidents, directors, managers, supervisors, etc. – they all started here, with a biotech degree from MCC. It is a great sense of accomplishment for our graduates and in turn, contributes to the economic growth of the state.”

MCC’s renovated biotech lab features state-of-the-art equipment and materials to provide students with a space to practice, grow and apply the skills they learn in their classes. The lab is designed to use the same equipment and materials students will see upon entering the workforce. This extensive hands-on training enhances students’ classroom learning and allows them to apply their skills to internships and jobs in the field.

Middlesex has continued to grow the program to match the demands of the industry. In 2020, MCC introduced the Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience for students to work full-time at a partner company while earning their associate degree. The work they do in their labs and in their classes make this experience possible. In July 2022, MCC was also awarded funding to expand the biotech program to build a second lab location on the college’s Bedford campus.

“There are a number of exciting opportunities happening within MCC’s biotechnology program that maintains and strengthens the college’s position as a leader of biotech education, and we are so grateful for the support from MLSC and Middlesex to make this possible,” said Kathleen Sweeney, MCC’s Dean of STEM. “Being able to cut the ribbon on our fully renovated, state-of-the-art lab space is just the start of what a student can expect when they choose MCC to jumpstart their career in a rewarding and transformative field.”