Dr. Margaret Bryans, biology associate professor and coordinator of the biotechnology program at Montgomery County Community College, will use her expertise in biomanufacturing and biotechnology to promote racial and ethnic diversity in future generations of scientists in the field.

Bryans will work with two Delaware State University faculty members, Drs. Derrick and Latia Scott, to create the biopharmaceutical Workforce Outreach, Research, Diversity, and Education Institute.

The new program will work toward increasing minority representation in the biopharmaceutical industry by providing graduates with the level of training to make it possible for them to seamlessly enter the workforce.

Bryans will also provide training for DESU faculty in biomanufacturing processes and advise in the development of a curriculum for the new program.

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals is funding the project with a $750,739 grant. Representatives from the pharmaceutical company Merck and faculty at Solano Community College are also involved with the project.

“This is a great opportunity for us to be involved in this important initiative, to work with DESU faculty and help develop the new curriculum that will train a future workforce of diverse and skilled individuals for the biopharmaceutical industry,” said Bryans.