Intermountain West Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Certification Program

This NSF-funded Beginnings Experiential Learning (ExLENT) project offers a comprehensive six-week training program designed to prepare students and professionals for careers in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. Participants will earn four specialized certificates:

  • Upstream Processing
  • Biomanufacturing
  • Downstream Processing
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

Program Structure

  • Phase 1: Online Learning (4 Weeks)

    Participants will complete one week of online coursework per certificate.

  • Phase 2: Onsite Training at Utah State University (2 Weeks)

    Participants will receive hands-on training in one of two specialized tracks:

    • Microbial Fermentation
    • Mammalian Cell Culture

The onsite experience includes exclusive micro-internships with industry leaders such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cytiva, and others.

Eligibility and Funding

Participants from colleges within the Intermountain West region (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming) will receive:

  • $4,000 Stipend for Four Certificates
  • Housing during the two-week onsite portion
  • Partial travel funding

Students or professionals outside this region and/or those currently employed in the biomanufacturing or bioprocessing industry may apply with a program training fee of $5,000.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • A current student pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a life science or engineering-related field from one of the eight Intermountain West states
  • A current employee in the life sciences industry from one of the eight Intermountain West states

And meet all of the following:

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, or at least one year of professional experience in a relevant industry
  • Completion (documented via official or unofficial transcript) of at least two of the following prerequisite courses:
    • Introduction to Biology (or equivalent)
    • Introduction to Chemistry (or equivalent)
    • Microbiology (completion of lab component strongly preferred)
    • Statistics
  • One letter of recommendation from a professor, research supervisor, or professional mentor
  • A Statement of Purpose outlining your background, career goals, and motivation for applying
  • A resume or CV highlighting academic achievements, relevant coursework, industry experience, research, and internships

Application Process