To help Houston address its growing need for life science talent, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) has introduced an innovative new pipeline program that enables underrepresented Greater Houston students to build biomanufacturing careers – TMC BioPath.
The TMC BioPath program was developed to create meaningful opportunities for middle and high school students while closing the life science talent gap and creating the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals.
For Saniya Mansuri, TMC Innovation Consultant, this comprehensive approach to workforce development does more than simply open doors: ”Our ultimate goal is to provide a pathway for students to earn a biomanufacturing certification that leads to entry-level jobs and empowers them to become champions for their communities. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have previously considered biomanufacturing as a career. There really has never been a program like it.”
TMC’s BioPath participants benefit from direct access to a world-class life sciences hub, coupled with a workforce-driven curriculum designed to align with the current needs of the life sciences and healthcare industries.
Five Steps in a New Direction for Houston Students
Launched in September 2024, TMC BioPath introduces students to the biomanufacturing industry and its promising career pathway through five key steps:
- Education awareness: Middle and high school students learn the basics of biomanufacturing through TMC partnerships and outreach programs.
- Out-of-school and after-school STEM programming: Participants engage in STEM programming, with a focus on bioscience and biotech research and expert guidance.
- Summer camp: Sponsored summer camps allow students to explore biomanufacturing further through immersive, hands-on activities and one-on-one coaching.
- Internship: Students participate in internships with partnering companies, which often lead to full-time job offers as the companies become familiar with the student’s skills.
- Certification: Students are supported in enrolling in certification programs at community colleges, earning knowledge and credentials to continue learning.
A Path Shaped by Collaboration
Collaboration is the heart of BioPath. To kick off the program, TMC has partnered with Learning Undefeated and BridgeYear to help students make informed career choices in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Both organizations share a commitment to youth empowerment and foster bioscience career exploration. For example, with BridgeYear, TMC developed the biomanufacturing technician simulation, a hands-on program that mirrors real-world biomanufacturing processes. Participants use column chromatography to separate a biological sample into its components and isolate the target protein by matching each test tube to a visual guide.
“Together with our partners, we are providing high school students with exposure to the biomanufacturing field, hoping that self-selected students who become interested in the program receive curated content based on their interests,” said Mansuri. “Then, we will work to find paid internships and mentoring opportunities so that students can be compensated for their work. We hope this incentivizes and encourages students to pursue the careers we want them to be excited about.”
TMC member institutions also play an important role by offering internships that help students explore their interests, gain valuable skills, and experience real-world working environments.
A Foundation for Personal – and Program – Growth
As Houston continues to expand its life science infrastructure and promote the commercialization of cutting-edge medical advancements, the demand for qualified biomanufacturing talent will only become greater. BioPath aims to address this demand by creating exciting career opportunities for today’s underserved youth.
Learn More
For more information about TMC BioPath or related programs, please contact Saniya Mansuri at smansuri@tmc.edu