The University of Oklahoma (OU) celebrated the grand opening of its 4,000-sq-ft bioprocessing core facility (BCF) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This multimillion-dollar facility is a key piece in the state’s drive to become a national leader in biomanufacturing and biotech workforce development, according to Daniel Baker, administrative project manager of the BCF.
Backed by the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster that includes the Gallogly College of Engineering, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Oklahoma City Innovation District, and local biotech industry partners, the facility is the result of Oklahoma’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. It is designed to combine academic innovation with industrial application, catalyzing economic growth while training a new generation of bioengineers, said Baker.
“This facility isn’t just a university resource, it’s a statewide investment in Oklahoma’s future,” he continued. “From startups to established companies, this space is built to support translational research, cross-sector collaboration, and hands-on workforce training.”
Equipped for both upstream and downstream bioprocessing, including the $1 million Ambr 250 High-Throughput 12-Way System that is designed to improve performance and analytics, the facility also features advanced analytical capabilities. Researchers, students, and industry professionals will benefit from the facility’s capacity to accelerate product development, refine processes, and cultivate the next generation of biotech talent, noted Farid Rowshan, PhD, facility director and Gallogly College of Engineering research assistant professor.
![Bioreactor in lab producing protein. [Westend61/Getty Images]](https://www.genengnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GettyImages-2157115669.jpg "Bioreactor in lab producing protein. [Westend61/Getty Images]")
Bioreactor in a lab producing protein. [Westend61/Getty Images]
“The OU Bioprocessing Core Facility serves as a vital engine for innovation and workforce development in biologics manufacturing,” pointed out Rowshan. “Equipped with industry-relevant platforms and supported by expert faculty, the facility empowers bioprocess optimization, translational research, and scalable production of biopharmaceuticals including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins.”
The facility plays a central role in OU’s expanding footprint in bioprocessing education, including a certificate program already serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional learners, said John Klier, PhD, dean of the Gallogly College of Engineering and professor in the OU School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering. In just its second semester of operation, the facility supported coursework and training for 65 students.
In addition to current certificate offerings, OU plans to launch micro-credentialing and an online graduate certificate program by spring 2026, expanding access to professionals seeking skill development or cross-training in bioprocessing methods. Looking ahead, they are preparing to support advanced research, foster technological innovation, and address the rising need for biopharmaceutical solutions through strategic collaborations with both internal and external partners.
“This facility and associated graduate and undergraduate programs position OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering as a leader in biopharmaceutical process education and preparation,” added Klier.
The post University of Oklahoma Celebrates Grand Opening of its 4,000-sq-ft Bioprocessing Core Facility appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.
Backed by the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster that includes the Gallogly College of Engineering, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Oklahoma City Innovation District, and local biotech industry partners, the facility is the result of Oklahoma’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. It is designed to combine academic innovation with industrial application, catalyzing economic growth while training a new generation of bioengineers, said Baker.
“This facility isn’t just a university resource, it’s a statewide investment in Oklahoma’s future,” he continued. “From startups to established companies, this space is built to support translational research, cross-sector collaboration, and hands-on workforce training.”
Equipped for upstream and downstream processing
Equipped for both upstream and downstream bioprocessing, including the $1 million Ambr 250 High-Throughput 12-Way System that is designed to improve performance and analytics, the facility also features advanced analytical capabilities. Researchers, students, and industry professionals will benefit from the facility’s capacity to accelerate product development, refine processes, and cultivate the next generation of biotech talent, noted Farid Rowshan, PhD, facility director and Gallogly College of Engineering research assistant professor.
Bioreactor in a lab producing protein. [Westend61/Getty Images]
“The OU Bioprocessing Core Facility serves as a vital engine for innovation and workforce development in biologics manufacturing,” pointed out Rowshan. “Equipped with industry-relevant platforms and supported by expert faculty, the facility empowers bioprocess optimization, translational research, and scalable production of biopharmaceuticals including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins.”
The facility plays a central role in OU’s expanding footprint in bioprocessing education, including a certificate program already serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional learners, said John Klier, PhD, dean of the Gallogly College of Engineering and professor in the OU School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering. In just its second semester of operation, the facility supported coursework and training for 65 students.
In addition to current certificate offerings, OU plans to launch micro-credentialing and an online graduate certificate program by spring 2026, expanding access to professionals seeking skill development or cross-training in bioprocessing methods. Looking ahead, they are preparing to support advanced research, foster technological innovation, and address the rising need for biopharmaceutical solutions through strategic collaborations with both internal and external partners.
“This facility and associated graduate and undergraduate programs position OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering as a leader in biopharmaceutical process education and preparation,” added Klier.
The post University of Oklahoma Celebrates Grand Opening of its 4,000-sq-ft Bioprocessing Core Facility appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.