San Jacinto College and Solugen have formed a new partnership to deliver customized corporate training aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of industrial biotechnical laboratory staff. This collaboration is a significant step towards addressing the workforce needs in the rapidly growing field of industrial biomanufacturing in Houston.
“Solugen places a high priority on engaging community partners,” said Dr. Christopher Wild, Executive Director of the San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology. “This partnership aligns with our mission to connect with biotech companies and provide them with essential training, fostering a relationship that we believe will benefit both parties and the community at large.”
The training program is currently focused on the Greater-Houston region, with plans to become a training hub for biopharma and industrial biotechnology companies throughout the Southeastern United States. The first cohort of 10 trainees from Solugen participated in the inaugural training program held in May.

“San Jacinto has been a critical community partner for Solugen in Houston,” said Dr. Konrad Miller, Vice President of Manufacturing Science and Technology at Solugen. “As the workforce needs for the industrial biomanufacturing sector evolve, we have been working closely with faculty at the Center for Biotechnology to tailor curriculum. We’re excited about the prospect of utilizing their new short-course offerings to cross-train our teams on industry best practices.”
Solugen has been actively involved in shaping the training curriculum to meet the specific needs of the industrial biomanufacturing sector, with Dr. Miller serving as a faculty advisor. Their collaboration with San Jacinto College ensures that the training is not only comprehensive but also aligned with industry best practices.
The week-long “Foundations of Biotechnology” includes both theoretical and hands-on components, covering a range of critical topics from contamination control to pilot plant operations. The course is led by Dr. Nicole Bradley, who has over 12 years of research experience and five years in biopharmaceuticals and quality control, and Kevin Rodriguez, a San Jac alumnus with a background in process development and over three years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
“Our main goal is to provide specialized training that further equips biotech professionals ranging from entry-level techs to lab managers with valuable skills applicable to their roles.” said Dr. Nicole Bradley, Biotechnology Program Director and Professor at San Jacinto College. “The training could serve as essential onboarding for new hires at companies like Solugen, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving industry demands.”
San Jacinto College is the first institution in the region to offer such customized corporate training for industrial biotechnology companies, setting a new standard in biomanufacturing education. This partnership not only benefits the college and its students but also the broader community by opening new career paths in a rapidly growing field with increasing employment opportunities.