Training

The Stem Cell Biomanufacturing IGERT training program translates the principles of bench-top stem cell biology into cell-based applications and provides an interdisciplinary training experience with specialized tracks in technology, commercialization, and public policy.

The program offers courses in stem cell engineering, bioprocessing and public policy/ethics along with the opportunity to attend stem cell engineering workshops and seminars led by experts in the field.

Additionally, students will acquire a breadth of technical skills via unique training experiences with engineers and scientists conducting cutting-edge stem cell research, as well as social science expertise from public policy and bioethics experts.

Tracks

  • Advanced Technologies
  • Public Policy
  • Entrepreneurship
     

Additional Professional Development Activities

In addition to the formal and elective coursework described above, participating students are afforded a broad variety of professional development opportunities, including seminars, symposiums and interactions with industry partners. The activities are designed to provide career development activities, as well as augment graduate student’s personal and professional skills.

Graduate Course Work

As part of their graduate studies, IGERT students take a stem cell engineering course and a stem cell bioprocessing course to provide them with fundamental knowledge for the biomanufacturing of stem cells. In addition to the required course work, students have the option of taking a stem cell ethics and public policy course to understand how stem cell science is regulated. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the commercialization of stem cell therapeutics through the Bio Industry program.

Stem Cell Engineering Course - BMED 8813 SCE
Instructor: Todd McDevitt, PhD - Department of Biomedical Engineering
The main objective of the course is to introduce fundamental concepts in stem cell biology and approaches to control and examine stem cell phenotypes, especially as they pertain to principles required for stem cell bioprocessing. Due to the diverse types of stem cells, this course emphasizes the process of identifying the appropriate type of stem cell for the desired application, based on its functional attributes, or “potency”. This course teaches students how to apply analytical engineering approaches to quantitatively investigate stem cell biology and cell fate decisions. Each semester, experts in the field of stem cell research and biomanufacturing from inside and outside of Georgia Tech contribute guest lectures to broaden the scientific perspectives within the course.
Past Lecturers:

Taby Ahsan, PhD - Tulane University
Yuhong Fan, PhD - Georgia Insitute of Technology
Sean Palecek, PhD - University of Wisconsin
Jon Rowley, PhD -  Lonza Walkersville, Director of Cell Therapy Research & Development

Topics in Stem Cell Bioprocessing - ChBE 8803C / BMED 8813STB
Instructor: Athanassios Sambanis, PhD - School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
The main objectives of this course are to provide the knowledge and instruction on current bioreactor technologies and to promote critical thinking and discussion on the development of novel stem cell bioreactors and bioprocesses. The first part of the course is an in-depth focus on the design and operation of bioreactors used with suspension and adherent mammalian cells for the production of protein therapeutics. The second part of the course involves review and discussion of journal articles to promote critical thinking on innovative designs for stem cell bioreactors developed to meet specific cell culture objectives. This course trains students on the current efforts in stem cell bioprocessing and on how established production technologies with mammalian cells may be translated to effective stem cell bioprocesses.
Stem Cell Ethics and Policy - PUBP 8803
Instructor: Aaron Levine, PhD - School of Public Policy
Stem cells and related technologies offer the potential to advance our understanding of human diseases and lead us to a new era of regenerative medicine. Yet scientific research using stem cells raises profound ethical questions. Deciding whether to support and how to regulate stem cell science has posed challenges for policymakers in the United States and around the world. This class explores the history, current state of the art, and the likely future of stem cell science with regards to the different types of stem cell science and research in related fields. For each topic, the students assess the current state of scientific knowledge, examine relevant ethical issues and participate in policy debates on the development of emerging technologies in the life sciences.
Mission

To produce leaders in stem cell biomanufacturing & to transform the potential of stem cells into viable cellular technologies.
 
Vision: To establish the leading graduate educational program in the manufacturing of stem cells for the production of cellular therapies and diagnostic applications.
 

Apply

Stem Cell Biomanufacturing IGERT graduate students are selected each fall semester for their first two years of graduate school.  Learn more.

Outreach

 IGERT students partcipate in a variety of outreach activities, including visiting local schools and conducting laboratory tours and demonstrations to communicate the potential of stem cells to teachers, students and the community at large. Learn more.

2011 IGERT Class

 
2010 IGERT Class