College Signs Collaborative Agreement with Regeneron to Help Strengthen Biotechnology Workforce

September 19, 2022

Hudson Valley Community College has signed an agreement that solidifies a long-term working partnership with Regeneron, a leading global biotechnology company with headquarters and manufacturing operations in New York State.

For over a decade, the college’s Biology, Chemistry and Physics Department has worked closely with Regeneron, which has growing research and manufacturing campuses in Troy and Rensselaer, to collaborate on recruitment activities by hosting Regeneron-sponsored open house events on campus and working together on curriculum updates that can help students meet industry needs.

The new agreement formalizes many of those activities and sets parameters for how the college and the company can build interest in biotechnology careers among not only Hudson Valley students but also students currently in high school and middle school.

Each year, approximately 25-30 students study in the college’s Biotechnology A.S. degree and certificate programs, which prepare them for careers in medical research, pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields. The two programs provide specialized training in applied techniques of cell culture, immunology, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, biological imaging and analytical cytology. Labs and equipment in the college’s Science Center, which are used by Biotechnology students, mirror on a smaller scale those at Regeneron and other pharmaceutical facilities.

“We are so pleased to be continuing our collaboration with Regeneron and helping to build a stronger biotechnology workforce,” Hudson Valley Community College President Roger Ramsammy said. “This new agreement is a proof point that community colleges can be a full partner in workforce development.”

According to faculty member Dr. Peter Schaefer, many Biotechnology graduates over the past 15 years have moved into full-time positions at Regeneron.

“This agreement continues the excellent working relationship we have enjoyed with Regeneron,” Schaefer said. “Biotechnology is a growing industry in the Capital Region and we want to do everything we can to help continue that growth.”

“Our people define our business, and we have been very successful for many years now,” said Dan Van Plew, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Regeneron. “We have hired hundreds of graduates from local colleges and universities, and those folks have helped us grow and thrive. We are delighted to support HVCC’s Biotechnology program. Our work with HVCC — which really is a local jewel — helps us steer more people into biotech careers, and exposes more students to real life manufacturing, facilities, quality assurance, and laboratory experiences.”