Charles River Laboratories is a major American contract research organization (CRO) founded in 1947 that accelerates drug discovery, development, and manufacturing for pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic clients.
Biology students from AWM recently toured the facility and learned about their contributions to the manufacturing of various therapeutic medications. The Memphis facility’s last manufactured medication helps treat people with sickle cell. The students learned about proper PPE & cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) which helps ensure sterility and guidelines from the FDA are met and exceeded.
Students practiced proper techniques for putting on gloves. Shaving cream acted as “germs”. The students were able to see if their technique was sterile or not.
Students were challenged to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They were given supplies and asked to transfer colored water from a container to one bag and then to another using the supplies. They were introduced and allowed to use a sealing machine and a welding machine for plastic tubing. The first team to complete the task successfully received goody bags, and checking for understanding resulted in door prizes.
The company also provided lunch for the students.
Link for pictures can be found here.