Traditional methods to assess infectivity, including the end-point dilution assay (TCID50) and viral plaque assay, are slow, labor intensive, and can vary depending upon the skill and experience of the user.
Provide education for the rapid detection and quantification of viral infection in the context of improving the development and production of vaccines.
Accelerated Workforce Development: Delivered a new 3-day short course on Flow Cytometry and Laser Force Cytology, equipping industry professionals and NIH trainees with critical skills for emerging cell-based therapies like CAR-T.
Enhanced Learning Efficiency: Created six digital pre-class modules to standardize baseline knowledge and maximize hands-on lab time, improving training relevance for diverse experience levels.
Introduced Cutting-Edge Technology: Incorporated LumaCyte’s Radiance™ platform for Laser Force Cytology, enabling rapid, label-free cell characterization and viral infectivity measurements that reduce time, labor, and cost compared to traditional assays.
This project advanced workforce development in cell therapy analytics by launching a new three-day course on Flow Cytometry and Laser Force Cytology, supported by six digital pre-learning modules for scalability. The inaugural session trained seven participants, earned a Net Promoter Score of 43, and established a sustainable model for future offerings. With plans for annual sessions and integration into undergraduate programs, the initiative addresses critical skill gaps and builds a long-term talent pipeline for emerging therapies like CAR-T.
Developed and delivered a 3-day short course combining classroom instruction and hands-on lab sessions on flow cytometry and laser force cytology.
Created six narrated e-learning modules (8–12 minutes each) covering foundational theory for pre-class preparation and future reuse.
Established recurring offerings (2–3 times annually) and integration into undergraduate programs for 30–60 students each summer starting in 2020.
Successfully trained seven participants (4 higher-ed students, 3 professionals) and awarded certificates of completion.
Davis, J., Characterization of Cell Therapy Products by Flow and Laser Force Cytometry, NIIMBL National Meeting, Washington, DC, June 28, 2019.
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bristol-Myers Squibb
LumaCyte
