Middlesex College Celebrates Opening of Aseptic Simulation Lab

Middlesex College’s Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning and the Department of Natural Sciences have unveiled a new Aseptic Simulation Lab, made possible by a $250,000 contribution from Johnson & Johnson. The lab provides learners with a sterile environment in which to perform work such as handling cell cultures, tissues, and biological materials, essential in industries including biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and biopharmaceuticals.

Middlesex College has partnered with NJBioFutures, a workforce development coalition launched by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges with support from Johnson & Johnson and other industry partners, aimed at creating a sustainable, skilled talent pipeline to support New Jersey’s rapidly expanding cell and gene therapeutics sector. Along with Raritan Valley Community College and Mercer County Community College, Middlesex College will provide training and certification programs in these areas.

“We are thrilled to open the new Aseptic Lab at Middlesex College, which represents our commitment to providing our students with the highest quality of education and hands-on training,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Thanks to the support of Johnson & Johnson, we are able to provide new opportunities for this lucrative and emerging field in the workforce. The Aseptic Lab offers learners the experience of engaging in realistic scenarios that will help them develop the critical thinking and understand the strict protocols necessary in this vital lab environment.”

An aseptic lab is a controlled, sterile environment designed to prevent contamination by microorganisms. These labs are essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical research, where even a single contaminant can compromise experiments or the production of life-saving medications. In addition to working with specialized equipment, individuals are trained in strict gowning, masking, and sanitization procedures to ensure that all work remains free of unwanted microorganisms.

The simulation lab includes equipment which will be used in instruction in the areas of aseptic cleanroom technology and manufacturing processes. Simulation practice has been shown to significantly enhance judgement, decision-making, and hands-on skills, while encouraging collaboration with peers.

“Today’s opening of the Aseptic Simulation Lab at Middlesex College marks an exciting step forward in preparing students for high-demand careers in not just New Jersey’s but the world’s growing life sciences sector. To solve the toughest health problems we face today, students need exposure to environments that mirror real-world biomanufacturing and biotechnology settings,” said Kimberly Lounds Foster, Vice President, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson. “Johnson & Johnson is proud to work across communities supporting local institutions like Middlesex College and others involved in the NJBioFutures initiative to ensure that our workforce has access to the hands-on experience and rigorous training required to power the next wave of health innovation.”

“Johnson & Johnson’s investment is more than a contribution to education — it’s a commitment to the future of healthcare, science, and innovation,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “This new Johnson & Johnson Aseptic Biomanufacturing Lab exemplifies the kind of partnership that fuels opportunity and drives progress in Middlesex County. Together, we’re preparing students with the hands-on experience and training they need to excel in New Jersey’s growing biomanufacturing industry.”