Scalable Comprehensive Workforce Readiness Initiatives

Warfighter to Scientist Workshop 

BioMADE is launching a first-of-its-kind program to support members of the Travis Air Force Base and Fort Bragg community in entering the burgeoning bioindustrial manufacturing industry. The Warfighter-to-Scientist workshops are open to service members, their spouses, and adult children over the age of 21. 

A combination of online learning and in-person instruction will result in a flexible learning model that is designed around the pace and needs of military personnel – with no prior experience in STEM required. The program is relevant for anyone interested in pursuing a career in bioindustrial manufacturing through a new role, an internship, or further education and training.

The bioeconomy is projected to see one million additional jobs added by 2030. This program will help meet that need, while setting up former military personnel and their families for success. 

Content 

The workshop will cover topics relevant for technician-level roles in the bioindustrial manufacturing sector, including: 

• Foundational biological, chemical, and engineering principles 

• Scale-up and management of biomass fermentation 

• Separation and purification of bioindustrial products 

• Operating, cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment and instruments 

• Collecting, preparing, and analyzing samples 

• Documenting information using industry standards 

• Following safety and regulatory guidelines 

These topics were identified through a committee of industry and education experts. 

Why Participate? 

The 2025 workshop will be a practical, hands-on experience facilitated by BioMADE and local bioindustrial manufacturing experts. Participants will work with models of industrial equipment and instruments and connect with local industry and education partners. The workshop will also include site visits to local bioindustrial manufacturing facilities. 

After attending this workshop, participants will: 

• Apply the basics of bioindustrial manufacturing, including foundational principles, equipment, key terms and processes, safety, and more 

• Identify what types of products can be made with bioindustrial manufacturing, and what the benefits are 

• Identify career opportunities in the field, and discuss the training and operational skills required to pursue them 

• Create and begin an action plan to pursue opportunities in bioindustrial manufacturing. 

This workshop is part of BioMADE’s work to build a comprehensive community-to-career pathway for bioindustrial manufacturing jobs in Solano County, California. Because bioindustrial manufacturing strengthens American competitiveness, creates a more resilient supply chain, reshores manufacturing jobs, and produces more sustainable products without relying on foreign sources, this thriving industry may be a natural area of interest to former military personnel. 

Please reach out to Mark Reynolds at mreynolds@biomade.org with any questions.