Integrated biomanufacturing instructional module and process analytics using hyflex delivery model

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded the University of Oklahoma $399,777 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and implement a hybrid-flexible biomanufacturing instructional module with process analytics.

The project addresses biomanufacturing workforce development by creating an integrated experimental workflow combining cell culturing, aseptic techniques, biologics production, and data analytics using industry-standard equipment. The delivery model incorporates in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous online formats to increase access to quality biomanufacturing education and expand undergraduate STEM participation. A simulated experimental virtual toolbox will be established and hosted on an open-source website with facilitation guides to enable widespread adoption across institutions.

The curriculum integrates experiential learning with evidence-based instructional design, connecting classroom instruction to real-world biopharmaceutical industry operations. Primary project goals include developing and implementing the hybrid-flexible experimental workflow to enhance biomanufacturing education, and examining outcomes related to student learning and workforce readiness.

Work is performed at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, with a period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

This project aims to address the national interest by tackling biomanufacturing workforce needs and implementing an experiential learning using the hybrid-flexible (hyflex) model leveraging different formats (i.e., in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous online). By incorporating evidence-based instructional design to advance stem education, this project will support a graduate workforce with applied skills and industry readiness. Biomanufacturing education integrates complex knowledge at the interface of biology, engineering, and data analytics. Biomanufacturing education needs to better equip students with applied practical experience and use of innovative instructional approaches that connect to the real world biopharmaceutical industry. This iuse level 1 engaged student learning project plans to combine experimentation, visualization and data analytics advancing learning with upstream biomanufacturing workflow from cell culturing, aseptic techniques, production of biologics and data analytics using industry standard equipment. A simulated experimental virtual toolbox for the hyflex delivery model will be established as part of this project. These online repository materials will be hosted on an open-source website, with guides for facilitating widespread adoption and use. The hyflex model improves access to quality biomanufacturing education and increases participation of undergraduates in stem education. By advancing lab-based skills and experiential learning, this project improves biomanufacturing education, enhances the skilled workforce pipeline, and strengthens national economic competitiveness in the biotechnology sector. This project has two primary goals: (1) develop and implement hyflex delivery of integrated experimental workflow with industry standard analytics through an experiential learning module to enhance biomanufacturing education, and (2) examine how hyflex delivery of these evidence-based learning modules impacts development of student competencies to solve complex biomanufacturing problems, learning outcomes and engagement across modalities. This will engage students with the upstream bioprocess workflow from aseptic cell culturing using mammalian cell line, process characterization, and in-process monitoring of culture parameters using advanced analytical equipment. All the experimental data, including images, demonstration videos, and analytics, will be curated to create an experimental visual demonstration toolbox for instruction across in-person, synchronous and asynchronous online modalities. This repository will also feature a (a) comprehensive library of videos demonstrating laboratory techniques and equipment operation, (b) complete datasets from multiple cell culture production that runs with detailed metadata describing experimental conditions, and (c) data analysis tutorials that guide students through increasingly sophisticated analyses, equipment operation guides, and virtual training modules. This project will also capture student mental model representation of essential bioprocess topics. This will be facilitated by connecting traditionally siloed domains through concept mapping, problem-solving exercise, and exploratory interviews. All three modalities will be evaluated using rigorous mixed methods approaches. This project is designed to result in a validated biomanufacturing learning module with documented evidence of the extent of student conceptual development, practical competency in bioprocess monitoring, and control through data driven analysis. Project outcomes will be disseminated, and instructional resource will be hosted on an open-source website for wider adoption. The NSF iuse:EDU program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of stem education for all students. Through the engaged student learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.