BioBuzz Philadelphia 2025 Workforce Champion of the Year Award: Honoring Finalists Driving Innovation, Diversity, and Leadership in Life Sciences

The BioBuzz Workforce Champion of the Year Award honors organizations that are shaping the future of life sciences by fostering dynamic, inclusive workplaces. This award recognizes those who prioritize diversity, innovation, employee well-being, and professional development while cultivating a culture of leadership and collaboration. By investing in their teams, these organizations and individuals are building a strong, sustainable talent pipeline to drive the industry forward.

The 2024 finalists are exceptional examples of workforce growth and excellence. Vote now—voting closes March 7th, 2025!

William Wunner, Ph.D.: Pioneering Workforce Development in the Life Sciences

Dr. Wunner’s impact on workforce development in the life sciences, particularly through The Wistar Institute, is profound and far-reaching. A distinguished rabies researcher and professor emeritus, Dr. Wunner’s career is defined by a commitment to public health and education. 

In 2000, at the request of Giovanni Rovera, M.D., then Dean of Wistar, Dr. Wunner established the Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program to address a critical workforce gap. Wistar had been struggling with high employee turnover as many saw their roles as temporary stepping stones to advanced degrees. The BTT Program aimed to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled biomedical technicians, offering hands-on training and clear career pathways. In collaboration with the Community College of Philadelphia, the program has expanded to partner with five community colleges and 13 employers. By 2024, over 230 students had participated, with 66% women and 47% from underrepresented groups, nearly half of whom secured positions in the life sciences.

The program’s success can be attributed to its innovative “Earn to Learn” model, where participants receive hands-on training while earning a salary. This approach removes financial barriers to career advancement and ensures students gain real-world experience in biomedical research labs at Wistar and partner organizations. Dr. Wunner stressed that the program was designed not only to provide job training but to prepare individuals for lasting careers in biomedical research and innovation. "This is about more than just getting a job," Dr. Wunner once said. "It’s about giving people the tools to build a lifelong career, one that empowers them to drive innovation and make a difference in science."

A key component of Dr. Wunner’s approach was mentorship, emphasizing the importance of pairing students with mentors to guide their career growth. This personalized approach helped individual careers thrive and strengthened the biomedical workforce. In 2017, Dr. Wunner formalized the program’s evolution by registering the Biomedical Research Technician (BRT) Apprenticeship—the first of its kind. This milestone opened doors for a broader range of individuals, including community college students and career changers, to pursue life sciences careers.

Dr. Wunner’s partnership with Integral Molecular bridged the gap between education and industry. As Wistar’s first industry partner for the BRT Apprenticeship, Integral Molecular provided hands-on experience in antibody research, demonstrating the power of academia and industry collaboration. Dr. Wunner’s contributions are legendary, shaping the future of the life sciences workforce and ensuring Philadelphia remains a hub for innovation.

Eric Hacherl, Ph.D.: Pioneering Innovation in Workforce Development for Philadelphia's Life Sciences Sector

Eric Hacherl, Ph.D. has been instrumental in advancing Philadelphia’s life sciences community, blending his extensive experience in pharma and biotech with a deep passion for workforce development. With a career spanning two decades, Hacherl’s leadership has influenced both major pharmaceutical companies and startups, making him a driving force in talent cultivation and industry growth.

Hacherl began his career at Merck in 2002, where he spent 15 years refining his expertise in R&D, process engineering, technical support, and manufacturing. His deep knowledge of cGMP, regulatory compliance, and single-use manufacturing laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles.

In 2017, Hacherl transitioned to Noramco, first as Senior Director of Plant Operations and later as General Manager. Managing a smaller team with tighter budgets, he gained valuable experience in operational efficiency and workforce stability. His focus on lean manufacturing and talent retention became defining aspects of his leadership philosophy.

"A thriving life sciences industry starts with investing in people—empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to build meaningful careers that drive innovation forward." – Eric Hacherl

At Catalent in 2019, Hacherl took on the challenge of stabilizing a 400-person site with a $90 million budget. Immersing himself in gene therapy, he played a key role in advancing Catalent’s work in the field. His passion for biotech deepened, leading him to Spark Therapeutics in 2020 as VP and Head of Manufacturing. Overseeing a $75 million budget, he helped shape Spark’s commercial and clinical manufacturing strategies.

A champion of life sciences startups, Hacherl now serves as Principal at Persephoni, providing strategic guidance to early-stage companies. He also founded SMART Bio Works, an initiative dedicated to transforming Philadelphia’s biotech landscape by fostering a robust ecosystem and expanding career opportunities.

SMART Bio Works enhances access to biotech jobs, particularly for underrepresented communities. Through partnerships with local non-profits, the organization developed the Supply-chain, Manufacturing, Analytical, and Regulatory Training (SMART) programs. These initiatives provide training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to apprenticeships and full-time positions, strengthening the region’s workforce.

Throughout his career, Hacherl has prioritized mentorship and career development, empowering individuals to excel in life sciences. Whether leading teams or advising startups, his leadership continues to shape Philadelphia’s workforce, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in workforce development.

Keystone LifeSci Collaborative: Advancing Philadelphia’s Life Sciences Sector through Innovation and Collaboration

The Keystone LifeSci Collaborative (KLSC) is propelling the growth of Greater Philadelphia’s life sciences sector by ensuring sustainable progress through strategic partnerships. Established in 2024, KLSC is an industry-driven alliance aimed at addressing the region’s unique challenges. It brings together more than 40 prominent life sciences organizations, including Integral Molecular, Pfizer, Spark Therapeutics, West Pharmaceutical Services, Adaptimmune, Iovance Biotherapeutics, LAMPiRE Biological Laboratories, and VintaBio, to foster a collaborative ecosystem with the potential to shape the future of the industry.

KLSC provides a centralized platform for life sciences organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, helping streamline business operations, strengthen the workforce, and accelerate economic growth. As a key recipient of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge, KLSC has secured a substantial portion of the $22.8 million dedicated to workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, and supporting emerging life science businesses. 

At its core, KLSC operates on the principle that collaboration is key to addressing industry challenges. By uniting life sciences companies, workforce organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers, KLSC fosters collective impact and ensures long-term success.

The Skills Initiative, formerly known as the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, is a key partner to KLSC’s workforce development efforts. Over the past 15 years, it has evolved into a national leader in workforce training, offering professional development and career coaching for adults. Its Biomedical Technician Training Program, a collaboration with The Wistar Institute and biotech employers, addresses workforce gaps while creating career pathways for underserved individuals.

The Wistar Institute plays a critical role in this initiative by providing hands-on laboratory training and coursework at its Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center. Participants receive coaching on vital soft skills and are prepared for skill-based roles with employers like Iovance Biotherapeutics and Integral Molecular, strengthening Philadelphia’s life sciences workforce.

Beyond workforce development, KLSC collaborates with local universities and community colleges to expand talent pipelines. Maurie Smith, a key leader within KLSC, notes, “Life sciences roles require skills that aren’t always covered by university degrees. We need more pathways for individuals at all educational levels to enter the industry.” Programs like the University City Science Center’s FirstHand™ initiative introduce middle and high school students to STEM careers, helping them explore life sciences early on.

KLSC is also crucial in marketing Philadelphia as a leading life sciences hub. While the region is home to world-class research universities, healthcare institutions, and life sciences companies, KLSC is amplifying global recognition of these assets. “Philadelphia has everything it needs to be a global life sciences hub,” says Smith. “We have the talent, infrastructure, and innovation—it’s time the world knows it.” By refining and amplifying the region’s message, KLSC attracts top talent and drives investment in the sector.

KLSC’s impact is evident as it was named a finalist for BioBuzz 2024’s Workforce Champion award. Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, KLSC is building a sustainable ecosystem that supports the region’s life sciences companies, workforce, and educational institutions. By fostering a highly skilled workforce and enhancing Philadelphia’s position as a life sciences leader, KLSC is driving economic growth and creating opportunities for future generations.

Margaret Bryans, Ph.D.: Building a Skilled Biomanufacturing Workforce for the Future

Margaret Bryans, Ph.D. is a key figure in developing the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing fields of gene and cell therapy. As the Principal Investigator for the NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) project award at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and her role as Professor of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Program coordinator, Dr. Bryans is leading efforts to create targeted curriculum and skills training programs that directly address the need for a skilled workforce in the advanced therapy sector, including biomanufacturing.

Dr. Bryans' commitment to workforce development is evident in her work with the Building an Advanced Therapy Technical Workforce in Southeastern PA project. This initiative aligns local community college curricula with the specific needs of the biotech industry, ensuring students gain the technical skills required to succeed in cutting-edge fields like gene and cell therapy manufacturing. Collaborating with local industry partners, including major pharmaceutical companies, she ensures that students are not just learning theory but also gaining hands-on, industry-relevant experience. Her apprenticeship programs, which place students directly within industry settings, allow them to experience firsthand the processes and challenges of biomanufacturing and gene therapy production.

Through her work, Dr. Bryans is making biomanufacturing careers more accessible, particularly for underrepresented communities. She is dedicated to increasing access to these careers for students of color, first-generation college students, and others who might face barriers to entering the biomanufacturing sector. By partnering with industry, she provides pathways to biomanufacturing careers through training, mentorship, and direct connections with industry professionals. These efforts ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to build sustainable careers in the growing biotech sector.

As the Professor of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Program Coordinator at MCCC, Dr. Bryans oversees the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Biotechnology and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Programs. These programs offer students a comprehensive education in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing fields, with a focus on areas such as molecular techniques, bioprocessing, and gene therapy manufacturing. Courses like Biotechnology Research, Techniques and Instrumentation for Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing, and Biotechnology Internship prepare students to take on the technical challenges of the biomanufacturing workforce.

Dr. Bryans' impact extends far beyond the classroom. Her leadership in workforce development helps build a talent pipeline that is critical to the success of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s biomanufacturing and advanced therapy industries. Through her efforts, Dr. Bryans is not only addressing the current need for skilled technicians but is also laying the foundation for a future workforce that will drive the growth and sustainability of the region’s biotech and biomanufacturing sectors.

Nafees Norris: Fostering the Future in Workforce Development

Nafees Norris has made an indelible impact on the life sciences community in Philadelphia, particularly by fostering diversity and representation within the industry. His academic journey, which began unexpectedly at the Community College of Philadelphia, ignited his passion for learning and science. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Neumann University and a Master’s degree from Thomas Jefferson University, Norris made history as the first African American in the U.S. to graduate with a degree in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering. His technical expertise as a cell culture scientist at NIIMBL further propelled his career, but it is his commitment to community and education that truly sets him apart.

At the heart of Norris’ work is his desire to provide students, particularly from underrepresented communities, with a role model who reflects their identity. Growing up, Norris lacked access to such representation, and it was through his own success that he realized the power of seeing someone who looked like him in the life sciences field. Now, as the founder of Nafees Innovations, Norris offers youth in Philadelphia—from ages 7 to 18—hands-on science education. His workshops cover everything from cell cultures to analytical techniques, and his mission is to make STEM education both accessible and engaging.

For Norris, teaching is about more than simply conveying information; it’s about mentoring and inspiring his students to embrace science with creativity and curiosity. In a world where many “tellers” simply relay facts, Norris strives to fill the gap by being an educator who encourages resilience, integrity, and empathy. He believes that these qualities are key to success, both in science and in life. “Your character will take you places where your talent cannot,” Norris often says, emphasizing that personal strength and perseverance are essential to achieving one’s goals.

Norris’ passion for life sciences is driven by a desire to improve patient care, not financial gain. He views science as a means to make a positive impact on lives, a philosophy that permeates both his work and his teaching. His work with Nafees Innovations aims to not only teach technical skills but to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem of diverse individuals who will help propel Philadelphia’s life sciences community forward.

Looking ahead, Norris plans to expand his outreach starting in 2025 by visiting schools across the city, inspiring future generations of life scientists. Through his efforts, he is shaping a workforce that is diverse, passionate, and poised to thrive in the life sciences sector.

Vote now—voting closes March 7th, 2025!