Ishan Nadgauda, a student in BTEC’s Master of Biomanufacturing program, was awarded first place for his research presentation at the National Professional STEM Master’s Association (NPSMA) annual conference, held Nov. 5–8 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. Nadgauda’s presentation, “Harnessing Data Analytics Using Power BI : Driving Efficiency in Biomanufacturing,” focused on his six-month co-op project at Biogen, which he finished in June of this year.

Nadgauda completed an undergraduate certificate in upstream processing at BTEC and earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2024.  Now pursuing a concentration in downstream processing in BTEC’s Master of Biomanufacturing program, he is also currently employed as a part-time contractor at Biogen. He expects to graduate with his master’s degree in May 2026.  

In addition to students’ research presentations, the NPSMA national conference included workshops, a panel discussion, presentations by representatives from industry and academia, and networking opportunities. The NPSMA is the membership association for the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) initiative. 

A two-year graduate program, the Professional Science Master is designed to fill a management need for technology-based companies, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. PSM students pursue advanced training in science, while simultaneously developing business skills. Professional Science Master’s programs combine rigorous study in science or mathematics with coursework in management, policy, or law and emphasize writing and communication skills. Many also include education related to project management. 

Aided by funding from the National Science Foundation, BTEC’s Master of Biomanufacturing and Master of Science — the first U.S. graduate degrees in biomanufacturing — were established as PSM programs in 2009–10.