Dr. Katie Lakofsky to lead new bioscience workforce development and industry relations initiative

Delaware Biotechnology Institute and Delaware BioScience Association Partner on Key Effort to Accelerate Talent Pipeline and Industry Growth

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Delaware BioScience Association

NEWARK (November 10, 2022) – The state’s leading organizations supporting Delaware’s life science research and economic growth announced today the appointment of Katie Lakofsky, Ed.D., to a new position spearheading workforce development and university-industry relations for the sector.

The role was conceived and will be jointly funded by the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) at the University of Delaware and the Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to deliver a talent pipeline for the diverse range of career opportunities in the region’s thriving biotech ecosystem. Lakofsky will also be focused on strengthening industry ties with Delaware research and educational institutions.

Dr. Lakofsky currently serves as director of workforce development and community education at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) and has extensive experience in biotech training, research and private sector companies. She begins in the new role November 21st.

“I am delighted Katie will be leading this important initiative, bringing her energy and vision to the goal of making Delaware a global leader in delivering a skilled biotech workforce,” said John Koh, Director of DBI. “This creative collaboration with Delaware Bio will ensure she has the full support of both the research and business community behind her efforts.”

“There couldn’t be a better individual to drive this critical effort at such a pivotal time in the growth of the Delaware life science ecosystem,” said Michael Fleming, President of Delaware Bio. “Katie has the unique combination of experience, expertise and relationships to make an immediate impact and ultimately spark partnerships and innovative approaches that strengthen and expand our bioscience workforce.”

“I am excited by this opportunity to continue my work in making Delaware the best place in the country for life science industry talent,” said Lakofsky. “I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic vision that ensures Delaware has the skilled workforce needed for the region’s growing bioscience industry.”

Earlier this year Delaware Bio released results of a member survey underlining significant current and future industry needs to fill in roles spanning advanced manufacturing, operations, management and biomedical technology and product research and development. Every firm reported having openings at all levels of their organization, and while roles requiring bachelor’s and advanced degrees are in demand, most companies are also actively recruiting for positions requiring a high school education, training certificate or a 2-year associates degree. And nearly every company said they would be interested in training partnerships with the state or an educational institution.

Lakofsky will be working closely with education, research and training institutions – including Delaware State University, Delaware Tech, NIIMBL, Nemours, ChristianaCare – STEM education organizations, government leaders and employers to inform plans for enhancing, building and scaling training and engagement programs and public-private partnerships that fortify the state’s life science talent pipeline.

“Putting further key building blocks in place to ensure that sectors such as our state and region’s life sciences sector can succeed is an important step in enhancing Delaware’s vibrant economy,” said Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP). “We have worked effectively with Dr. Lakofsky and having her lead this new initiative will be a win-win for industry and area residents who can pursue so many rewarding types of careers in the life sciences. We applaud DBI and Delaware Bio for making this important commitment to focusing on accelerating talent pipelines.”

“Katie has deep expertise in fostering productive collaborations between industry and academia that have enhanced student success, as well as growth in sponsored research. Her industry knowledge, skills and energy will enhance our collective impact in supporting a critical sector for the state’s future,” said Tracy Shickel, Associate Vice President, Corporate Engagement at UD.

Prior to her current position at Delaware Tech, Lakofsky held roles with DBI, UD’s College of Engineering, the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and Athena Biotechnologies, and she has served as a member of the Delaware Bio Board since 2020. She received her BA and MS in Plant Biology and an Ed.D., in Educational Leadership all from the University of Delaware.

About Delaware Biotechnology Institute
The Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) is an interdisciplinary institution that supports life science research, education and entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware. Recent analysis of the Life Science community in Delaware cites enhancing relations between higher education institutions and private industry and ensuring Delaware produces a skilled, ready, and sufficient workforce as strategic areas for opportunity that would benefit from a coordinated approach.

About Delaware BioScience Association
The Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) has been a catalyst for bioscience innovation in Delaware. We serve pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, agricultural biotech and chemical companies, research and testing companies, hospitals and medical institutions, academic partners and other organizations and companies that support them, with the goal of expanding our state’s vibrant science economy. Our 160 member companies and organizations are of every size, from global leaders to small start-ups, representing 11,000 innovation-based jobs vital to Delaware’s economic future.
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Contacts:
Peter Bothum
pbothum@udel.edu
Interim Sr. Director, External Relations
University of Delaware
302-831-1418 (office)
302-766-5103 (cell)

Jamie Pedrick
Jamie.pedrick@delawarebio.org
Director, Marketing and Communications
Delaware BioScience Association
410-920-2668