Industry Donation Brings Hands-On Laboratory Automation Experience to Fleming Biotechnology Students
Students in our Biotechnology – Advanced program are gaining hands-on experience with laboratory automation technology thanks to a generous equipment donation from Safeguard Biosystems, a molecular diagnostics platform company focused on dairy safety and mastitis-causing pathogens, and its holdings are managed by AgronixDX Corporation located in Guelph, Ontario.
The company donated three Hamilton Nimbus liquid handlers to the program, providing students with additional opportunities to develop practical skills using equipment and processes found in today’s biotechnology industry.
The donation came about through a connection with Fleming Biotechnology – Advanced graduate Laura Mullen who is working at SG Bio. When the company found itself with several liquid handlers they did not require, the equipment presented an opportunity to support the next generation of biotechnology professionals while giving the instruments a new life.
Rather than see the equipment go unused or be discarded, the Fleming graduate recognized its potential for the Biotechnology – Advanced program and reached out to the College.
“I immediately thought of the Automations course at Fleming and how perfect the equipment would be for hands-on learning,” Laura shared when initially reaching out about the donation. “We would love to donate them,” giving the equipment a second life through education.
Bringing Laboratory Automation into the Classroom
The Hamilton Nimbus liquid handlers are incorporated into Fleming’s laboratory automation coursework, where students are learning how automated equipment can be used to perform laboratory processes.
Students are working with the instruments to set up physical decks using carriers and labware and to run pre-programmed methods. As they progress through the course, they will create their own virtual and physical deck configurations and learn how to program new methods for common laboratory protocols.
By bridging learning concepts and hands-on experience using these liquid handlers, students are prepared to operate automated systems they may encounter in the biotechnology sector.
“Generous donations like this one from Safeguard Biosciences are important to maintain advanced programming. They ensure our students learn relevant skillsets on instruments currently being used in industry,” said Amanda (Mandy) Rochon, Program Coordinator of Fleming’s Biotechnology – Advanced program.
“When a student is looking for a placement opportunity or applying for jobs, it benefits them to say that they have hands-on experience working with liquid handlers, such as the Hamilton Nimbus.”
A Fleming Graduate Giving Back
The connection behind the donation makes its impact particularly meaningful for the program.
“The fact that a graduate of the Biotechnology – Advanced program is the one who reached out about this donation is such an amazing honour,” Rochon said. “It confirms for us the opportunity this program provides students and their desire to support the program.”
The donation was made possible through collaboration between SG Bio and members of the Fleming College community, including Anna McNichol, Biotechnology – Advanced faculty member and automation course instructor; Biotechnology Technicians Peter Andreas, Candace Gainer, and Will Shelswell; and Laura Gordenier, Manager, Advancement Operations & Donor Engagement.
For students, the result is access to modern equipment, allowing them to learn and practice relevant skills while building their confidence, and standing out to employers.
Through impactful contributions like this, industry partners and Fleming graduates help students build practical experience that support their journey from the classroom into placements and future careers in biotechnology.
Learn more about Fleming College’s Biotechnology – Advanced by visiting the program page.