Northern Kentucky’s Life Sciences Industry Advances
Supported by creative partnerships and academic programs that build career-ready skills, Northern Kentucky punches above its weight in life sciences, and this industry continues to see great advancement.
Front-Row Seat to Life Sciences in Northern Kentucky
“We have a front-row seat to some of the most exciting, innovative research in the world,” says Tim Schroeder, chairman, CEO and founder of CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting, headquartered in Covington. CTI works on behalf of about 300 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the globe.
“We’ve become pretty good at treating diseases and slowing their progression – sometimes even preventing them with vaccines – but I feel like it’s truly the first time ever that we are thinking about curing diseases,” Schroeder says.
A great example of this is sickle cell anemia.
“There are now two gene therapies for sickle cell approved by the FDA, and CTI has been fortunate to work with both of them,” Schroeder says. “That work is also going on in fields like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and multiple sclerosis.”
Schroeder says a variety of factors make Northern Kentucky an ideal spot for this type of work.
“Here, we have terrific universities. We have the No. 1 rated pediatric hospital in the country in our backyard – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We have a relatively low cost of living and a stable workforce. And suddenly, people are listening and making huge investments because of it,” Schroeder says.
A Bridge to the Future for Students
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights is a key partner in this equation.
“NKU is well-known for its emphasis on undergraduate research, so our graduates are sought after by employers,” says Dr. Joe Mester, a professor in the biological sciences department.
Mester says students intern at local organizations, and many graduates go on to work there.
Students take part in hands-on experiences in the classroom, as well.
“Our science curriculum involves lots of hands-on laboratory work, so our students gain valuable job-related experience with current scientific techniques and procedures,” he says.
For example, Dr. Isabelle Lagadic, associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, is developing an accelerated program for students interested in working in the biosciences industry. Through a combination of industry-aligned resources and hands-on practice, the training culminates in demonstrating the mastery of technical lab skills.
“I describe it like getting a driver’s license,” Lagadic says. “You’re given some resources to learn the rules of the road. When you feel comfortable, you practice with someone next to you in a parking lot, then on the road. These students do the same with lab techniques.”
Lagadic says once students are ready, they record videos demonstrating their skills, which can then be assessed by an independent reviewer.
“They can embed their video and the criteria on which they’ve been assessed to a LinkedIn profile and resume and share it during an interview,” she says. “We’re offering this to students at all levels as a way to bridge their classroom training to industry needs.”
Bold Collaboration in Life Sciences in Northern Kentucky
An important resource set to open in 2025 is Covington Life Science Lab, supported by the commonwealth that is designed to serve as a premier incubator for life sciences startups.
“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to be part of a region’s history,” says Dr. Christin Godale, executive director of LifesSciKY, the nonprofit running the lab. “Our goal is to foster a sustainable life sciences ecosystem in Northern Kentucky by providing cost effective research and development facilities, including lab and office spaces, shared laboratory equipment and various amenities.”
Godale says the lab is on the second floor of the new OneNKY Center and will cover 11,000 square feet. The facility will support early-stage companies and offer educational and training opportunities within the life sciences industry.
“This initiative is monumental for our area,” Godale says. “I take great pride in our boldness – not just in building this incubator, but in building it right.”
Godale says the lab is anticipated to generate jobs, attract investment and further establish Northern Kentucky as a hub for life sciences.
“This project represents not just a physical space, but a vibrant, innovative community dedicated to making Kentucky a healthier place to live,” she says.
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