MichBio Visits UP North Life Sciences Community
MichBio returned to the Upper Peninsula for what has become a much-anticipated annual visit.
The UP visit began at Michigan Technological University (MTU) in Houghton, a campus where more than 60% of students are enrolled in engineering disciplines. The Department of Biomedical Engineering stands out as a hub of innovation, offering ABET-accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, including an accelerated master’s program that allows students to complete their degree just one year beyond the bachelor’s. Nationally ranked #49—and #2 in Michigan—by College Factual, the program reflects both quality and competitiveness in preparing biomedical engineers for industry and research leadership. MTU’s Biomedical Engineering program, headed up by Department Chair Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, integrates medical device industry partnerships into its rigorous capstone projects, giving students invaluable experiential learning opportunities that translate into a remarkable 94% placement rate upon graduation.
In Chemical Engineering, Michigan Tech has established itself as one of the premier training grounds in the country, with 90% of students participating in co-ops, internships, or Enterprise projects. Their undergraduate placement rate is an impressive 93%. Students spend three semesters working in a simulated chemical plant, gaining practical experience that translates directly into workforce readiness. Faculty in the department, like Dr. Caryn Heldt, lead cutting-edge research in bioprocessing and biofuels, providing opportunities for students to pursue specialized minors in pharmaceutical bioprocess engineering and related areas.
The MTU meetings were held in the new H-STEM Complex, which officially opened in 2024 as a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research hub. The $53.1 million facility, funded in part by a $29.7 million investment from the State of Michigan, is designed to connect Biomedical and Chemical Engineering with Biology and Kinesiology, accelerating research at the intersection of health and technology. This complex, alongside the university’s Bioprocess Training Center, underscores Michigan Tech’s commitment to hands-on education and translational science.
From Houghton, MichBio traveled to Marquette for a visit to Northern Michigan University and its newly renovated Jacobetti Complex. Spanning 113,000 square feet, this impressive facility serves as the cornerstone of NMU’s industrial and technical training programs. Inside, students engage with advanced laboratories dedicated to CNC programming and production, CAD design, robotics, electronics, hydraulics, machine tooling, materials testing, and process control. NMU proudly offers Michigan’s only accredited Industrial Technology teacher education program, ensuring a pipeline of educators and practitioners ready to serve the state’s manufacturing workforce. Graduates of NMU’s programs can expect to earn median wages of around $26 per hour, and job projections in Michigan anticipate a 6% growth in the sector through 2024—triple the national average of 2%. Rededicated in September 2023, the Jacobetti Complex is already delivering on its promise to provide students with the tools, training, and confidence to thrive in high-demand technical careers.
The tour also spotlighted Marquette’s growing medical device cluster, anchored by Able Medical Devices (alongside other companies like Resolve Surgical and Mount Manufacturing). Founded in 2018, Able has quickly emerged as a vital contract manufacturer of implants and instruments. The company is investing nearly $13 million in a new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to complement its fully utilized operations in Gwinn. Backed by a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Business Development Program, the expansion will bring Able’s workforce to well over 130 jobs. The new facility is scalable and should position the company well for continued growth. Specializing in precision capabilities such as nitinol processing, laser tube cutting, and advanced metal component fabrication, Able generated an estimated $15.6 million in revenue in 2025, further underscoring its role as an economic and innovation engine in the Upper Peninsula.
To cap off this whirlwind tour, MichBio hosted a BioMixer at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette. With over 60 attendees—ranging from students and faculty to industry professionals—the event was a vibrant showcase of community engagement. Conversations flowed as freely as the brews, creating new connections and reinforcing the momentum we are building together in Michigan’s life sciences and manufacturing ecosystem – across the four corners of the state.
