Abstract:
Kayleigh Atanasoff is a 2020 and 2021 graduate of Lehigh University, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Bioengineering. Her academic journey began in 2016 as a Biology major on the pre-med track before she discovered a passion for engineering and transitioned to a Bioengineering degree on the mechanics and materials track. As an undergraduate, she led the e-NABLE prosthetics club, pursued a minor in Studio Art, and completed a capstone project studying the microfluidic applications for HIV diagnostics. She later continued her studies at Lehigh, conducting master's thesis research in the Paschuck Lab, where she investigated proteomics and developed gel zymography assays to explore the application of proteasomes in biomaterials.
Since joining Lilly, Kayleigh has held several roles spanning Technical Services and Operations, applying her academic training to the challenges of large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing. This presentation highlights her career path and the technical skills required to support aseptic drug product manufacturing, isolator filling operations, and radiopharmaceutical contract manufacturing. Drawing from her experience supporting GLP-1 products, FDA inspections, and manufacturing expansion initiatives, she will discuss the realities of modern pharmaceutical production and the importance of engineering, quality and operational excellence in delivering medicine to patients.
The presentation will also explore Lilly's planned Lehigh Valley manufacturing site and its future production capabilities, highlighting the opportunities these investments create for the region and the next generation of engineers. Attendees will gain insight into how a bioengineering education can translate into a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry's future.
This event is free and open to the public. Please reach out to the Department of Bioengineering's team (inbioe@lehigh.edu) with any questions or comments.
