Martell Winters, consultant and senior scientist at Nelson Laboratories, is now instructing a course at Brigham Young University (BYU) entitled “Industrial Microbiology and Sterilization.” The course is limited to juniors, seniors, and graduate students and is focused on providing a thorough review of microbiology in the medical device industry. For years BYU has provided an excellent education in the department of microbiology and molecular biology. However, it was recognized that a good foundation in industrial microbiology and sterilization microbiology was missing.
Martell worked closely with Dr. Rich Robison (professor and Department Chair) and Hyrum Shumway (graduate student and TA) at BYU to develop a comprehensive curriculum to cover such topics as FDA regulatory requirements, validation concepts, terminal sterilization (including EO, radiation and steam), reusable medical devices, aseptic processing, water treatment, and biological evaluations/biocompatibility. Also incorporated into the course are several company tours to medical device manufacturers, Nelson Laboratories, a water treatment plant and a hospital central processing department. This is an exciting program as it will give students an opportunity to learn from industry experts as well as great preparation for those who want to enter into the medical device/pharmaceutical/sterilization industries.
Martell is an industry leader in microbiology and sterilization and has over 20 years of experience working with companies to improve their processes. He is also an active committee member of many working groups for multiple regulatory bodies, and has been integral in the creation of multiple standards in place today. His expertise in these areas makes him well qualified to develop and teach this course.
