Bridging Academia and Industry The Ohio State University Students Student Gain Insights at STAQ Pharma

On January 21, 2025, STAQ Pharma, located in Columbus, Ohio, welcomed students from The Ohio State University and members of the PDA Midwest Board into their facility.

STAQ Pharma is an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing partner backed by hospitals and is dedicated to combating drug shortages and supporting healthcare providers nationwide. STAQ Pharma plays a critical role in addressing drug shortages and supporting healthcare providers across the country.

The event provided a unique opportunity for students to hear from industry professionals, learn about 503B outsourcing facilities, explore career paths and tour STAQ Pharma’s state-of-the-art facility. By opening its doors, STAQ Pharma reinforced its commitment to education, mentorship and industry collaboration, helping students bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.

The event began with an informative presentation on 503B outsourcing facilities, detailing their role in the industry and their commitment supplying hospitals and healthcare providers with high-quality drugs. Students gained a foundational understanding of how these facilities operate under FDA regulations, follow strict quality standards and address drug shortages.

Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to hear from a panel of industry professionals, including Tiffany Cummings, Quality Control Manager, Jon Hicks, Director of Pharmacy, Paul Lisska, Director of Manufacturing Sciences, and Gabrielle Parzygnat, Marketing Manager.

The panelists shared their career journeys, industry experiences, and advice for students looking to explore opportunities in the industry. Panelists also emphasized the importance of adaptability, regulatory knowledge, and attention to detail as essential skills for success.

One student particularly appreciated the insights on the panel, stating:

“I enjoyed listening to the pharmacist that spoke at the event and how committed they are to patient care. He seems enthusiastic about STAQ Pharma’s future and growing the company here in Columbus.”

They also encouraged students to seek mentorship, be open to learn, and take advantage of networking opportunities to build meaningful industry connections.

The facility tour was a key highlight of the event, giving students an in-depth look at STAQ Pharma’s manufacturing operations. Jon, Paul and Tiffany provided a detailed explanation of the entire process, from raw material handling to final product packaging, ensuring students understood the quality and compliance standards involved. They also took the time to answer questions, offering valuable insights into sterile drug production, contamination control and regulatory requirements.

Beyond the technical aspects, students valued the opportunity to network and gain industry insights. The networking session allowed students to engage with STAQ Pharma professionals, PDA Midwest board members and fellow attendees.

Many students expressed their appreciation for the experience:

“Such a great event! Thank you for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at 503B facilities and the industry.”

“It was such an amazing event. Thank you for bringing such an enriching experience for us!”

“PDA seems like such a great organization. I am so happy that PDA is hosting events like this since I am actively looking for careers that make use of my degree.”

By opening their doors to students and PDA Midwest members, STAQ Pharma provided a comprehensive experience that showcased the real-world impact of their work. From educational presentations and expert panel discussions to facility tours and networking opportunities, students gained a well-rounded understanding of the industry and its career possibilities.

This event highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, ensuring that the next generation of professionals enters the workforce with knowledge, exposure and meaningful connections to thrive in their next steps in school and careers.