Biomanufacturing student finds new direction in hands-on OSU-OKC program

Monday, March 2, 2026

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City biomanufacturing technologies student Aaron Brabble calls himself “an atypical student.” But his natural curiosity and interest in hands-on learning made OSU-OKC’s biomanufacturing program a great fit.

Brabble, who will complete his first year in OSU-OKC’s two-year biomanufacturing technologies program this spring, said his path to the classroom wasn’t straightforward. Over two decades, he worked in retail, in sales, and as a contract painter, among other temporary positions. Many of his job changes were based on relocations with his spouse’s job.

“I’d pick up a job when we landed in Denver, and then Portland, Oregon, and then Phoenix, Arizona,” he said.

Brabble had tried college a few times, but nothing stuck.

Having settled in Oklahoma City, Brabble was working in a retail store when fate — in the form of OSU-OKC’s lead biomanufacturing instructor Armond Swift — intervened.

Brabble recognized Swift’s OSU badge, sparking casual conversations that over time led to a personal tour offer.

“I’m not going to turn down a chance to see a laboratory,” Brabble said.

Swift, who oversees a curriculum combining online coursework with intensive weekly lab sessions, has helped build one of the state’s most workforce-driven science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. 

OSU-OKC’s biomanufacturing degree centers on hands-on bioprocesses, including cell culture and protein production, preparing students for roles such as bioprocess technicians, quality control analysts and research assistants. Students train with industry-standard techniques, including work with mammalian cell strains.

For Brabble, the program’s tactile nature was immediately appealing.

“I’ve never been in a classroom where I’ve got to be that hands-on with the laboratory equipment,” he said.  

He estimates the coursework feels like “90% lab time and 10% bookwork,” a contrast he welcomes.

Affordability was another surprise. Once he learned more about tuition and financial expectations, the idea of returning to school seemed less daunting.

Flexibility also played a role. OSU-OKC allows students to enter the biomanufacturing program in either the fall or spring, and the degree’s structure enables students to balance general education courses with laboratory classes.

Now, as he builds experience with mammalian cell culture and other biomanufacturing techniques, Brabble is beginning to explore the job landscape. He said he was surprised to see how many diagnostic and laboratory positions seek applicants with hands-on training.

While he is still working through the program, Brabble’s goals have become clearer.

“My ideal goal was to get into a field that is more professional,” he said. “After doing it for a while, I’ve come to find I love being in the lab.”

For now, he’s focused on finishing strong — and credits Swift for guiding him there. 

“One hundred percent, Armond Swift,” Brabble said. “He’s great.”