Student Voices: Reflections on the 2025 ISPE Aseptic Conference

The 2025 ISPE Aseptic Conference held March 17-18 in Washington, D.C., brought together professionals and students from across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors to share insights, innovations, and challenges in aseptic manufacturing. Through the generous ISPE Student Grant program, three Northeastern University students—Afrah Mujeeb (MS Regulatory Affairs), Savani Nagarkar (MS Biotechnology), and Nazneen Khan (MS Regulatory Affairs)—had the opportunity to attend this premier industry event, gaining valuable knowledge and connections that will shape their future careers.

Student Testimonials

Afrah Mujeeb: “The session that completely blew my mind was ‘Thinking Outside the Vial: Manufacturing Organs’ by Matthew VonEsch from United Therapeutics. I had no idea we were already this far along in making solid organs using regenerative medicine and even xenotransplantation. It felt like science fiction—but it’s real, and it’s happening now.”

“Another session I found super interesting was about using AI for visual inspection of parenterals. Amgen’s team showed how deep learning is improving accuracy in spotting particulates and defects—it’s crazy how fast technology is transforming the work we do.”

Savani Nagarkar & Nazneen Khan: “Learning about ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) and its role in organ transplants was not only fascinating but also made us realize the huge impact that new technologies can have on patient lives.”

“The idea of radioligand therapies using isotopes for cancer treatment took it to a whole new level. It was an amazing opportunity to learn about the CMC challenges and regulatory hurdles faced by companies in this field.”

“We also attended a session called Women in Pharma® which focused on how Pharma 4.0 is driving the future of the industry. It was empowering to see that our generation’s values like openness to change, digital fluency, and prioritizing purpose are not just welcomed, but needed in the pharmaceutical workforce of the future.”

“If you’re on the fence about attending a professional conference as a student, TAKE THE LEAP. Being surrounded by innovation and passionate people is electric. Being in the room, listening, asking questions, that’s how growth begins.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Cutting-edge technology exposure: Students gained firsthand insights into revolutionary approaches like organ manufacturing, radiopharmaceuticals, and AI-powered visual inspection systems.
2. Regulatory understanding: Sessions on compliance with regulations like Annex 1 provided practical knowledge that bridges classroom theory with real-world implementation.
3. Industry networking: The conference created valuable opportunities for students to connect with professionals, potentially opening doors for future career opportunities.
4. Diversity and inclusion: Sessions highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in pharmaceutical innovation resonated strongly with the next generation of industry professionals.
5. Practical case studies: Real-world examples of technology transitions, like moving from RABS to isolator systems, provided students with insights into how industry challenges are addressed.

Conclusion

The testimonials from Afrah, Savani, and Nazneen demonstrate the transformative impact that attending industry conferences can have on student development. Their experiences at the 2025 ISPE Aseptic Conference not only expanded their technical knowledge but also provided them with confidence, clarity, and new perspectives that will shape their future careers.

Just like these students, you could be the next recipient of an ISPE Student Grant. By actively participating in your local ISPE chapter, pursuing learning opportunities, and applying for student grants, you can open doors to experiences that will help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice.