University of Guelph Student Expands Pharmaceutical Training Through Semester at Seneca

For third-year Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (BPCH) students, a unique partnership between the University of Guelph and Seneca College allows students to take advantage of additional hands-on training during a semester while completing their U of G degree.

Dana Velasco, a CCMPS student in the program, took the opportunity this term to further her interest in the pharmaceutical industry. The experience expanded on her U of G studies, allowing her to apply concepts from her courses in a setting that emphasized precision, consistency and process.

Working closely with lab partners under instructor guidance, Velasco gained experience with pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques and equipment. She points to the ability to see processes unfold in real time as especially valuable, particularly when working through the same procedures discussed in her coursework.

The ability to connect theory with immediate, observable outcomes added a new dimension to concepts she had already encountered at Guelph.

Velasco also worked extensively with analytical instruments used in pharmaceutical settings. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, which are introduced in U of G coursework, became a regular part of her laboratory experience.

“We were provided instruction and guidance as we programmed and ran the systems ourselves,” she says. “I feel more confident in knowing what to expect from the processes, techniques and equipment.”

Alongside this, she gained exposure to tablet manufacturing processes, including compression and coating, and performed in-process testing using friability and hardness testers.

Outside the lab, Velasco has remained engaged in the University of Guelph community. As an executive member of both the Chem Club and InnovatePharma, she has helped create opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and explore potential career paths. These experiences, alongside her co-op placements, have helped her refine her interests within the field.

Dana Velasco’s two classmates collaborate in the chemistry lab.

Looking ahead, Velasco is interested in pursuing a role in quality assurance or quality control, while also considering opportunities in regulatory affairs and formulation. Reflecting on her experiences, she notes their impact on her readiness for future roles.

“This experience helped me prepare for that next step by giving me the opportunity to gain experience with techniques, processes and documentation that are industry-related,” she says.

Her experience highlights how academic learning and practical application across institutions can reinforce one another. By continuing to build on the strong foundation of her program at the University of Guelph, Velasco has developed a clearer and more comprehensive perspective on the pharmaceutical field she plans to enter.