Jesse Ingham, PhD, Senior Analyst at Raybow USA, addressed students and academic staff at Western Carolina University (WCU) on the topic of “Academia vs. Industry: A Brief Comparison” on April 17. Ingham’s presentation focused on comparing and contrasting the experiences, research, and approaches of two professional chemistry career paths.

While addressing the Spring Seminar Class for students enrolled in several Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in the Chemistry and Physics Department, Ingham relied on his research experiences in the doctoral program at Wake Forest University and his analytical work at Raybow. As a 2020 WCU graduate with a Master of Science in Chemistry, his goal was to deliver real-life examples for students at his alma-mater to use in preparing for their next steps.

“I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with students who are about to enter the workforce or further their education…talking with them about potential professional research directions for them to explore…and sharing some learned perspectives,” Ingham explained.

“It’s important to strengthen the professional chemistry community in western North Carolina. I hope to help and inspire future chemists,” added Ingham.

While visiting the campus, Ingham toured the classroom named for 1984 WCU graduate and former Raybow USA President Peter Newsome, PhD. Newsome, who retired in 2024, was co-founder of the Brevard company PharmAgra Labs, now operating as Raybow USA.

Contact Raybow USA for support with your integrated small-molecule CMC discovery, IND-enabling studies, and GMP manufacturing.

About Raybow USA

Founded in 1998 as PharmAgra Labs by Peter Newsome and Roger Frisbee, the Brevard, North Carolina, company became Raybow USA, a US branch of JiuZhou Pharma in 2019.

The facility is dedicated to cutting-edge Research & Development and Analytical services, offering preparation of clinical trial material, method validation, and small-scale specialty production for multiple markets. The FDA-inspected site boasts a cGMP laboratory and kilo lab.

About JiuZhou Pharma

Zhejiang JiuZhou Pharmaceutical Co., LTD. (stock code: 603456.SH), founded in 1998 and headquartered in Taizhou, Zhejiang, is a leading CDMO and generic drug manufacturer in China. The company has production and R&D bases in China, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

JiuZhou Pharma provides full-lifecycle contract development and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The one-stop CDMO service spans from preclinical research, process R&D for APIs, DPs, peptides, and drug conjugates, through all clinical phases to commercial production.

About Western Carolina University’s Chemistry & Physics Department

Western Carolina University’s Chemistry & Physics Department offers academic programs in Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science enabling undergraduate and graduate students to work with expert faculty and staff in a collaborative learning environment. WCU offers the opportunity to participate in faculty-directed research using state-of-the-art instruments and facilities. Students completing degree programs gain a firm foundation through coursework as well as the scientific training and research experience necessary for graduate education or employment with government agencies and private industries.

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