Students explore practices at Amherst Laboratories

The FEU Industry Real-world and Simulated Tour (F.I.R.S.T.) at Amherst Laboratories, Inc., in partnership with Unilab Education provided Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing and Institute of Arts and Sciences students with direct exposure to professional laboratory environments, offering a practical perspective on how scientific knowledge is applied in real-world settings. 

“The tour gave us a deeper appreciation of how our lessons are applied beyond the classroom,” a student said. “We often discuss these processes in lectures, but seeing them actually performed in a real laboratory made everything more concrete and easier to understand.” 

“The landscape of science and healthcare is constantly evolving,” another student said. “This exposure helped us understand the level of competence and adaptability required, especially when dealing with advanced equipment, strict protocols, and real-life applications.” 

“[Far Eastern University-FEU] has given us opportunities like this that go beyond lectures,” a participant said. “Being exposed to an actual working laboratory helped us see the bigger picture of our profession and how we can apply our knowledge in real-world situations.”

Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, and Chemistry students participated in the tour that forms part of FEU’s efforts to strengthen industry immersion opportunities, particularly for its newly offered programs. 

A representative from Amherst Laboratories underscored the critical role of safety in laboratory operations, emphasizing that strict adherence to protocols is fundamental in ensuring reliable and accurate results. The representative noted that working in regulated environments requires discipline, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of safety standards, areas where training and industry exposure play a crucial role in preparing future professionals. 

As the demand for highly skilled professionals in science and health-related fields continues to evolve, the program emphasized the importance of bridging theoretical learning with actual industry practices. By engaging with laboratory processes firsthand, students gained a clearer understanding of operational standards, safety protocols, and quality control measures essential in modern laboratory work

. 

Amherst Laboratories, Inc., a leading pharmaceutical testing and analytical laboratory in the country, is known for providing services in drug testing, product quality evaluation, and compliance with regulatory standards. The company plays a key role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, making it an ideal learning site for students pursuing careers in laboratory sciences and healthcare industries. 

During the tour last April 15, participants were introduced to key laboratory procedures and workflows, allowing them to observe how scientific principles are implemented in areas such as testing, analysis, and product development. The experience also highlighted the importance of precision, documentation, and adherence to strict regulatory frameworks in professional laboratory settings. 

Through initiatives like F.I.R.S.T. and partnerships with institutions such as Amherst Laboratories and Unilab Education, FEU continues to embed industry immersion into its academic programs, particularly for emerging science and health disciplines. These experiences not only allow students to observe real-world applications of their coursework but also help them internalize the standards, responsibilities, and evolving demands of their chosen fields which helps in positioning them to transition more effectively from academic learning to professional practice.