To date, no program has combined multiple interventions to address multiple barriers simultaneously, ultimately creating an end-to-end ecosystem of support to enable neurodivergent employees to succeed in the workplace [38]. In addition, there are very few studies that specifically evaluate the effectiveness of supports in the workplace [39], so there is a lack of evidence-based interventions that specifically target corporate environments. The NeuroPIPES program seeks to address these issues by assessing current employer training gaps and identifying potential barriers to neurodivergent success.
The positive impacts of the NeuroPIPES program are three-fold: 1.) creating a novel talent pipeline to alleviate workforce bottlenecks for biomanufacturing, 2.) building defined, end-to-end pathways to gainful employment for a historically under- and unemployed population, and 3.) increasing neurodiversity within the biomanufacturing industry and increasing neurodiverse representation in the US workforce as a whole.
cGMP operations training in a mock production facility.
Hands-on, technical skills training on a recombinant protein production platform.
Employer training needs assessment and subsequent implementation of corporate programs to support and retain neurodiverse talent in the workplace.
Neurodiverse soft skills training and career mentoring/coaching.
The NeuroPIPES program creates a sustainable talent pipeline by upskilling the neurodivergent population, a group that currently faces unemployment rates as high as 80%, to fill critical biomanufacturing workforce shortages. By implementing evidence-based workplace supports, the initiative targets a significant reduction in the $15,000+ per-employee cost associated with turnover, leveraging the 90% retention rates frequently observed in inclusive neurodiversity programs. This end-to-end model replaces traditional, fragmented recruiting with a simulated-cGMP training ecosystem that delivers "work-ready" talent and guaranteed interviews, directly lowering recruitment lead times and onboarding expenses.
Employer neurodiversity training for hiring managers and manufacturing supervisors.
Accessibility: Under Development / In Progress, This will not be widely available to members, but rather, will be disseminated at employer partners (Pfizer and J&J).
Reeves, Baley., Presenter, TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo conference, Austin TX, June 9, 2025.
Reeves, Baley., Speaker, NIIMBL National Meeting Conference, Washington D.C., June 24, 2025.
Oswald, E., (October 01, 2025). Closing workforce gaps for autistic adults. Texas A&M Engineering. https://youtu.be/8wja8eiYzek
Revels, M., (October 01, 2025). Closing workforce gaps for autistic adults. Texas A&M Engineering. https://engineering.tamu.edu/news/2025/09/closing-workforce-gaps-for-autistic-adults.html
Login to the NIIMBL member portal to access additional project information, including presentations, progress updates, reports, and more.
Not yet a member? Learn more about which level of NIIMBL membership is right for you and your organization.
Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Pfizer, Inc.
University of California, Los Angeles
