Kamala Kruse teaches in the Biotechnology, Environmental Technician, and Chemical Engineering Technology programs and has also served as the academic coordinator of the latter two. She is a bioanalytical chemist with BSc and MSc degrees in chemistry from the University of California. Prior to joining Mohawk College, she worked in the biologics and small-molecule pharmaceuticals sectors both in Canada and the United States including at Genentech, the very first modern-day biotechnology company. Her industry roles involved applications of chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques for pharmacokinetic profiling of small molecule drug candidates, analysis of proteins made with gene cloning and microbial fermentation, and quality control testing of finished pharmaceutical products.
The combination of her education and diverse industry experience has enabled her to develop and teach many engaging courses for several programs that effectively connect theory to practice and train students for jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and quality control. She is also passionate about ensuring student success outside the classrooms and has volunteered her time in various roles over the years such as the faculty advisor of the departmental student club, founding member of the Women in Trades and Technology group, advisory roles on campus-wide committees, training facilitator and mentor for new faculty, and internally elected Governor on Mohawk College’s Board of Governors.
