Yesterday, 145 Massachusetts high school students shadowed life sciences professionals across the Commonwealth during Career Exploration Day organized by the MassBioEd Foundation.
For this Career Exploration Day, seven Massachusetts biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, life sciences companies and research institutions partnered with the MassBioEd Foundation to host students from six high schools and provide them with opportunities to meet one-on-one with life sciences professionals, shadow scientists in laboratories, and tour company facilities.
“When students see cutting-edge science and the connection between their high school curriculum and the life-saving work being done in company labs, it sparks their interest in biotechnology,” said Peter Abair, Executive Director of the MassBioEd Foundation. “Career Exploration Day exposes students to a variety of careers in the life sciences and shows them that high school science can be the first step to an exciting future.”
Participants included:
| Company | High School |
| Addgene | Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School |
| Amgen | Weymouth High School |
| EMD Millipore | Chelmsford High School |
| Leica Biosystems & Beckman Coulter Genomics | Danvers High School |
| Novartis | Somerville High School |
| Whitehead Institute | Everett High School |
“Addgene has a culture of excellent mentorship,” said Joanne Kamens, Addgene Executive Director. “The Addgenies are delighted to be able to provide these future scientists with exposure to innovative, nonprofit science career options.”
“Amgen is excited to opens its doors to Weymouth High School as a participant in this year’s MassBioEd Career Exploration Day,” said Sam Guhan, Vice President, Process Development and Amgen Massachusetts Site Head. “Throughout the day’s activities, we hope to provide high school students with an inside view of what it’s like to work at Amgen. We look forward to sharing with them first hand experiences from the array of career opportunities available within pharma/biotechnology industry, and ultimately fueling their curiosity as the next generation of scientists.”
“We are thrilled to once again partner with MassBioEd to help spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science in local high school students through the Career Exploration Day,” said Renee Connolly, head of Communications and Corporate Responsibility at EMD Millipore. “As part of our commitment to Corporate Responsibility, we are focused on inspiring the next generation of scientists. Today’s event is just one way our employees are helping to do that.”
“Leica Biosystems and Beckman Coulter Genomics are pleased and proud to participate in the MassBioEd Career Exploration Day,” said David Lichter, Clinical Research Lead – Clinical Affairs, Pharma Partnerships at Leica Biosystems.“Student scientific education is a major part of our community outreach efforts, and it is a privilege to contribute towards developing the next generation of scientists.”
“We’re always excited to partner with MassBioEd to introduce students to potential career opportunities in the life sciences,” said Amy Tremblay, Public Programs Officer at Whitehead Institute.
Career Exploration Day, part of MassBioEd’s signature BioTeach program, aims to increase students’ interest in pursuing life sciences careers. Through BioTeach, MassBioEd works to bring lab equipment, teacher professional development, and student career exploration experiences to students throughout the state to educate and inspire future scientists.