News and Events
Millipore treats Lowell H.S. students to real world science
June 17, 2009 |
by Lynnea Olivarez
BILLERICA, MASS.—In early May, several scientists at Millipore Corp. and 17 students from nearby Lowell High School came together to talk science with the help of MassBioEd.
The result: Textbook science came to life, making careers in biotechnology realistic destinations for students.
Millipore became a MassBioEd corporate sponsor in 2008 and has since contributed to the community in a number of supportive roles. As part of its Corporate Giving Program, Millipore has partnered with MassBioEd to help fund its programs, host onsite workshops and tours for local students, and participate in a teacher externship program.
“It is a partnership that makes sense,” said Tara Duplaga, Corporate Giving and Community Affairs Manager at Millipore. “We see it as a win-win. We’re helping students in their biotech path, but we’re also preparing our workforce,” she said.
“The staff at MassBioEd has been a great liaison between Millipore and local schools and connecting those schools that really have an interest in pursuing science,” Duplaga said.
Lowell High School is one of those schools. Administrators have even established an optional science track through its Health and Bioscience Academy for junior and senior students.
“Students know about nurses and doctors, but what other kinds of things can you do, and what does a biotech company do?” wondered Katherine Nardoni, a Lowell High School health and bioscience teacher who accompanied students on their field trip to Millipore’s Billerica facilities in May.
Millipore scientists “jumped at the opportunity” to answer students’ questions at the workshop the company hosted, according to Duplaga.
“It’s key to support students in their decisions and interests so that they fulfill their dreams,” said Duplaga of the event.
Nardoni said her experience at Millipore helped her realize the numerous opportunities available in Massachusetts for her students.
“Millipore was just so welcoming for the students, and they got such a good feeling about working in that environment,” she said. “I think the students really felt that they were wanted—that people really want them to think about this career.”
Millipore staff look forward to continuing their partnership with MassBioEd in the future. And they are quick to encourage other companies to participate as well. As outlined in the Growing Talent report released by MBC and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center in 2008, the demand for students with science, technology, engineering and math degrees will continue to grow in the next decade.
“I hope that other companies will want to share what they do and their expertise so other students can say, ‘Well, how can I prepare myself for that kind of work?’” Nardoni said.
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