Champions for Biotech Education Awards

2023 Champions for Biotechnology Education Awards Gala

The 8th Annual Champions for Biotechnology Educations Awards Gala was held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Museum of Science. 244 people attended.

About Champions

The Champions for Biotechnology Education Awards Gala celebrates outstanding advocacy for, and contributions to, life sciences education in Massachusetts. Each year, MassBioEd honors an organization, an educator, a public advocate, and a school for their commitment to fostering science literacy and advancing life sciences education. We also award a student with a scholarship to be used towards their life sciences field of study. The Educator Award and Student Scholarship Award are supported by the Henri A. Termeer Foundation in honor of Henri A. Termeer and his commitment to scientific discovery and mentorship of aspiring and accomplished scientists. The Champions Gala is MassBioEd’s annual fundraiser, raising funds to support our programs to build a strong and diverse life sciences workforce.

The Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award is supported by the Joshua Boger Family Foundation and named after Joshua Boger to recognize his sustained commitment to excellence in science education. The Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award will be presented at a separate event in Spring 2024 at the chosen school.

2023 Champions

A Message From MassBioEd to Mayor Wu –

We are proud to honor you for your commitment to the growth of local life sciences and expanding access to career opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities. Your mission to build a more equitable and inclusive economy, and your initiatives investing in training, education and career awareness are helping all of us to work with industry, educators, and community partners to address barriers to employment in the industry.

Student Champion, Genesis Gonzalez
Henri A. Termeer Award Recipient
Teacher Champion, Julia Buben
Henri A. Termeer Award Recipient

Thank You to our 2023 Sponsors!

OPAL SPONSORS
EMERALD SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
RUBY SPONSORS
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS

Contributing Sponsors

Wynter Duncanson

US Labs

Lora Marden

2022 Highlights

Past Awardees

Champion StudentsHenri A. Termeer Student Scholarship

  • Wahaaj Farah, Roxbury Prep High School and Boston University (2022)
  • Rim Bozo, Pioneer Charter School of Science & Dartmouth College (2021)
  • Camila Wendorff, Framingham State University & MassBay Community College (2020)

Champion EducatorsHenri A. Termeer Teacher Award

  • Debora O’Reilly, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School (2022)
  • Stacey Chapley, Frontier Regional High School (2021)
  • Sarah Goldberg, New Mission High School (2020)
  • Dr. Laurie Jackson-Grusby, Brockton High School (2019)
  • Lindsey L’Ecuyer, Andover High School (2018)
  • Eric Leigh & David Enos, Gloucester High School (2017)
  • Jonathan Shapiro, Brockton High School (2016)

Champion SchoolsJoshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award

  • Everett High School (2020-2021)
  • East Boston High School (2019-2020)
  • Innovation Academy Charter School (2018-2019)
  • Essex Technical High School (2017)
  • Hingham High School (2016)
  • Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (2015)
  • Barnstable High School (2014)
  • Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (2013)
  • Gloucester High School (2012)
  • Norton High School (2011)
  • Somerville High School (2010)
  • Bellingham High School (2009)

Champion Organizations

  • Corning Life Sciences (2022)
  • Bristol Myers Squibb (2021)
  • Biogen (2020)
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific (2019)
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals (2018)
  • Sanofi Genzyme (2017)
  • EMD Serono (2016)

Champion Public Advocate

  • Senator John J. Cronin (2022)

Early Champion Industry Leaders

  • Dr. John Maraganore, CEO, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (2019)
  • Dr. Udit Batra, CEO, MilliporeSigma (2018)
  • Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, President & CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (2017)
  • Michael Bonney, Former CEO, Cubist Pharmaceuticals & Partner, Third Rock Ventures (2016)