October 26, 2021 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) is hosting its sixth annual Champions for Biotechnology Education Awards Reception on October 26^th to celebrate and recognize the outstanding advocacy for and support of biotechnology educational programs in Massachusetts. This year’s reception is a hybrid event taking place at the UMass Club as well as virtually via live stream. 2021 honorees include Rim Bozo, a student at Dartmouth College who graduated from Pioneer Charter School of Science; Stacey Chapley, a science teacher at Frontier Regional High School; Everett High School; and Bristol Myers Squibb. This year, MassBioEd will also be celebrating its 20^th Anniversary, recognizing 20 years of building a life sciences workforce in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will be the keynote speaker. Governor Baker will also present the MassBioEd Champion Organization Award to Bristol Myers Squibb, for their long-term commitment to STEM education in all the communities where they are based. The Award will be accepted by Emma Lees, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Oncology Discovery Biology, and Head, Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance Thematic Research Center. BMS employees help middle school, high school, and college students explore their interests in science and technology by visiting classrooms, participating in science and career fairs, and serving as judges at regional and statewide science and technology competitions. In Cambridge, they volunteer their time with the Biomedical Science Careers Program as well as Science Club for Girls after-school programming. BMS has supported MassBioEd for years by hosting Career Exploration Days and through their employee volunteers who serve as Career Ambassadors, along with providing support through grants. Most recently, BMS was the first lead funder to support MassBioEd’s Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program and remains the largest employer partner of the first cohort of apprentices.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of MassBioEd’s 2021 Champions for Biotechnology Education. Solving the most significant challenges facing patients is an all-hands-on-deck effort. That’s why Bristol Myers Squibb is so invested in ensuring the next generation of scientists and innovators have opportunities to enter the field.”

Emma Lees, Ph.D., Site Leader and Head, Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb

Catharine Smith, the Executive Director of the Termeer Foundation, will present the Henri A. Termeer Student Scholarship Award to Rim Bozo, who graduated from Pioneer Charter School of Science in June 2021 and began studying Neuroscience and Biological Anthropology at Dartmouth College this fall. Rim is a dedicated, hardworking student who is passionate about healthcare equity. As a LEAH Knox Scholar, she held several internships in science and was involved in teaching STEM lessons to children in the Boston Public School community and after-school programs. The Award provides a $2,500 scholarship to be used towards tuition.

“I am beyond grateful to be supported by the indomitable team of the Henri A. Termeer Scholarship. This scholarship represents a step towards my never-ending pursuit in scientific discovery, hope towards helping others, and work amongst future generations to make equitable care the new norm. I am thankful for this opportunity and its endeavor to support students like me in their pursuit of a college education.”

Rim Bozo, Student at Dartmouth College and Graduate of Pioneer Charter School of Science

Tom Snow, Global Franchise Head of Neurology and Immunology at Sanofi Genzyme and a member of MassBioEd’s Board of Directors, will present the Henri A. Termeer Educator Grant to Stacey Chapley, a science teacher at Frontier Regional High School. Stacey teaches Biotechnology, Biology, AP Biology, Science and Technology, and Forensic Science. Since taking her first class with MassBioEd three years ago, she has regularly sought out opportunities to deepen her knowledge of biotechnology and bring interactive, hands-on lab experiences to her students. Her hard work and dedication led to the implementation of Frontier Regional School’s first Biotechnology class. The Educator Grant provides $2,500 to be used towards the purchase of equipment and supplies for life sciences programs.

“I want to thank the selection committee of the Henri A. Termeer Award. I am so lucky to work in a field that keeps me learning and engaged. Whitney and Michelle of MassBioEd are the epitome of sharing and I am inspired by their creativity to make biotechnology engaging and inquiry based. Students respond when they are learning ‘real world’ skills and knowledge. I would not have been able to bring a biotechnology course to Frontier without the help of MassBioEd. The generosity of the industry to support such a great organization is so wonderful, especially knowing science literacy is more important than ever.”

Stacey Chapley, Science Teacher, Frontier Regional High School

Joseph Boncore, the Chief Executive Officer of MassBio, will present the 2020-2021 Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award to Everett High School. Everett High School is committed to engaging students in biotechnology and has been a participant in MassBioEd’s BioTeach program for years. They began implementing biotechnology activities as an addition to their Honors Biology classes, and have since expanded to offer three levels of Biotechnology classes and a STEM pathway that includes biotechnology along with engineering, computer science, and robotics classes. Many of their students go on to attend college for life sciences and biotechnology. Everett High School will receive $5,000 to purchase equipment and supplies for life sciences and biotechnology programs, funded by the Boger Family Foundation.

“We are honored that Everett High School has been awarded the Joshua Boger Innovative School of the Year Award by MassBioEd. From our very modest start many years ago, MassBioEd has been a key partner providing training for staff and equipment grants to help us build our program and resources that are invaluable to our continued growth and success. The support of MassBioEd has been essential in the development of our Biotechnology Pathway and our state recognized STEM Innovation Pathway.”

Nancy Cianchetta, Science Teacher, Everett High School

The event also raises funds for MassBioEd, an organization dedicated to building the region’s life sciences workforce through high-quality education and workforce development programs.

Sponsors for the reception include Sanofi Genzyme, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Fisher Scientific, Biogen, MilliporeSigma, DPR Construction, Corealis Pharma, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Janitronics Building Services, Alexandria Real Estate, MassBio, The Richmond Group, Foley Hoag LLP, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Third Rock Ventures, Sarepta Therapeutics, J. Calnan & Associates, the Cummings Foundation, Avania, BICO, BioMed Realty, Kiniksa, and Sunovion.

If you are interested in attending virtually, you can register for the live stream here.

About the MassBioEd Foundation

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Its mission is to build a sustainable life sciences workforce in the region through educational programs that engage and excite teachers, inspire and propel students, and illuminate pathways from the classroom to careers with a focus on expansion, opportunity, and diversity.

Learn more at www.massbioed.org.