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While students conducted their experiments, city leaders, faculty and guests were on hand today to observe and to laud the opening New Bedford High School’s state-of-the-art Biotech Lab as another significant addition to the school’s growing complement of STEM-focused offerings for students interested in pursuing careers in science.
The Biotech Lab and Biotechnology Training Program are made possible by a $110,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), which has enabled the high school to implement the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) lab series, a project two years in the making. The new lab is furnished with the latest biotechnology apparatus, equipment, tools, and supplies required of experimental protocols used by real-world scientists.
The Amgen Biotech Experience in partnership with Harvard University Life Sciences Outreach Program engages students in learning molecular biology using curricula, tools, and techniques that are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Massachusetts Science & Technology/Engineering (STE) standards.
Mayor Jon Mitchell observed “This is a university-caliber facility. It underscores how New Bedford High School stands head and shoulders above the rest in its focus on career readiness, in this case, the Life Sciences. The budding scientists we see working in the lab today will have the basic training needed to become capable lab assistants, even as they pursue their higher education goals.”
Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin noted that students are being trained in proper laboratory technique to industry standards and thanked MLSC for their critical support. “This project dovetails perfectly with our respective institutional missions: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center “develops and offers creative programs that fund innovation-driven economic development initiatives in the life sciences,” and New Bedford High School prepares students with real-world competencies, for their post-secondary education, while providing hands-on training with particular emphasis on today’s burgeoning STEM fields – and does it as only a comprehensive high school can..”
Dr. Durkin also commended school staff for their foresight and leadership in making the Biotech Lab a reality. “Lead science teacher Dr. Chu Kwen Ho deserves substantial credit for the inception and shepherding to completion of this state-of-the-art science laboratory, applying his vast content knowledge and pedagogical insights to fulfill a vision. Dr. Ho, “Ron” to his colleagues, established partnerships with leading organizations, such as Harvard University, Biogen Idec, and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, who provided crucial technical and fiscal support. Along with Diana Cost and Jeffrey Longo, Ron has set a model for us to emulate and build on to ensure New Bedford High School makes its contribution to Massachusetts science and engineering workforce,” she said.
Beth Nicklas, General Counsel and Vice President for Academic and Workforce Programs, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, congratulated the students and staff, noting it was gratifying to see the work of MLSC in action in New Bedford.
“Incredibly proud of these young men and women who have matched their interest and curiosity in science and technology with hard work both in this new space and in the classroom,” said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “Our investment in New Bedford High School and others throughout the SouthCoast support our collective efforts to sustain a world class talent pipeline, as well as, open new career paths for young people interested in the life sciences field.”
Headmaster Bernadette Coelho thanked the science faculty for their hard work while noting the new lab “gives our students one more edge up as they develop the critical skill sets for higher education and job placement in today’s growing biotechnology and healthcare industries.”
Dr. Ho noted “This state-of-the-art science laboratory will provide an additional learning space for all students to engage in fun and meaningful experiences of scientific discovery and exploration. I am excited to see how this new facility motivates our students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential for 21st century STEM learning and careers. I would like to thank all of our parents, community members, and the entire staff at NBHS for their collaboration, hard work, and dedication to this project.”
Dr. Katie Ruggieri, Professor of Biology and Chair of the Natural Sciences Program at Bristol Community College, and who conducted the first class in the Biotech Lab, praised the continued close partnership of BCC and New Bedford High School.
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development and investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research & development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health.
About The Amgen Biotech Experience
The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is an innovative science education program that empowers teachers to bring biotechnology to their classrooms. ABE provides teacher professional development, curriculum materials, and research-grade equipment and supplies to secondary schools. Funded by the Amgen Foundation, the international program features a hands-on molecular biology curriculum designed to introduce students to the excitement of scientific discovery.
