About the Biotechnology Educator Program

Launched through a strategic collaboration between the New Jersey Academy of Science (NJAS), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), and the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Industry Partnerships in Life Sciences, the Biotechnology Educator Program was created to close the gap between classroom science education and real-world applications in biotechnology.

The program began as a pilot initiative designed to empower educators with industry-aligned training, hands-on lab experience, and direct access to life science professionals. From July 16–25, 2024, our first full-scale cohort officially launched, bringing together teachers from across New Jersey for a two-week hybrid training experience featuring online instruction, in-person laboratory work, and field exposure to cutting-edge biotech research environments.

Now entering its third year, the program has evolved into a growing statewide movement centered around equity in STEM education, workforce readiness, and sustainable partnership between educators, industry leaders, and public agencies.

Our Mission

To expand access to biotechnology careers for high school students—especially those from underserved districts—by equipping their teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver high-quality biotech instruction. Through a train-the-teacher model, we ensure that a single educator’s impact extends to hundreds of students annually, multiplying the program’s reach across classrooms statewide.

Program Structure

Week 1 – Virtual Foundations

• Introduction to Biotechnology Careers and Industry Landscape

• Laboratory & Safety Protocols for Classroom Experiments

• Live Q&A with Biotech Professionals

Week 2 – In-Person Labs & Industry Immersion

• Hands-On Training in DNA Extraction, PCR, and Gel Electrophoresis

• Curriculum Development & Classroom Integration Planning

• Site Visits to Research and Manufacturing Facilities

Long-Term Vision & Sustainability

The Biotechnology Educator Program is designed not as a one-time workshop, but as a sustained professional network with measurable student impact. To ensure longevity:

• Quarterly follow-ups assess classroom implementation

• Mentorship and externships connect students to biotech careers

• Educator feedback drives program evolution

• An Annual NJAS Symposium will showcase student research and connect them directly with scientists and employers

Powered by Partnership

This initiative is led and supported by:

• Program Champions:

  • Dr. Vibha Jawa & Dr. Cynthia Inzano, New Jersey STEM Community Leadership

  • Dr. Chetna Rao, Head of Global R&ED STEM Strategy (BMS)

  • Dr. Teri Foy, Executive STEM Sponsor (BMS)

• Collaborators:

  • New Jersey Academy of Science (NJAS) — Academic Partnership & Outreach (Dr. Maria Agapito, President)

  • New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) — Workforce Readiness Support (Ms. Angelica Lindo)

  • BMS Externship Program — Industry Access & Training

Join the Movement

The Biotechnology Educator Program is more than professional development — it is a pathway to opportunity, a solution to educational inequity, and a pipeline to New Jersey’s future STEM workforce.

We invite policymakers, school administrators, community leaders, and industry partners to collaborate with us in scaling this initiative statewide and shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and healthcare professionals.