STEM NOLA Partners with Biotechnology Companies to Empower Local Teens in STEM Education

Strategic Insights -

STEM NOLA is proud to partner with Obatala Sciences and CellSpring to provide high school students from the greater New Orleans area with exposure-rich, hands-on opportunities in biotechnology startup companies. This project focuses on providing students with a deep understanding of careers in biotechnology, particularly in tissue engineering, stem cell research, and preclinical evaluation of potential therapeutics. Over the course of three Saturday sessions, students will engage with biotechnology professionals and gain insights into the development of new medicines and treatments.

Key Takeaways:

  • STEM NOLA has partnered with Obatala Sciences and CellSpring to engage at least a dozen high school students in a series of courses focusing on biotechnology and stem cell research.
  • The program, which will take place over three Saturday sessions, will provide students with comprehensive lab exposure to tissue engineering, stem cell research, and preclinical evaluation of potential therapeutics.
  • Students will learn about the development of new medicines and treatments and the role of tissue engineering in improving the testing of new drugs.
  • Dr. Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA CEO, founded the organization in 2014 to expose, inspire, and engage communities in learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
  • Since 2014, STEM NOLA has engaged over 65,000 students, mostly underserved students of color, in hands-on STEM project-based learning.
  • Obatala Sciences and CellSpring are excited to work with STEM NOLA to promote STEM education and provide a pipeline of talent for biotech companies.

Statistics:

  • Over 65,000 students have been engaged in hands-on STEM project-based learning through STEM NOLA since 2014.
  • The program will provide lab exposure to tissue engineering, stem cell research, and preclinical evaluation of potential therapeutics to at least a dozen high school students.
  • STEM NOLA has a strong track record of providing exposure and opportunities to young innovators in the STEM field.

Sources:

  • STEM NOLA:

* Founded in 2014 to expose, inspire, and engage communities in learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

* Has engaged over 65,000 students in hands-on STEM project-based learning

  • Obatala Sciences:

* Founded in 2017 to provide research products and services in medical industries and academia

* Makes high-quality products for researchers to discover better therapies for diseases like obesity and diabetes

  • CellSpring:

* Develops blood tests to screen at-risk patients for cancer with the goal of shifting the timing of a diagnosis to earlier stages

* Collaborates with STEM NOLA to provide exposure and opportunities to young innovators in the STEM field