The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) was the perfect location for MassBioEd’s 2nd Life Sciences Workforce Annual Conference hosted by Northeastern’s College of Science and Biotechnology Programs on June 7. The event began with a welcome to Northeastern by College of Science Dean Ken Henderson. MassBioEd Executive Director Peter Abair gave a highly anticipated overview of his organization’s 2017 Annual Job Trends Forecast, an analysis that forecasts job trends, identifies skills required for high trending jobs, highlights best practices in educational and training programs, and serves as an effective guide on the workforce needs for the industry. The keynote address was delivered by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. Roundtable discussions featured twenty-seven speakers from industry and higher education including Academic Director of Biotechnology Programs Jared Auclair who described how the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Biotechnology and graduate certificates prepare graduates to fill the needs of the biotech industry.
Since 2001, MassBioEd has been dedicated to engaging high school teachers, inspiring students and guiding the life science workforce. The organization collaborates with educators, industry and public agencies to deliver programs that encourage students to consider further study and careers in the life sciences.
Northeastern’s Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology in an innovative Master of Science program designed to allow students to pursue advanced training and excel in science while simultaneously developing highly valued business skills without acquiring a PhD or MBA. The PSM in Biotechnology is a non-thesis program characterized by instruction in advanced science, business courses, and a graduate co-op providing a real-world work experience. Graduates are referred to as “T-shaped” professionals with both a deep knowledge of their discipline and a broad knowledge of the communications and relational skills necessary to excel in any business and adapt to a changing workplace.
Mass Bio CEO Robert Coughlin, Northeastern College of Science Dean Ken Henderson, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and MassBioed Executive Director Peter Abair at the 2nd Annual Life Sciences Workforce Conference.
