Life Sciences Expo at WPI Brings Together Students And Employers In High-Demand Fields
Department(s):
School of Arts & Sciences
Held in partnership with UMass Chan Medical School, the Life Sciences Expo at WPI featured opportunities for students and area employers to connect, and panelists provided networking opportunities and shared their insights on a job market that expects to add 42,000 new positions by 2032.
More than 80 students from WPI and area colleges and universities, including UMass Chan, Brandeis University, Assumption University, The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester State University, and Framingham State University attended the expo, which included area life science companies Labcorp, RoslinCT, Organogenesis, BA Sciences, and Actalent.
Reeta Rao, professor and department head of biology and biotechnology, welcomed attendees and industry partners, emphasizing that their commitment to supporting the next generation of life scientists is crucial in driving the industry forward, regardless of external pressures. She also assured students and trainees that their mentors, advisors and professors are dedicated to their success.
“Our vision is to establish this event as an annual hub for connecting emerging life sciences professionals in Central Mass. with opportunities in Greater Boston region, fostering long-term growth and innovation,” Rao said.
A panel of life sciences industry veterans shared insights during the event. Maggie Richins ’22, studied chemistry at WPI, and after an internship with Pfizer in Groton, Conn., she was hired by the company in process chemistry. Joseph Stambuli, a project director in immunology with AbbVie, and Nathan Gumlaw, principal scientists with RoslinCT in Hopkinton, also shared their career journeys and advice on navigating the life sciences landscape.
Jean King, Peterson Family Dean of Arts and Sciences, said the Life Sciences Expo is a chance to show students there are clear career pathways they can explore and pursue in their own way.
“Right now, there are a lot of conversations around doors closing, but they are also opening,” King said. “There are many possibilities for the industry to change and grow, and now is the time to help those seeking a way in, by showing them how others have done it.”