College Prepares for Life Sciences Employment Surge

As Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is expected to sign a $1 billion piece of life sciences legislation, colleges are already training tomorrow’s workforce in order to meet the predicted growth in the field.

The Department of Biology at Merrimack College has responded to the extraordinary recent and sustained growth in the life sciences industry by establishing a new program in biotechnology and biomedical Sciences. The program provides students with an academic foundation that prepares them to meet the rapidly evolving opportunities and challenges facing biological scientists in the 21st century.

As a member of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC), Merrimack College is training future biotechnologists at a much needed undergraduate level. Current biotech professionals primarily fall into two categories: master and doctorate, or associates.

“The life sciences industry really needs thinker-doers, professionals who are trained to do it all essentially,” said Dr. Josephine Modica-Napolitano, chair of the Biology Department at Merrimack College. “Merrimack is training individuals to possess hands-on science skills, and analytical skills.”

The advisory board for Merrimack’s Biology Department consists of professionals in the biotechnology, biomedical, and biopharmaceutical fields. The Board regularly advises Merrimack on what a competitive graduate in biotechnology looks like – needed training, skills, etc. In turn, the college enhanced the curriculum to meet what these industry professionals are looking for in future employees.

Media Contact: For more information, contact Heather Notaro, public relations at (978) 837-5195 or heather.notaro@merrimack.edu.