On February 3, 2024, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) welcomed 48 Governor’s STEM Scholars for a look into New Jersey’s pharmaceutical industry through discussions and tours of their Summit, NJ site.
Scholars, along with their parents, learned about the career journeys of numerous BMS scientists and professionals and then took a tour of the Hematology Lab, the Biologics Development Lab and the Analytical Lab. Scholars also learned how BMS is using virtual reality to train employees in laboratory safety and the future of technology in drug development. The day concluded with Trang Nguyen, Ph.D. presenting on her work combating Lymphoma and Lauren Lewis, Ph.D., on her Rheumatoid Arthritis research. The event was organized by Maryam Alapa, Ph.D., a Senior Scientist at BMS.
The tour of BMS has become a cornerstone of the Governor’s STEM Scholars program, with the fourth class of Scholars participating in this unique experience. The company has not only supported the organization financially, but their employees have served as real thought partners by providing mentoring opportunities for the Scholars, programmatic support, and much more.
Regarding the BMS tour, one Scholar stated that “It was exciting to explore the various labs within Bristol Myers Squibb. I learned much more about the production and manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs in New Jersey.” Another Scholar stated that they most enjoyed learning how “all the panelists had built careers around their passions at BMS. Learning about all their stories and career pathways was truly inspiring and fascinating.”