STUDENTS VISIT LIFE SCIENCE COMPANIES ON THE NORTH SHORE

Students were excited to learn about post-graduate life in two biotechnology-pharma companies on the North Shore during visits in late April and early May. The first visit was to Cell Signaling Technology (https://www.cellsignal.com ), where we were hosted by Ms. Krystyna Hincman and alumnus, Mr. Tarnue Koimene (2015).

While at Cell Signaling we marveled at the lush, tropical rainforest, that thrives in the inner atrium and how friendly everyone, including a half-dozen Salem State alumni, were! These photos reveal how much the visit was enjoyed.

In early May we trekked out to Chelmsford, MA to a ThermoFisher Scientific (https://www.thermofisher. com/us/en/home.html ) facility that specializes in vaccine compounds. After a light breakfast, and engaging tour, we chatted with Biology alumnus, Mr. Peter Shearstone (1989), who is the Vice President for Global Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at the company.

Bio399 Field Experiences In Biology Students Visit Bermuda

Dr. Thea Popolizio explored the marine habitats of Bermuda with her BIO399 Field Experiences in Biology students (June 11th-17th, 2023). The group stayed at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOShttps://bios.asu.edu/) and spent the week investigating life in coral reefs, mangrove forests, and various intertidal habitats. The week included guest lectures from colleagues at BIOS covering marine conservation, coral reefs and the nursery role of mangroves.

Dr. Popolizio has worked with colleagues at BIOS for many years, as is evidenced by the guest speakers during the week. Some may also remember Dr. Amy Maas speaking at our 2022 Darwin Festival - https:// digitalrepository.salemstate.edu/handle/20.500.13013/2201

Senior Maja Mazierkowska had this to say: “The biodiversity present in an environment like Bermuda is mesmerizing. It was like a whole new world to me. I loved exploring the island’s different ecosystems and learning about its variety of fish species.”

Senior Marcus Wright enjoyed the trip very much, saying: “this trip to Bermuda was a great opportunity to have a real field experience like no other. Marine biology majors should consider this class, as it provided exposure to a new environment, with new organisms, and a chance to network with people from all over the world, as BIOS is a major research facility.”

Student projects during the week in Bermuda included:

• Fish identification survey, using long term data sets. (reef.org)

• Microplastic survey from four different tidal points – also contributing to a long term data set – Cooper’s Island, Bermuda

• Coral point analysis using previous quadrat photos.