The Polus Center is excited to announce our Science Skills Lab: a free, one-week, in-person summer program designed in collaboration with Emmaneul College to provide hands-on biotechnology training for young adults with disabilities.
At a Glance
What you will learn:
- Fundamental life science and chemistry lab skills
- Methods for adapting laboratory techniques and equipment to work for you
- Career options in the life sciences: what jobs exist, what are they like, and what preparation do you need?
- Certificate and $150 stipend upon completion
Requirements:
- Age 16-25
- Interest in science and exploring a science career
- Commute to Emmanuel each day (funds available to assist with transportation)
- One year of high school science recommended but not required
More About the Curriculum
The curriculum adapts Emmanuel’s Certified Employment Ready Training Initiatives (CERTIs) specifically for learners who are visually or hearing impaired or who have mobility or cognitive challenges, so that students can engage meaningfully in authentic laboratory work.
From instructors trained in disability-inclusive STEM instruction, students will learn using adaptive equipment:
- Pipetting and liquid handling, essential for molecular biology, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, and drug development workflows
- Buffer preparation, dilution, and molarity calculations, which are core competencies in chemistry based life sciences required for reagent preparation, cell culture, protein purification, and analytical methods
- Aseptic technique, a key skill in microbiology, tissue culture, bioprocessing, and therapeutic development
- Laboratory documentation and data recording, foundational for regulatory compliance, research reproducibility, and digital health recordkeeping
As a capstone, students will reflect on what they've learned and explore at least one life sciences career pathway that aligns with their interests. They'll learn about typical job responsibilities, workplace environments, and the role of foundational laboratory skills in those professions.
One key instructor is Dr. Hoby Wedler, who has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and has been blind since birth. Throughout the week, Hoby will share his lived experience earning a Ph.D. and becoming a practicing scientist. Learn more about Hoby on his website.
Interested?
Contact Shannon Flynn at sflynn [at] poluscenter.org or 781-801-8673
This free program is offered to eligible participants through a generous grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center