ME Bioscience Day provides opportunities for students to gain insights from esteemed professionals in the field of life sciences through a combination of in-person and virtual programming
ME Bioscience Day brings professional scientists into middle school classrooms to generate a hands-on learning experience while also raising awareness of career opportunities available within Maine’s life sciences industry. Welcome to ME Bioscience Day, where curiosity meets innovation, and the future of bioscience unfolds! Our 9th annual event took place throughout the week of November 18, 2024. In its ninth year, this event continues to be a beacon for budding scientists, educators, and industry professionals alike.
ME Bioscience Day is BioME’s largest educational program, fostering connections between life science professionals and Maine middle school students to inspire the next generation of our industry. In 2024, we offered a hybrid format, incorporating both virtual and in-person programming.
ME Bioscience Day by the numbers
16
Counties participating in 2024
58
Schools participating in 2024
6,400
Students participating in 2024
35
Volunteers from 16 companies participated in 2024
Virtual Programming: Scientists’ video presentations
The virtual program began with optional video presentations from Patrick Breeding (Co-Founder and CEO, Marin Skincare), Dr. Matt Lynes (Faculty Scientist, MaineHealth Institute for Research) Dr. Caitlin Howell (Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine), Sarah Joyce (Microbiologist, Kennebec River Biosciences), Lindsay Ware (Owner, Science Dogs of New England), Dr. Melissa Maginnis (Professor & Director of Maginnis Lab, University of Maine), Dr. Colleen Mayberry (Post Doctoral Scientist, The Jackson Laboratory), Brian Harris (Co-Founder & CEO, MedRhythms), Karlee Markovich (Animal Facility Manager, MDI Biological Laboratory), Erin Bouttenot (Indoor Air Quality Tech. Manager, Northeast Laboratory Services), Dr. Norman Moore (Global Director of Scientific Affairs, Abbott), Chuck Lubelczyk (Vector Ecologist, MaineHealth Institute for Research), and Tori Denis (Associate Scientist, IDEXX). The presenters spoke a bit about what life science is, the variety of jobs within the industry, their company, and what their day-to-day jobs look like.
Virtual Hands-On Activities: Skittles Diffusion Lab and Gummy Bear Osmosis Lab
Following the scientists’ video presentations was an interactive hands-on activity, allowing students to see scientific principles exhibited in their own classroom. Thanks to our event sponsors, we were able to send hands-on activity materials to each school participating virtually so students could perform these experiments.
In-Person Programming
ME Bioscience Day thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. This year, 35 volunteers from 16 companies have generously devoted their time and expertise to make this event a resounding success. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists is commendable, and their diverse backgrounds add a unique flavor to the event, offering students a glimpse into the real-world applications of bioscience.
Follow-Up: MSSM Summer School Scholarships
As a follow up to ME Bioscience Day 2024, BioME is funding 4 scholarships in the form of 1-week-long summer science camps at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone. Eligible students must be age 10-14 and attend one of the schools that participated in ME Bioscience Day 2024. Learn more
ME Bioscience Day 2024 Supporters
ME Bioscience Day 2024 Participating Schools
| Bonny Eagle Middle School, Buxton | Bristol Consolidated School, Bristol | Bruce M. Whittier Middle School, Poland |
| Caribou Community School, Caribou | Cascade Brook School, Farmington | Cherryfield Elementary School, Cherryfield |
| China Middle School, China | Day Mountain Regional Middle School, Strong | Durham Community School, Durham |
| Fort Kent Elementary School, Fort Kent | Gorham Middle School, Gorham | Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, Gray |
| Great Salt Bay Community School, Damariscotta | Greely Middle School, Cumberland | Greenville Consolidated School, Greenville |
| Helen S. Dunn School, Greenbush | Hope Elementary School, Hope | James F. Doughty School, Bangor |
| Jonesport Elementary School, Jonesport | Jordan-Small Middle School, Raymond | King Middle School, Portland |
| Lamoine Consolidated School, Lamoine | Lawrence Junior High, Fairfield | Medomak Middle School, Waldoboro |
| Messalonskee Middle School, Oakland | Middle School of the Kennebunks, Kennebunk | Mount Desert Elementary School, Northeast Harbor |
| Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham | Nokomis Regional Middle School, Newport | North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth |
| Philip W. Sugg Middle School, Lisbon | Piscataquis Community Secondary School, Guilford | Presque Isle Middle School, Presque Isle |
| Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, Machias | Saco Middle School, Saco | Sanford Middle School, Sanford |
| Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough | Searsport District Middle School, Searsport | Skowhegan Area Middle School, Skowhegan |
| South Bristol School, South Bristol | South Portland Middle School, South Portland | Southern Aroostook Community Schools, Dyer Brook |
| Spruce Mountain Middle School, Jay | Stearns Junior High School, Millinocket | Stratton School, Stratton |
| Telstar Middle School, Bethel | Tremont Consolidated School, Bass Harbor | Veazie Community School, Veazie |
| Warsaw Middle School, Pittsfield | Waynflete School, Portland | Wells Junior High, Wells |
| William S. Cohen School, Bangor | Windham Middle School, Windham | Winslow Elementary School, Winslow |
| Winslow Junior High School, Winslow | Winthrop Middle School, Winthrop | Woodland High School, Baileyville |
| Yarmouth School System, Yarmouth | York Middle School, York |
