Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) | BioFabUSA reposted this
The Manchester CREATES (Collaborative for Regenerative Medicine Education and Training for Engineers and Scientists) UNH Tech Camp initiative is charting a bold course toward the future, focusing on the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine and biofabrication (RM&B). This ambitious project, supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1R25GM137381-01, underscores the pivotal role of NH in this emerging technology sector. In 2016, the (Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) | BioFabUSA) established its headquarters in New Hampshire, aiming to propel the large-scale manufacturing of engineered tissue technologies. This landmark move signaled NH's commitment to becoming a hub for cutting-edge biomedical advancements. Despite this progress, NH faces significant challenges in its STEM pipeline, necessitating concerted efforts to cultivate future talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Addressing this challenge head-on, seven dedicated Manchester School District science educators recently participated in the two-week-long Manchester Tech for Teachers Institute. This intensive program, designed to equip teachers with hands-on experience in RM&B, included studies on plants, planaria, and a range of other subjects to develop engaging, practical lessons for their students. The culmination of the institute saw the educators presenting their research and lesson plans, showcasing their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm. The event drew notable attendees, including the Superintendent, representatives from Manchester Proud, and various school administrators, all keen to witness the innovative approaches being developed. Dr. Jennifer Chmiel Gillis, reflecting on the success of the program, encouraged participants on their research and effort, “I don’t always get to see an idea come to life, but your work here is even better than we could have imagined”. Her words resonated with the educators, who expressed excitement and readiness to integrate their experiences into their classrooms. Sophia Sheehan, Science Educator at Manchester West High School reflected on the experience saying, “This experience has caused me to see everything differently, what can I use in my classroom for a lab experiment?”. A heartfelt thanks goes out to UNH Graduate School Manchester Campus for hosting this enriching experience for Manchester School District educators. The collaboration between educational institutions and cutting-edge research facilities is crucial for maintaining NH's role at the forefront of regenerative medicine and biofabrication, ensuring a bright and innovative future for the state.