What if you could start exploring your future career before even graduating high school? That’s the idea behind BioPath@TMC, a program giving Houston high school students a closer look at the growing world of biomanufacturing and life sciences. Through hands-on experiences, career simulations, mentorship, and job shadow opportunities, students get to see what’s possible. In partnership with Houston ISD, Learning Undefeated, and San Jacinto College, BioPath@TMC is helping to prepare the next generation of life sciences talent while creating new pathways to opportunity and strengthening Houston’s workforce.
Each year, BioPath@TMC welcomes students into real lab environments where classroom learning comes to life. The careers they’ve only read about in books or online suddenly become tangible. Scientists become mentors. Equipment becomes familiar. And the future begins to feel within reach.
Build with BioPath Days is an immersive, full-day experience that takes high school students behind the scenes of Houston’s life sciences ecosystem. Throughout the week, students work alongside industry professionals, learn fundamental laboratory techniques, tour biotechnology and advanced manufacturing facilities, and hear firsthand from researchers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders. From bacterial transformations and microscopy to conversations about biotech startups and cancer research, every experience is designed to give students a firsthand look at the field.
This year, the week began with hands-on laboratory training led by experts from Thermo Fisher Scientific. Students conducted bacterial transformation experiments and explored microscopy techniques used in research labs worldwide.
During Lunch n’ Learn sessions, professionals from across Houston’s life sciences community shared personal stories about the decisions, challenges, and opportunities that shaped their careers. The conversations gave students a broader perspective on the many ways people contribute to advancing healthcare and biotechnology. For one student, those conversations left a lasting impression:
“I really liked the work Dr. Samaneh Karami, Ph.D, Scientist & Co-Founder of Lactocyte Diagnostics, and Tameka Fraser, Program Manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center, displayed during the lunch talk event. I was particularly wowed and inspired by Dr. Karami, who has her own start-up, aiming to treat young women with breast cancer through breast milk. The idea of her own business sounded really cool to me, but what really stood out to me was her motive for it and the process. I remember she described her research work and presentations. I also remember she would say she wanted to do something different and wouldn’t let anyone tell her otherwise. I resonated with her words. She made me feel like I could do what I wanted despite efforts from others telling me to stick to an ordinary path. She was able to do something that others didn’t put much attention into…”
Students stepped inside some of the most advanced therapeutics manufacturing facilities, including Houston Methodist’s Ann Kimball & John W. Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics, and the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center (CTMC), a joint venture by MD Anderson and Resilience.
A highlight of this year’s program was time spent in Therapeutic Labs @ TMC alongside instructors from San Jacinto College’s National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) program. Students practiced core biomanufacturing skills used by technicians in the workforce, including gowning and gloving for sterile environments, contamination control, DNA extraction, and micropipetting. These activities gave students a closer look at the precision, teamwork, and technical expertise needed to work in this field.
Outside the labs, students participated in career development workshops that strengthened their professional skills, led by the Cellipont Bioservices talent acquisition team. By connecting classroom concepts with real-world experiences and introducing students to professionals working across the industry, Build with BioPath Days helps transform curiosity into confidence.
For 90% of the students, this experience marks the first time they’ve stepped into a biomanufacturing laboratory or facility. Over 70% of participants state that this experience, whether it was speaking with a biotech professional or doing hands-on work, has significantly improved their understanding of what Biomanufacturing is. These moments matter.
“I was surprised by the different microscopes used in the lab as opposed to the ones we use in school. They seemed so much more advanced. I remember the instructor talking to us about it, and I remember he would talk about the different techniques and features the microscopes had. It fascinated me. I imagined all the different kinds of cells one would be able to study through that microscope with more accuracy and detail than the ones at school,” says a student reflecting on their experience.
As Houston’s life sciences ecosystem continues to grow, BioPath@TMC is helping students build the knowledge, skills, and connections that can shape their futures.
Real Impact, Real Students
61% of participants want to continue to explore the field of biomanufacturing after this experience, and you can be a part of their exploration journey. BioPath@TMC is seeking mentors to help shape the next generation of biotech talent. Mentoring is a one-on-one opportunity to connect with a student, share your career journey, and help them explore future possibilities. Interested in making a difference for Houston high school students? Visit our website to learn more.