Fourteen years ago, BioBuilder started with a simple idea: help students do real science while they are in high school, and they will build an appetite for college and careers in biotechnology. Since then, 87,000 students and teachers have walked through the doors.
To celebrate BioBuilder’s 14th birthday, we’re sharing stories of students who are charting the future of science — and who are helping the next generation follow in their footsteps. Michael, Nancy, Greg, Hannah, and Edwin have come full circle, showing what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to do meaningful scientific work.
Meet alumni who came full circle with BioBuilder
Dr. Michael Sheets, Scientist at Sunflower Therapeutics
↷ Started a BioBuilderClub in high school
↶ Circled back to become a BioBuilderClub mentor and Learning Lab instructor
2011
2024
Nancy Otaluka, Master’s Student at Tufts University
↷ Started as a High School Apprenticeship
↶ Circled back as a Learning Lab instructor
2016
2024
Greg Wu, PhD Student at Boston University
↷ Started in BioBuilder’s Summer Research Program
↶ Circled back as a guest on BioBuilder’s podcast
2019
2025
Hannah Sung, Boston-area high school senior
↷ Started as a High School Apprentice
↶ Circled back as a Near Peer Teaching Assistant
2024
2025
Edwin Gonzalez, Scientific Support Specialist at Thermo Fisher
↷ Started as a High School Apprentice
↶ Circled back to advise BioBuilder’s Ambassador Program
2019
2025