ZEISS Donates New Lab Equipment for BioBus STEM Outreach Programs at Northeastern University

Permanent installation of learning lab for K-12 classes, located within the College of Science at Northeastern University, via partnership with BioBus and ZEISS Microscopy

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A class of high schoolers from Boston Green Academy cuts the ribbon on a new opportunity for students in the Greater Boston metropolitan area to experience scientific research adjacent to a fully functioning lab.

Focused on increasing access to STEM education for K-12 students, the new infrastructure is the product of a collaboration between three organizations. BioBus developed and provides a broad STEM education curriculum, Northeastern University provided lab space and access to working scientists, and ZEISS Microscopy provided state-of-the-art microscopes.

BioBus is an organization that since 2008, has helped more than 300,000 students become budding scientists. Over 80% of these students are from minority and low-income backgrounds. BioBus plans to bring expertise in science engagement and pedagogy to Boston students immediately, and within five years the team hopes to deploy BioBus New England, a new mobile laboratory to deliver programs across broader New England.

The opportunity to connect two of BioBus’ previous contributors came from Mollie Thurman, M.A., Chief Community Scientist, at BioBus Inc. “Working with these tools is a transformative experience for our students,” states Mollie. “We’ve had students walk in thinking that science is boring and then beg to stay longer so they can keep looking through the microscope. Visiting a lab and using this equipment alongside professional scientists expands our students’ awareness of what being a scientist looks like.”

ZEISS Microscopy installed four Axiolab 5 microscopes and four SteREO Discovery.V8 Fluorescence Microscope Systems for use in the BioBus lab introductions. “Our goal is to help young minds to see opportunities to pursue science as a career,” said Joseph Huff, Head of Marketing, for ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions, North America. “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with BioBus to bring this message and inspire students.”

The lab space in Northeastern University is in the same room as an active research environment. After the students receive their introductions on the Axiolab 5 and SteReo Discovery.V8, they can walk around and see the research happening on the advanced research-grade microscopes. Northeastern faculty are also working with BioBus to develop new curricula tightly linked to active research programs, with a goal of providing students with bridges to state-of-the-art research experiences in the life sciences.

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 7.5 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2021).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 13 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With around 37,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities (status: 31 March 2022). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com 

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is the world’s only one-stop manufacturer of light, electron, X-ray and ion microscope systems and offers solutions for correlative microscopy. The portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and industrial research, as well as education and clinical practice. The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites are located in Oberkochen and Munich, as well as in Cambourne (UK) and Dublin (USA). ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.

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