Employees driving STEM education and fostering diversity in science

Michael Sherman – San Diego, California

Through his work with the enterprise STEM Council and local PBRGs, Michael Sherman plays a pivotal role in promoting STEM engagement across region’s diverse communities.

Earlier this year, Michael helped launch a collaboration between BMS, Generation STEAM and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, establishing the Life Science Station, an interactive experience that classes can visit on field trips. Designed to lead fourth grade students on an exploration of STEM careers, the Life Science Station displays photos of local BMS scientists from Chula Vista, inspiring students with real-life success stories from their own community.

“I am constantly inspired by my colleagues at BMS who want to ensure we’re increasing opportunities for students from underserved communities. Their passion for giving back is incredibly moving. Watching them show kids that there’s a path for them in STEM drives my own commitment to making a difference.”  —  Michael Sherman, site operations specialist

Erin Oswald – San Francisco Bay Area, California

Senior scientist Erin Oswald draws from her personal experience as a woman in STEM and the importance of having mentors that encouraged her to pursue a career in science. 

Erin recently organized a volunteer event for BMS Bay Area interns in collaboration with Science is Elementary. They built over 700 STEM kits with experiments and dual-language books for children in low-income families. The interns found the experience enriching and rewarding and appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community. Encouraged by the event's success, Erin plans to continue similar activities and build STEM initiatives with local schools and universities.

“My high school biology teacher was the first to truly recognize and nurture my curiosity and talent in biology, which was a pivotal moment for me. I feel a sense of duty to give back to the community by sharing my knowledge and passion for science and by providing opportunities to engage in STEM to those who might not otherwise have access.”  —  Erin Oswald, senior scientist, Cancer Immunology & Cell Therapy

Elizabeth Horrigan – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Elizabeth Horrigan considers the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues on inclusion and diversity initiatives through the PBRGs one of the perks of her work at the BMS R&D site in Cambridge.

As a member of the BMS Network of Women (B-NOW) PBRG, Elizabeth has enjoyed supporting STEM engagement efforts at the Museum of Science, Boston, that encourage young students, especially girls and nonbinary kids, to see themselves in STEM fields.

During the Museum’s Women’s History Month celebration, Elizabeth along with colleagues from the local Massachusetts chapters of B-NOW organized hands-on activities, ranging from creating molecules with marshmallows and toothpicks to using mini tabletop centrifuges to explore their curiosity in a supportive environment. 

“If we can tap into diverse role models to foster that natural sense of curiosity and joy in children for as long as we can, we have the opportunity to keep a new and more diverse generation engaged in STEM education.”  — Elizabeth Horrigan, senior manager, Veterinary Sciences

Jeishla Meléndez Matos – New Brunswick, New Jersey

Through her involvement in the OLA (Organization for Latino Achievement) PBRG, Jeishla Meléndez Matos serves as a HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement) Role Model joining many other OLA volunteers in this effort. As part of the program, the HISPA Role Models visit schools serving mostly Hispanic students in the community to talk to students about how they have overcome challenges in their personal life and career and to promote continued education. A HISPA survey showed that 95% of students felt inspired to work harder in school after listening to a Role Model’s story.  

Even though these visits only take a few hours of my time, the impact to the students can last for years to come. —  Jeishla Meléndez Matos, principal scientist, Chemical Process Development

In addition to the Role Model Program, Jeishla co-organizes events that invite students to our campuses, giving them a firsthand look at what it is like to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Through events like this we can showcase the science and culture within our BMS community and promote continued education in STEM and other areas” said Jeishla. She advises the next generation of STEM professionals to keep an open mind and never be afraid to ask questions, as well as to never be afraid of being true to themselves and taking pride in their heritage. 

Impact of employee-led STEM engagement

Each of these dedicated BMS employees plays an integral role in fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity, inspiring students, and furthering BMS’ commitment to STEM education. By bridging the gap between students and STEM opportunities, they are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future in science.