Biotechnology Process Engineering Center

A House Where All Doors Are Open: Science Literacy for Disadvantaged Kids

Few would question the value of introducing children to science at an early age, and in a way that stimulates their interest. Unfortunately, children from culturally or economically disadvantaged families often do not receive such exposure. The Biotechnology Process Engineering Center (BPEC) at MIT has engaged many of these young people in science through the work of BPEC student Katy Wack. Katy joined BPEC in 2000 as a technical assistant and soon afterward began volunteering for the School-Age Program at the East End House in Cambridge. East End House (founded in 1875 as a settlement house for newly arrived immigrants) serves economically disadvantaged families in the local community, offering educational programs for children and adults.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in biological sciences and a minor in engineering studies, Katy shared with the children her enthusiasm for her research at BPEC. In 2002, Katy entered the graduate program in molecular and systems toxicology in MIT's Biological Engineering Division, working in the lab of BPEC professor Linda Griffith. Katy also arranged for her children from East End House to visit BPEC and observe the lab first-hand.

Through her volunteer experience, Katy discovered a talent and enthusiasm for science education that led her join the Teacher Education Program at MIT in the fall of 2003. Her aim was to teach biology to grades 9-12. She has now completed her student teaching and is applying for a license to teach formally in Massachusetts. In June, she will graduate from MIT with a M.S. in toxicology and begin a new position as the Co-Director of the Community Outreach and Education Program in MIT's Center for Environmental Health Science (CEHS). This program has strong connections to BPEC. Professor Griffith directs the "Bioengineering for Toxicology" core in CEHS, and four other BPEC faculty members are also CEHS members. In her new position at MIT, Katy will be able to provide inspiration to even more local children.

To learn more about this topic:
See the Biotechnical Process Engineering Center's web site at http://web.mit.edu/bpec/

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Ms. Katy Wack with students from East End
House.

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Last modified: February 24, 2005