Author: The Wistar Institute

University City, Philadelphia may have been quieter than usual with so many taking spring breaks, but March was a busy month for The Wistar Institute’s Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center: not one but two cohorts of the Institute’s renowned Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program were celebrated at completion ceremonies.

The BTT Program, created in 2000 at Wistar by Dr. William Wunner, has grown from a two-summer program in collaboration with Community College of Philadelphia to a thriving scientific workforce development program that supports the region’s life science industry. Since its expansion — made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry PAsmart Program, Philadelphia Works, PIDC, GSK, and others — the BTT Program has become an opportunity for dynamic collaboration across a host of educational partners, workforce intermediaries, and life science companies.

After completing prerequisite classes to cover the foundations of cellular and molecular biology, BTT participants then complete an intensive, hands-on 2-week Orientation in Wistar’s Training Laboratory, followed by 10-12 weeks of on-the-job training in laboratories at The Wistar Institute and/or partner laboratories that have the option of hiring trainees upon completion. As trained and certified biomedical technicians, the programs’ participants are now prepared to pursue lasting and meaningful careers in the city’s booming life science industry.

The first cohort — a collaboration between The Wistar Institute, Iovance Biotherapeutics, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, with additional support from the Philadelphia Navy Yard Skills Initiative and PIDC made possible by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon — was recognized on Friday, March 22nd at a ceremony in Iovance’s Cell Therapy Center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. To mark the occasion of the Biomedical Technician Training Program: Aseptic Manufacturing Program certifying its second cohort of trainees in two years, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker attended to join the participants, families, and program sponsors in recognition of the continued success and promise that the program heralds in Philadelphia.

“I hope you feel special, because you’ve earned access to something that puts you in another space and place in our city,” said Mayor Parker, addressing the 12 Philadelphians assembled to receive their certificates of completion.

“You’re doing work that’s saving lives, transformative work. But you can’t just be successful. You’ve got to go back to the people that are like you who’ve never even thought about the industry, because they didn’t even know that it exists. You’ve got to say to them, ‘Do what I did — you can do what I did.’”

The second cohort — in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and West Philadelphia Skills Initiative and supported by Philadelphia Works and Citizens Bank — celebrated their completion on Monday, March 25th, at CHOP’s Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, where nine trainees were awarded certificates in a ceremony attended by families, CHOP lab members, and representatives of the organizations who made the program possible.

Wistar’s dean of Biomedical Studies, Dr. Kristy Shuda McGuire, spoke to the success of the trainees and the program, which lay in the combination of programmatic excellence and can-do spirit of all involved, from students to staff.

“If we are to teach students science, then we need students to do science,” said Dr. Shuda McGuire, emphasizing the importance of hands-on, continuous learning as the backbone of the scientific professions. “You all have great things ahead of you.”

The trainees agreed. The designated student speaker, Michael Nguyen, described the transformative impact that the BTT Program had on him.

“Almost a year ago today, I was working a manual labor job that was all pain, with no direction or purpose in life. I was living paycheck to paycheck, day to day,” said Nguyen.

“But today, I can say that going through this program with the people involved in it changed my life. It taught me not just science, but how to get myself out there, gain skills, network — and most importantly, to believe in myself and realize that I can do anything with hard work and dedication.”

With his certificate in hand and enthusiasm for science only growing, Nguyen hopes to return to school to “put some more letters at the end of my name” and continue working in research.

The ceremonies may have ended, but the Philadelphia life science workforce can count itself all the stronger for not one but two newly trained cohorts of biomedical technicians who have the opportunity to use their skills to share in the progress and prosperity of the Philadelphia life science economy. In the words of one student: “I see myself here for the long run.”

Unique Stephens, who recently testified at a Philadelphia City Council hearing about the life science sector, shares why her experience at Wistar was transformational.

Can you tell me a little bit about your high school experiences? Did you always have an interest in science?

I really didn’t take a science course until high school. I went to high school in West Philly, and wasn’t interested in science, but my school had a program called a CTE – career and technical education. They offered two different courses: a health-related technology (HRT) program and a sports therapy program. I was enrolled in the HRT program. It was supposed to be a 4-year program that ran from 9th to 12th grade, but I started in 11th grade, so it ran on a compressed timeframe.

We were in class about four hours every day to get the needed number of hours to qualify as a CTE. This was the first science related, hands-on course that I took. And it wasn’t even in a traditional science like biology or microbiology – it was focused on nursing. During our training we had a conversation about cancer, and I went down a rabbit hole. I started thinking, ‘All you have to do is kill the cancer cells. Why is it so hard?’ So that was what got me interested in the sciences.

When I started thinking about a future career, I was initially more attracted to engineering or architecture because I love learning about the structures of things. But in my classes, when we talked about the human body — internal organs and cells — I realized the body is like the most complex structure.

COVID hit in my senior year of high school, and I was comfortable with receiving the necessary vaccines and booster shots. But a lot of people in my community were more reluctant because they didn’t understand the science behind it. That heightened my science interest more. If I understood the science, I would be able to break it down so that they wouldn’t have to be too scared to protect themselves.

You’re currently a senior at Cheyney. How did you get involved with Wistar?

I’m studying biology with a concentration in pre-health profession. When I was a junior and registering for courses at Cheyney, I noticed a class called biomedical research methods. My advisor suggested I take it because of how important it is to get hands-on lab experience – and this is central to the course. After completing the course, I continued on with a summer internship at Wistar working under Dr. Ian Tietjen, a Wistar researcher in Dr. Montaner’s HIV lab.

Dr. Tietjen and I talked about continuing my work in the lab because I liked it so much. Then, a couple of weeks into first semester of my senior year, he emailed to say they would very much like to have me back. I was able to continue my work in the lab, and as I got closer to graduation, Dr. Tietjen asked about my plans afterwards. I originally considered a gap year but knew this was a great opportunity to continue in the lab through the Biomedical Research Technician Apprenticeship. I qualified for the Apprenticeship because of my coursework, so now I’m working in the Montaner lab for the foreseeable future.

I’ve started working with Paridhima Sharma, a research assistant in the Montaner lab. Her work is very different from what I’ve done before, and I’m very thankful because she is going to teach me a lot.

What does your family think of your path?

Everybody in my family loves the work that I do. My older sister was also in research, but it wasn’t as focused as what I do. They recognize that I’ve always been very “hands on” and had a tendency to question everything, so research is a good fit. I think they admire the work I do because it’s so different. I break the science down for my dad and he catches on quickly. But what’s also interesting is that he gives me ideas regarding my research experiments.

What does diversity, equity and inclusion mean to you, and why is it important?

As you see more diverse people around you – people who look like you – it makes you feel like you can belong in this space. It gives you the confidence that even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, you can always learn. Diversity covers so many different forms – you can get input from the the most unlikely places! Let’s take my dad, for instance, the reason I talk to my dad and my friends about the work that I do is even if they don’t understand the science, they still have good ideas about the questions to ask when doing science. My dad has no science background, but he has common sense and brings an outside perspective, so it all matters. That’s similar to when you talk to someone who has a science background but is from a different country. They may have a totally different lab experience, yet they may show you a new technique that helps you achieve your goal. I think that representation, and feeling comfortable — all really matters, and it moves everything forward.

You mentioned you want to go to grad school. Do you see yourself as continuing in the research field or do you think you may end up teaching?

I would like to do both. I’m really interested in education. For the last two years, I’ve been tutoring high-school students in biology, chemistry, and even math. It’s inspiring to see my students learning about different chemicals & bonds and basic biology. I believe you can learn whatever you want, you just need a good teacher to help you understand. It’s definitely something that I would love to do. I love research, but I think teaching would be very fulfilling alongside carrying out straight research.

You recently testified before Philadelphia City Council, at a hearing about training for future life science careers. What was that experience like?

I was anxious – as you can imagine – but it was great. If I did it again, I would be more confident. When I know what I’m speaking about, and I stick to my experiences, and in my own words, then I’m confident. I didn’t practice my testimony beforehand, but next time I will so that I can feel comfortable. It was a great experience — I loved it. And I tell everybody I spoke at City Council!

Any outside interests or hobbies?

Most of my hobbies are on hold because of classes and work, but I’ve been planning! Once I graduate, so much time is going to be freed up. I’m learning how to roller skate because all my friends know how. I’m practicing in my basement because I’m too embarrassed to go to the actual skating rink and fall. I also like to sew, and I have a sewing room. My grandma taught me how to crochet and knit. I’m also really interested in cooking, even though I’m not very good at it yet. My mom keeps encouraging me, though, so the more I do it the better I’ll get.

Meet Sonali Majumdar, M.S., managing director of The Wistar Institute Genomics Facility, a hub that turns biological material into the data scientists need. Ms. Majumdar discussed the ins and outs of genomics technology and how Wistar Science depends on it.

Wistar’s Genomics Core Facility houses the latest and greatest scientific instruments, some of the most advanced (and expensive-to-use) biomedical technology in the building — in this understated laboratory are machines that manipulate the very fabric of life. These machines are genomic sequencers: counters of DNA and RNA molecules that form the foundation of our biology. Genomics Facility managing director Sonali Majumdar, M.S., has presided over a top-notch team of sequencing experts for nearly ten years, and their work sustains the foundational research of scientists both in- and outside the Institute.

“Genes are the beginning,” says Sonali. “Generally, when people want to discover something, they’ll do a genomics study — so they come to us.”

Every cell in our bodies contains our genome, a vast amount of biological information comprising every set of base pairs on every chromosome. But humans aren’t homogenous biological masses of cells; our bodies have different types and arrangements of cells for different functions. In short: not every gene in our genome gets “expressed,” or turned on, because complex life demands complex variety. To understand how or why certain things happen in our cells, scientists need to understand which genes do what — that’s what Sonali and her team at Genomics Core Facility do.

“Our cells have more than twenty thousand genes that can theoretically get turned into proteins,” she explains. “As a scientist, you want to know which of those genes affect your project. Take cancer, for example. We can broadly sequence cancer tissue and compare that with similar tissue from an apparently healthy individual. The scientist can see, that out of twenty thousand genes, maybe one hundred or so may play a role in the cancer. Then we can look at sequencing data for each gene individually.”

At the most basic level, sequencing “counts” genomic elements. Though newer machines like Wistar’s nanopore sequencer can perform long-read sequencing (read unabridged descriptions of base-pair sequences of T, C, A, and G), most sequencing methods identify key snapshots of the genome and then use computational methods to reassemble the full sequence.

At the broadest levels of sequencing, the process is like looking for needles in haystacks; scientists look for patterns that occur on enormous scales. But the opportunity to find something genuinely new keeps her passionate.

Managing the Genomics Core is a huge undertaking, and not just because of the volume of tasks. In the world of biomedical research, where scientists’ scope is largely determined by how much money they have for their projects, genomic studies and sequencing can take up hefty portions of budgets. When her team executes their analyses, science isn’t the only thing at stake — so is grant money.

“The materials and solutions that genomics studies use are incredibly expensive, and the steps we take to sequence samples properly require absolute precision; if a process isn’t followed correctly, that mistake might cost hundreds or thousands of dollars,” says Sonali. “There’s one step for our single-cell sequencer where, if you don’t add the solution extremely carefully, that’s an instant $2,000 down the drain.”

Grant dollars may be precious, but scientists happily pay for genomics and sequencing because the technology is so vital to such a broad swath of biomedical research, and Wistar’s Genomics Core Facility delivers quality data thanks to a team of dedicated experts and state-of-the-science equipment. In 2023, Wistar completed the installation of new spatial molecular profiling technology which allows for spatial phenotyping of millions of cells at an unprecedented scale and speed. This equipment was purchased thanks to the generosity of The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation through Wistar’s Bold Science//Global Impact Campaign and the estate of Robert A. Fox.

“We take our work very seriously because, yes, money and data are on the line. Delivering results to scientists takes precision, and that’s what we strive for,” says Sonali. With more than a dozen specialty genomics services available, Wistar’s Genomics Core Facility is state-of-the-science — a state that, according to Sonali Majumdar, should excite anyone invested in biomedical discovery.

“Genomics has come a long way,” she says. “Single-cell sequencing can show us expression levels in specific cells, so we can tell which genes are doing what in a variety of cell types or tissues. And with the rise of spatial sequencing, we can even create a map of gene expression across a tissue: this gene is highly expressed in this region, not very expressed in that region, and so on.”

As Wistar continues to pursue early-stage discoveries through its new Center for Advanced Therapeutics, genomics will only become more important. In seeking to revolutionize drug discovery by using the latest and greatest in biomedical research methods, the new Center for Advanced Therapeutics will depend on the advanced capabilities of the Genomics Core Facility to indicate whether possible drugs work and how they can be improved.

“This is just the beginning of new genomics techniques throughout biomedical research,” says Sonali. “As sequencing technologies become less expensive and more advanced, we’re only going to see more exciting developments. That’s why I love this field: genomics is where the action is.”

Kensington Health Sciences Academy students get hands-on experience and exposure to Wistar Science

Standing in The Wistar Institute’s state-of-the-art training lab, a small group of 12 students gathered quietly around a large digital display projecting two stacked lines of text, each made up of the letters T, G, C, and A. The sequences showed the base components of two different DNA strands: one a reference sequence representing the most commonly found sequence in humans; the other, a sequence from a cancer cell’s DNA. Pointing to the lines, Jason Diaz, Ph.D., Director of Education and Inclusive Excellence in the Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center, asked the students how to tell whether the cancer cell’s DNA was mutated by comparing the two sequences.

Slowly, a hand went up. “Because of the gaps, where the letters don’t match?” said one of the students hesitantly. “Yes!” responded Dr. Diaz enthusiastically. “There’s a mismatch in the two sequences. The cancer cell’s DNA is different at this position compared to the reference. What do you think are the implications of having a mutation in this gene?”

These Kensington Health Sciences Academy (KHSA) students were in the last phase of a 6-week program designed to boost their exposure to science, and in particular, engage in biomedical research.  Over the course of two half-day visits to Wistar, more than 50 students had a chance to hear from research trainees, tour working research labs, and perform a final lab activity in the training lab.

Every week for the extent of the 6-week program, Dr. Diaz visits students in the classrooms at KHSA to provide educational sessions that highlight the value of – and the need for – biomedical research skills. The experiential program, delivered in partnership with Heights Philadelphia, a non-profit devoted to bolstering educational opportunities in underserved communities, is designed to strengthen students’ exposure to science curriculum and position them for future education and careers in the sciences.

While Philadelphia’s burgeoning Life Sciences industry has been a boon for the city’s growth, ensuring that students, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to and preparation for life science careers has historically been a challenge. The program is aimed at closing the gap and ensuring that students have early exposure to the skills needed to pursue in-demand careers in the region.

Jeremy Heyman, Ph.D., Director of STEM Pathways at Heights, explained that the program has been evolving for quite some time. “This came out of conversations with the Wistar team shortly after we met in 2021.  We envisioned adapting the promising course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) model to the high school level,” explained Dr. Heyman. “This approach, meeting 9th grade students where they are in their science classes, seems like a very promising way to expand access and exposure to Life Science career opportunities for the students we serve from local underinvested communities.”

In fact, the program’s success has led to additional support from Philadelphia-based Spark Therapeutics, a developer of gene therapies. “We appreciate Spark’s support for this academic year and are looking forward to the next phase which includes an even more extensive course-based research experience that is also scalable to reach more schools and students,” explained Heyman.

In the classroom, Dr. Diaz has been working with science teacher Barbara Sharpe to integrate a curriculum that focuses on the TP53 gene, and a genetic variation that can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Students have a chance to learn about polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which copies pieces of DNA for study, and gel electrophoresis to visualize and analyze the DNA. DNA samples prepared by students are ultimately sequenced at Wistar’s Genomics Core Facility. They also learn about bioethics and biomedical research in general.

“We’re exposing them to real-world techniques that our scientists use in the lab every day,” explained Dr. Diaz of the curriculum. “We’re not only hoping to spark an interest in science, but we’re also giving them foundational knowledge that can give them a leg-up if they plan to pursue science-based studies in the future.”

In 2024, as part of the expansion efforts, Wistar and Heights plan to offer the program at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. The team is also evaluating student feedback from prior years to make the class as relevant as possible and to ensure it aligns with current standards in biology education.

“We want to develop a complete pathway for learning science, with multiple entry points,” explains Dr. Diaz. “Students will leave richer for it, wherever they may go.”

We talked with Tom Beer, research assistant in the Proteomics lab, on his path to Wistar, his daily work, and his love for sports.

When did you arrive at Wistar?

My first job out of college was as a Food Safety Consultant, and I traveled up and down the East Coast visiting supermarkets and drug stores. The firm went out of business, so I had to find a new job, and discovered a position at an electron microscopy services laboratory in New Jersey. I spent several years there before they decided to relocate the business. I started looking for another opportunity somewhere stable and unique. I have a science degree – Physiological Plan Ecology – and I liked the idea of working in the lab. I saw a position at Wistar working with mass spectrometry – before I even knew what mass spectrometry was –  and decided to give it a shot. I interviewed and it seemed like a good fit, and an interesting opportunity. That was in 2002, and I’ve been here ever since.

Walk me through a day at work – what does your day look like?

A researcher or a lab will approach our team with a request to determine what’s in a sample or a set of samples. For instance, they’ll need to know every single protein and maybe the levels of those proteins. I take those samples, and I can process and use mass spectrometry to break it down and provide a detailed report. A lot of my work is preparing samples for mass spectrometry. The samples need to be clean, and we don’t always get clean samples so I need to do some prep work. That involves breaking down the cells in a solution, getting them ready, ionizing them and putting them on the instruments. That’s where the magic happens! Then we produce a detailed report that shows the proteins, the levels, and any other details they may need. Some requests are more complicated than others. If there is data manipulation or analytics that must be done, usually that’s another member of the team. Those requests take more time. In fact, we just installed some new equipment that will help us streamline the data analysis process and make it a bit quicker.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Even though the work we do is the same, every project is unique. When I first started, after each analysis we would hand deliver reports to the researchers. They would get excited when I’d hand them the data, and that was really satisfying. I’m giving people data that they can use for a research project! Sometimes the workload can become intense, but I love it – this is my second home. I really enjoy the people and the interactions. I even met my wife here!

How has Wistar changed since you first arrived?

I think it’s more structured now, and that’s a good thing. I’ve seen the new Fox Tower go up; I’ve seen the labs grow. We’ve just gotten more sophisticated and we’re able to do more.  

What is it that makes Wistar special?

The people. This is my second family. I’m in a unique position: I may not be a researcher or have that background, but through my work I interface with PIs and research staff all the time. I can relate to anyone – scientists, admin staff – it doesn’t matter. This is where I spend the majority of my time, so it’s important that I enjoy coming to work.  

What do you do outside of work to recharge: cooking, reading, any hobbies?

I’m really into my kids’ sports, and sports in general. I have an 11-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. My son loves basketball and flag football, and my daughter likes soccer. She’s fast, so we’re trying to get her into running. I’ve done coaching over the years, but I enjoy the support roles more, like assistant coaching or just helping out at the bench. And every Friday we have a tradition with the kids: homemade pizza. Lastly, I spend a lot of time on yardwork. I have to keep up with my neighbors!

What does diversity, equity and inclusion mean to you?

I think it means everything. It’s something that was missing from science for a long time. More diversity has to be the future: you have to get different perspectives and new ideas. Anytime you can draw from different world experiences and different backgrounds, you’re only making things better.