Welcome to the

Amgen Biotech Experience – Massachusetts

Scientific Discovery for the Classroom

The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) Program directly aligns with the U.S. National Research Council’s finding that high-quality laboratory experiences promote students’ interest in science and science careers. The program engages students in learning molecular biology using relevant curricula, tools, and techniques. Participating teachers receive a loaned kit with research-grade equipment and supplies that allow students to participate in advanced science laboratories. The hands-on ABE curriculum ties the laboratory experiences to the development of medicines, using technologies employed by the biotechnology industry in the discovery of human therapeutics. Students learn the use of recombinant DNA techniques and important molecular “tracers.”

Professional development for ABE teachers enables them to keep pace with scientific advances and technologies and to introduce their students to the latest scientific discoveries. Teachers and students alike experience the excitement of participating in cutting-edge science with significant real-world applications.

The ABE Massachusetts Program Site is offered through the Life Sciences Outreach Program and hosted by the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. The Life Sciences Outreach (LSO) Program has an established reputation for enhancing high school biology education in New England through professional development programs for teachers and hands-on laboratory experiences for students since 2002. As of 2021, ABE Massachusetts operates out of four sites: Harvard University, the Marine Biological Laboratory, Springfield Technical Community College, and Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. With over one hundred educators in our community, we continue to push science education forward.