Ohio’s life sciences industry faces a challenge: 64,000 current jobs with continued growth, but students who don’t know these careers exist. The solution isn’t more job fairs or career websites. It’s teachers who can connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
That’s exactly what happened during the BioPathways 2-Day Workshop in Delaware.
Thirty science teachers from across Ohio spent two intensive days discovering how their biology lessons translate into biotech careers. They worked with protein expression techniques, explored immune response modeling, and participated in pharmaceutical simulations. But the breakthrough moment came during industry site visits.
“The strong connection between what I teach in biology and the work that they’re doing right there in the lab,” is how David Miller from Orange High School described his realization. “It’s happening right here in Ohio.”
This connection matters because Ohio’s life sciences sector has grown 13% since 2019, outpacing overall private sector growth. The state now hosts nearly 5,000 life sciences establishments, from startup biotechs to major pharmaceutical companies. Yet students often view these careers as happening somewhere else—California, Massachusetts, anywhere but Ohio.
The workshop changed that perception. Teachers learned to reduce human and technical error through standard operating procedures, experienced industry-standard protocols, and networked with hiring managers who need skilled graduates. More importantly, they gained the confidence to show students that cutting-edge science careers are available right here.
“There are so many opportunities that they should investigate,” said Liz Litteral, who now helps students understand career options they never knew existed.
The ripple effect is significant. Each participating teacher impacts hundreds of students annually. When teachers can authentically connect classroom concepts to local career opportunities, students start seeing their education differently. Biology becomes preparation, not just prerequisite.
Industry partners noticed. The enthusiasm and engagement from participating teachers demonstrated the value of direct educator-industry connections. Companies investing in Ohio’s talent pipeline now have advocates in classrooms across the state.
Now, southwest Ohio teachers can experience the same impact.
BioPathways Southwest Ohio offers the same transformative experience in a condensed one-day format. October 16 brings together hands-on learning, industry facility tours, and professional networking for Biology, AP Biology, 8th grade science, and Biotech teachers on Butler Tech’s campus in Middletown.
Ohio’s biotech industry needs skilled talent. Your students need career direction. This workshop connects both.
[Register for BioPathways Southwest Ohio – Free for Ohio Teachers]
