Governor Baker Visits BHCC for Signing of Life Sciences Bill

Thursday, June 21, 2018

On Friday, June 15, 2018, Governor Charlie Baker visited Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) to sign Bill H4501: An Act providing continued investment in the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth to invest up to $623 million in bond authorization and tax credits over five years in education, research and development, and workforce training.

Joining Governor Baker for the announcement were legislative leaders and representatives from BHCC, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Sanofi Genzyme, among other life sciences stakeholders.

BHCC has received grants to help establish a new biotechnology program, internship placements at 30 life sciences companies for more than 50 students, and training for low-income adults to pursue biomedical careers.

“We are committed to supporting students pursuing education and training in the life sciences,” said BHCC President Pam Eddinger. “We are grateful for the support from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, proud of our students and graduates participating in the biomedical and biotechnology fields, and pleased that the state will continue its substantial support, translating into a more vibrant life sciences sector.”

President Eddinger also recognized Professor Belinda Kadambi, who has led the charge for placement of many of BHCC’s STEM students in high-demand internships throughout the Greater Boston Area.

Joining Professor Kadambi at the announcement was recent BHCC graduate Daniel Villarreal, who participated in an internship at a lab in Harvard while studying at BHCC. He is currently working as an intern with Cellino Biotech, Inc., and attended the bill signing on the company’s behalf.