BioQuest STEM Mentoring Program
What is BioQuest?
BioQuest is a STEM mentoring program designed to give middle and high school students meaningful opportunities to explore diverse careers in science, biotechnology, and medicine. Over the past two years, we've engaged more than 300 students from the Bronx and Harlem through hands-on enrichment events, winter break experiences, and a new paid summer internship program. We are proud to have co-created this program with our incredible partners at Areté Education, BioBus, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Futures Ignite, Mott Hall II, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
2025-2026 Academic Year
Year 3 of BioQuest has begun! At our annual kick-off event, students and families connected with mentors, built their own biomes, and explored hands-on science aboard the BioBus at Hunts Point in the Bronx.
Students spent the day immersed in the world of life sciences. Guided by mentors, students visited the Museum of Natural History, New York Structural Biology Center, Taystee Labs, and The Cure to explore careers in biotechnology, med-tech, and bioengineering.
Sudents stepped into GenSpace, the world’s first community biology lab, for a special hands-on science experience! Guided by mentors and scientists, students explored how biology and biotechnology help us use microbes to solve real-world problems. Students got to paint with E.coli, create slime molds, learn how microbes help create medicines and clean up pollution while bonding with mentors.
Student gathered at the New York Genome Center for an exciting end of year winter celebration. High school students explored bioplastics, microscopy, and STEM career pathways with BioBus and RTW mentors, while middle school students built lemon batteries and designed their own snow globes. We wrapped up the day with our Annual Gingerbread Engineering Challenge.
Middle school students spent three days conducting hands-on science using professional-grade microscopes and lab equipment through BioBus. They explored live organisms, designed environmental projects, and created their own research posters—building real scientific skills while discovering how exciting and creative science can be.
Students built mini bioreactors to create lactose-free milk, explored why some cats are lactose intolerant, and modeled how gene therapy works—discovering how genetics can be used to solve real-world health challenges and shape the future of medicine.
Students explored neuroscience using EEG headsets to monitor brain activity, controlled a robotic gripper with electrical signals from their forearms, and explored a lab that teaches and empowers communities to build DIY air quality sensors. From connecting with STEM professionals to touring state-of-the-art research facilities, they witnessed firsthand the importance of neuroscience and the critical role that scientists play in shaping/understanding our bodies and world.
Students, family members, and mentors spent the day exploring the Liberty Science Center, engaging with hands-on exhibits and celebrating a year of learning and growth. Museum exploration was followed by a special BioQuest graduation lunch, where students were recognized for their curiosity, hard work, and achievements throughout the program.
BioQuest Ambassador Program
Last year, we launched the BioQuest Ambassador program, designed for highly engaged high school students interested in exploring STEM career opportunities. Throughout the program, students participate in monthly skill-building workshops and explore STEM career opportunities through paid summer internships. This new program provides a significant opportunity for students interested in STEM careers to build professional skills and connect with industry leaders who support their ongoing growth. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Sean Robinson
We had students that were very shy initially, but ever since they’ve been part of BioQuest, they’ve become leaders in the classroom...Students are more willing to take on different risks, take on different challenges, engage more in activities.
Jordan
For me, BioQuest is important because I’ve always been interested in finance and medicine and being a doctor, and I never really knew that there is a career that I can necessarily combine the two things. Once I went in my first day of BioQuest, I absolutely fell in love.
Tingting Zhang-Kharas, PhD
Many of us did not come from a background with family members in healthcare, science, or the pharma industry, but I hope the experience today will inspire you to follow your dreams and explore a career in life sciences or anything that you are passionate about!
Adiza
BioQuest helped me realize how much I enjoy medicine and gave me the confidence to speak up, ask questions, and see myself working in a hospital one day. Exploring medical careers through real experiences made my goal of becoming an anesthesiologist feel possible.
Jeandely
Everyone was super nice and energetic. They made asking questions so easy. I thought it was pretty perfect. I learned about the medtech career and career analysis. I want to learn more about the business part.
School Partners
Program Collaborators
Interested in getting involved with BioQuest as a mentor?
