Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators at WHS

Last Friday, Westhill High School hosted Regeneron scientist Emmanuel Ozuruonye,  for a discussion about STEM careers and Ozuruonye’s therapeutic antibody research.  Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company and the visit was part of the company’s Scientists in the Classroom program.  The program connects classrooms with Regeneron scientists to provide STEM role models to students by exposing them to new career stories, STEM research, and scientists of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“Bringing a world-class scientist directly into our building offered a rare bridge between classroom learning and real-world impact,” explained Wendy Bosco, Science Department Lead at Westhill High School. “Meeting Mr. Ozuruonye and hearing the connection between his agricultural background of the past and his scientific research of the present was powerful.  This was a unique opportunity for students to learn more about the biomedical STEM field and be inspired by a scientist with whom they might directly relate.”

Ozuruoney shared his personal story and details of how his research of an experimental nasal vaccine could one day serve as a treatment for cervical cancer. “I'm an African-American Biotech scientist with 6+ years of experience advancing antibody discovery. My STEM story began in Nigeria, West Africa,” explained Ozuruonye.  “It has been a rewarding experience making a real impact in real people's lives right from my lab bench in a remarkable institution such as Regeneron, and I'm glad to share these experiences with students.”