Bloomberg Philanthropies helps keep the MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker program at HMS accessible and tuition-free.

By Randy Fox
Pathmaker students training in a lab
Pathmaker students train in a lab.
Image: Samwael Armoush/
HMS MEDscience

In an era of expansion in the life sciences industry, the need for skilled workers continues to rise. Enter Harvard Medical School’s MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker program—a dynamic collaboration between HMS MEDscience, Project LEARN, and UMass Lowell (see details below). Pathmaker offers an intensive training experience for students aged 18 to 29, opening doors to entry-level positions in health care and life sciences, regardless of educational background.

The program’s hands-on approach is central to its success. Participants move beyond traditional classroom settings to train in working labs at HMS and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, using industry-standard equipment and techniques. They also engage in immersive training for medical emergencies using MEDscience’s lifelike mannequins.

Trainees benefit from targeted learning experiences with MEDscience industry partners, including Mass General Brigham, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Pfizer, and Merck. By shadowing professionals in lab operations roles and working directly with human resources and recruiting teams, participants gain valuable insights into career paths and advancement strategies within leading hospitals and life sciences companies. 

It’s been a transformative journey that’s prepared me to take the next steps toward a fulfilling career in the health field.
Tiana Nhem

“This experience not only taught me what I set out to learn but also helped me discover new things about myself and my potential,” says Pathmaker participant Tiana Nhem, who joined the eightweek program to develop essential skills in the life sciences and learn more about the diverse career opportunities within. “It’s been a transformative journey that’s prepared me to take the next steps toward a fulfilling career in the health field.” 

A recent generous donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies is helping to ensure that Pathmaker remains accessible and tuition-free, thereby paving the way for meaningful careers in health care and life sciences, both locally and beyond. 

That’s great news to MEDscience Executive Director Julie Joyal, EdM ’08, who says, “Pathmaker equips participants with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a dynamic and growing field, positioning them as innovators and leaders in an industry with endless possibilities.”

HMS MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker

This collaborative program trains young adults, representing a variety of backgrounds, in career development and lab skills. It comprises: 

HMS MEDscience

A program designed to inspire and empower a rising generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) leaders. Engaging more than 4,000 students annually, it offers an innovative, simulation-based curriculum that transforms the way participants approach and solve problems. 

Project LEARN

An innovative nonprofit that connects young adults from Lowell, Massachusetts, with opportunities for experiential learning, skill building, and early career development.

UMass Lowell

A public university committed to offering research and learning experiences for local youth. About 44% of its undergraduates are students of color and 45% of its first-year students are first-generation college students.

Learn more about MEDscience