Young Scientists Shine: NJAS and Caldwell University Inspire NJ Students in Summer STEM Program

Caldwell, NJ – August 2025 – This summer, the New Jersey Academy of Science (NJAS) partnered with Caldwell University to give 18 high school students from across the state an exceptional opportunity to explore biotechnology and STEM careers through the Biotechnology Research Fellows Program (BRFP).

Caldwell University served as a hub for high school research, providing state-of-the-art laboratories, experienced faculty, and a supportive academic environment that enabled students to conduct meaningful independent research in Cancer Biology and Neuroscience & Developmental Biology. In addition to lab work, students attended professional development seminars, participated in STEM panel discussions, visited pharmaceutical campuses, and presented original research posters, creating a full-spectrum STEM experience.

NJAS played a critical role in connecting students with mentors, organizing field trips, and facilitating hands-on research opportunities. “Our partnership with Caldwell University allows NJAS to bring real-world science into the hands of students,” said Dr. Maria Agapito, NJAS President. “The university’s labs and faculty provide the perfect environment for young scientists to grow, experiment, and collaborate.”

Special thanks to Dr. Senese, President of Caldwell University, who delivered certificates to the students; Dr. Abaunza, Vice President of Academic Affairs, who opened the program with welcoming remarks; and Dr. Velhagen, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who hosted the STEM panel and directed the seminar “What Can You Do With a Degree in STEM?”. Additional gratitude goes to biotech leaders: Cynthia Inzano, MS (Senior Principal Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb), Kritika Bajaj, PhD (Lead Research Scientist, Croda Inc.), Anjali Agrawal, PhD (Executive Director, Drug Product Development, Novo Nordisk), and Carmela Maffuccin, PhD (Medical Director, Global Medical Affairs, Janssen Pharmaceuticals). Special thanks to Bristol Myers Squibb – Lawrenceville campus representatives for graciously opening their campus to the first cohort.

The program welcomed students from Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Morris counties, representing a diverse cohort with over 44% identifying as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multi-racial. Feedback highlighted the value of mentorship, hands-on experiments, and exposure to professional STEM environments.

Looking ahead, BRFP students will be invited to NJAS’ Fall Seminar, serve as NJAS Ambassadors, and return next summer as associate junior researchers. Future research tracks, including Viral Hunters: Exploring Bacteriophages with Bioinformatics and 3D Biotech: From Molecules to Medicine, will continue to expand opportunities for local high school students. Applications for Cohort 2 open in December 2025.

More information will be released soon. Please visit the NJAS website for updates: https://www.njas.org/.

Through programs like BRFP, Caldwell University and NJAS are cultivating the next generation of scientists, providing students with the resources, mentorship, and inspiration needed to turn curiosity into discovery.