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43 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E Education support continues through high school, college, and post-graduate studies, working as a catalyst for Maine's brightest young minds. BioME invests more than $75,000 annually in academic scholarships, research seed grants, and career development support, enabling studies, attendance at scientific conferences and summer science camps, and intern- ships with key companies. Our award recipients may best illustrate the positive impact of BioME's educational programs: "is semester, with the gift of the BioME Scholarship, I was able to reduce my work hours and devote more time to furthering my research in the laboratory and mentored a new undergraduate researcher." "I was hesitant to apply for the Education Internship because it was an unpaid position. Once I heard about the BioME Summer Internship Award, however, I was so excited that I could potentially take this internship without having to worry about money. e grant helped me get everything I needed for this internship." "I hope that the Bioscience Association of Maine continues to support students with these awards, thereby making the life science world more accessible and diverse." Advocating for Opportunity BioME's staff, board and advocacy committee are committed to promoting a supportive policy, tax, and regulatory environment to strengthen incentives for innovation and business, including higher education R&D and startup companies. In today's life sci- ence sector, Maine must compete globally, while also be mindful that the life science capital of the world is almost in our backyard in Massachusetts, with a history of progressive policies that have built the strongest life science economy in the world. While we're competing globally, Maine can also benefit from opportunities presented by companies from around the world – many looking to establish a U.S.-based presence. ese opportunities will only increase in response to global supply chain issues, political insta- bility, and economic pressures on offshore operations. BioME established an Advocacy Committee to help educate policy makers about the bioscience sector, its competitive land- scape, and its opportunities while building relationships at key levels of government. We hold an annual legislative gathering where policy makers can learn about BioME's programs, industry challenges, and political or economic impacts affecting the life science world, while meeting some of their constituent companies. BioME is committed to increasing capital to advance bioscience in our State and building a strong bioscience workforce by sup- porting STEM education and workforce development initiatives. Join the Future Opportunities abound at BioME. New members are welcomed monthly to the roster of over 230 companies and organizations that are rising the bioscience tide in Maine. To be part of Maine's future wave, contact Agnieszka Carpenter, Executive Director at agnieszka@biomaine.org. l P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B I O S C I E N C E A S S O C I A T I O N O F M A I N E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B I O S C I E N C E A S S O C I A T I O N O F M A I N E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B I O S C I E N C E A S S O C I A T I O N O F M A I N E BioME Student Showcase 2022 college finalists (and future scientist, Caitlin's daughter), Caitlin Wiafe-Kwakye, microbiology PhD student; Sasha Weller, biochemistry Master's student; and Joshua Hamilton, biomedical engineering Master's student, accept research pitch awards. The BioME Student Showcase is a life science research competition with high school and college categories where participants showcase their passion for life science, present their research, connect with potential future employers and entrepreneurial resources in the state, and win cash and academic prizes. BioME and The Roux Institute host BioConnects New England & Women in Bioscience: a collaborative event celebrating the growing life sciences ecosystem in Maine and highlighting the variety of career paths. BioME hosts many educational programs and events to discuss the industry's economic impact, partnerships and collaborations, workforce development, and the latest in scientific breakthroughs. BioME and The Roux Institute recently hosted a collaborative event at Après in Portland, ME. BioME hosts a variety of networking events providing opportunities to advance careers through connections, learn about the industry, and keep the life science community in Maine united. Our events support, connect, educate and advocate for Maine's life sciences industry.

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