Elms College Awarded $469,000 Grant from Massachusetts Life Science Center

CHICOPEE — The Massachusetts Life Science Center (MLSC) has awarded Elms College a $469,651 grant, planned for the Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology, to construct a next-generation laboratory, creating training opportunities for preparing biology and biotechnology majors for careers in life sciences and data science.

Elms College was among the recipients of $12 million in MLSC grants intended to boost educational and workforce development opportunities in Massachusetts. The awards were announced on July 23 by Gov. Maura Healey.

The Elms College grant will be used to renovate and equip a space in Berchmans Hall that was originally an analytical chemistry lab when the building opened in 1932. The new lab space marks both the start of a new era and a return to its roots in the historic campus building. The new laboratory is intended to provide students with a dedicated space for life sciences and data analytics research, as well as serving as a hub for collaboration and innovation.

The new, student-centered lab space is central to supporting the work of faculty within the new Center for Computational and Experimental Life Sciences (CELS), which will offer flexible, mentored instruction combined with in-person, hands-on laboratory experience. The lab will provide opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students to pursue careers in the life sciences, research, or data analytics, including graduates of area community colleges interested in earning a bachelor’s degree.

“The possibility for this multi-purpose, student-focused lab stems from the vision of Professor Nina Theis and our Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology faculty,” Elms College President Harry Dumay said. “I am grateful to them as well as the MLSC for making it a reality at Elms College.”

Joyce Hampton, vice president of Academic Affairs, added that “this grant supports our strategic focus to build curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that are closely aligned with industry needs.”

It is also central to the college’s plan to enhance the existing biology major by incorporating data science courses, encouraging students to choose skills-based classes that complement the major and prepare them for careers in data analytics, biotechnology, bioethics, and biochemistry, and enhancing structured internship experience that includes faculty mentoring and hands-on professional training.

The overall project aligns with Elms College’s broader goal of producing graduates with the knowledge, ethical foundation, and 21st-century skills in high demand by Western Mass. employers and the state’s life sciences industry.

“We are incredibly grateful for the work of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the state’s investment in our students,” said Theis, co-chair of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology. “The state-of-the-art lab will be a dynamic hub where students can build their confidence, master essential skills, and prepare to enter a competitive workforce.”