Campbell’s BIOS2 program cultivates future innovators

A group of high school students spent the first week of June exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and healthcare through BIOS2, Campbell University's residential STEM enrichment program designed to inspire future innovators and introduce students to career pathways in STEM.

Hosted by the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences' Science Education Outreach Program, BIOS2 (Biotechnology, Inquiry, Outreach and STEM²) welcomed rising ninth through 12th grade students to campus from May 31 through June 4. Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on laboratory experiences, engineering projects, industry visits, and career exploration activities led by Campbell faculty, staff, and students.

Students explored a wide range of STEM disciplines through activities including pipetting, agar art, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, drug discovery exercises, rapid manufacturing projects and rocket design and launch challenges. The program also featured a field trip to Pfizer, a visit to Campbell University's Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, and opportunities to interact with current students, alumni and STEM professionals.

"BIOS2 is designed to help students discover the many opportunities available in STEM fields while building confidence through hands-on learning," said Dr. Vanessa Ayer-Miller, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences and lead faculty member for BIOS2. "By allowing students to experience these disciplines firsthand, we hope to inspire them to pursue careers that will make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond."

The program was made possible through grant funding from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The grant allows for the expansion of STEM outreach opportunities for high school students, particularly those from rural and historically underrepresented communities. The grant supports BIOS2 and other STEM outreach initiatives, allowing students to participate at no cost.

All BIOS2 activities, including housing, meals, laboratory supplies, and educational programming, are fully supported through grant funding, removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for students to explore STEM careers in an immersive university setting.

Throughout the week, students worked alongside faculty and student mentors from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and the School of Engineering. In addition to learning scientific concepts and laboratory techniques, participants developed teamwork, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills through collaborative projects and challenges.

One highlight of the week was a full-day visit to Pfizer, where students gained firsthand exposure to careers in the life sciences industry and learned how scientific discoveries move from the laboratory to large-scale manufacturing. Back on campus, students participated in an alumni panel discussion that provided insights into educational pathways and career opportunities across STEM disciplines.

Engineering-focused activities challenged participants to design, build and launch rockets and create amusement park concepts, while laboratory experiences introduced students to foundational biotechnology techniques used in research and healthcare settings. Evening activities encouraged teamwork and relationship building through recreational games, virtual reality experiences and campus-wide challenges.

The program included a visit to Campbell's medical school, where students gained a deeper understanding of careers in medicine and patient care. Through these experiences, participants were able to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications and envision themselves pursuing STEM careers in the future.

BIOS2 reflects Campbell University's ongoing commitment to expanding access to STEM education and helping students discover opportunities in science, engineering and healthcare. By combining hands-on learning, mentorship and career exploration, the program seeks to strengthen North Carolina's future STEM workforce while inspiring the next generation of innovators, researchers and healthcare professionals.

As the week came to a close, students left campus with new skills, new friendships and a greater appreciation for the many possibilities available through STEM education. For many participants, BIOS2 served as an introduction to fields they had never previously considered and provided a glimpse of the impact they can make through future careers in science, engineering and healthcare.