Georgia Life Sciences Connects 23 Educators with Industry and Research at Savannah Regional Teacher Training Workshop

Two-day program brings together university partners, industry experts, and educators to strengthen

Georgia's life sciences workforce pipeline

October 20, 2026 - Georgia Life Sciences brought together 23 educators from across Georgia for its Savannah Regional Teacher Training Workshop, held October 16-17 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and Mercer University's Savannah Campus.

Now in its eighth year, the Teacher Training Initiative is delivered in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education to strengthen connections between education and industry. The program equips educators with hands-on experiences, practical resources, and industry insights they can bring back to their classrooms, helping students connect STEM learning with real-world applications and career opportunities.

The Savannah workshop welcomed educators representing 17 school districts and educational organizations, spanning communities across Georgia. Participating educators represented Burke, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Effingham, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Houston, Liberty, Muscogee, and Newton counties, as well as Marietta City Schools, Okefenokee RESA, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Wayne County Schools, and independent schools in the Metro Atlanta region.

The geographic diversity of participants reflects statewide interest in professional learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with Georgia's growing life sciences industry, evolving workforce needs, and emerging technologies.

Connecting Classroom Learning with Industry

The two-day workshop featured an industry-connected curriculum spanning Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC), Research and Development (R&D), Medical Technology (MedTech), biotechnology manufacturing, artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies, workforce development and career pathways, and marine science and environmental monitoring.

Through hands-on activities, expert presentations, and engagement with university and industry professionals, educators explored scientific concepts, technologies, and career applications that can be integrated into classroom instruction.

Presenters and participating experts represented a diverse cross-section of Georgia's research, education, and life sciences ecosystem, including:

• University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant: Shannon Matzke, Audrey Rogers, and Sea Life Center staff shared expertise in marine science, coastal research, environmental education, and conservation.
• CSS, Inc., under contract to NOAA: Leah Davis, senior environmental scientist specializing in bioengineering and biosensors, brought expertise in environmental monitoring and applied science.
• JellyCoUSA, LLC: Peter Chiarelli, CEO and co-founder, shared perspectives on biotechnology commercialization and product development.
• Hunt Optics & Imaging: Britanie Blackhurst highlighted microscopy, research applications, and STEM career awareness.
• VWR and Bio-Rad Laboratories: Karol Stephens and Leigh Brown contributed expertise in laboratory equipment, educational resources, and biotechnology education.
• Mercer University School of Medicine: David Baxter, dean of the Savannah Campus, shared perspectives on healthcare education and medical workforce development.
• Savannah Economic Development Authority: Zachary Ott, director of existing industry, provided regional perspectives on life sciences workforce development and industry growth.
• RoviSys: Michele Zheng explored manufacturing automation and artificial intelligence applications.
• Georgia Life Sciences: Arnav Bijlani addressed artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing applications.
• Georgia Institute of Technology: Michael Fisher shared expertise in medical device development and engineering.
• VERO Biotech: Lucia Lopez provided perspectives on medical device development and healthcare innovation.

The participation of these experts offered educators direct exposure to the research, technologies, and real-world applications shaping Georgia's life sciences sector.

The Teacher Training Initiative supports Georgia's long-term efforts to build a strong talent pipeline for biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and related fields.

By connecting educators with industry professionals and research institutions, the program helps teachers introduce students to emerging technologies, demonstrate the practical relevance of STEM education, and expand awareness of career opportunities available across Georgia.

The initiative also aligns with Pathways & Partnerships: A Roadmap for Georgia's Life Sciences Sector, Georgia Life Sciences' strategic framework for strengthening the state's life sciences ecosystem and positioning Georgia as the Southeast's scale-up manufacturing hub. Developing a skilled workforce is essential to supporting that growth.

"Connecting educators with the people, technologies, and career opportunities shaping our industry is an important step in preparing Georgia's future life sciences workforce," said Dr. Renee' Martin, program manager for the Teacher Training Initiative at Georgia Life Sciences. "Through our partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and the support of our university and industry partners, we are helping teachers bring relevant, hands-on learning experiences back to their students."

Georgia Life Sciences extends its appreciation to the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Mercer University School of Medicine, participating industry experts, and all educators who contributed to the success of the Savannah workshop.

Georgia Life Sciences will continue the Teacher Training Initiative with additional regional workshops planned for 2027, expanding opportunities for educators across Georgia to access hands-on professional development and industry-connected learning experiences. For more information about the Teacher Training Initiative and upcoming workshops, contact Renee' Martin at [email protected].

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