UNH Launches STEM-MoBILE to Educate and Inspire

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester is proud to announce the launch of the STEM-MoBILE, a state-of-the-art traveling laboratory designed to introduce the field of biofabrication to schools and communities throughout New Hampshire.

The STEM-MoBILE (STEM Mobile Biofabrication Integrated Lab Experience) aims to educate and inspire students of all ages about biofabrication, an emerging field that combines biology, biotechnology and engineering to produce human cells, tissues and organs from organic and synthetic materials.

The STEM-MoBILE is a collaborative effort supported by the Next Gen Resiliency Council's New Hampshire BioFabrication Cluster and funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA)Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant to help build a workforce to power the quickly growing field of biofabrication, with a focus on providing equitable job opportunities in Southern New Hampshire.

Mike Decelle, dean of UNH Manchester, says the goal of the STEM-MoBILE is to create a sustainable, well-trained workforce to support the growing biofabrication industry in Southern New Hampshire, which has recently become known as ReGen Valley.

"The STEM-MoBILE represents the Cluster's commitment to community engagement and workforce development," Decelle says. "By bringing cutting-edge biofabrication technology directly to students, we are helping to cultivate a skilled workforce that will drive innovation in this rapidly evolving field."

STEM-MoBILE Project Manager Sydney Rollins '20, a graduate of UNH Manchester's biological sciences program, says engaging children in STEM can inspire and empower them to pursue science while building a strong foundation of critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.

"Our mission is to provide hands-on learning experiences that showcase the exciting career opportunities in biofabrication," Rollins says. "We believe this initiative will play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators."

One of the youth educators aboard the STEM-MoBILE is Sage Dieffenbach '24, a recent graduate of UNH Manchester's biological sciences program. Dieffenbach says encouraging interest in STEM from a young age can open countless educational and career opportunities.

"Working with the STEM-MoBILE allows me to give back to the community and inspire future scientists," Dieffenbach says. "It's incredibly rewarding to see students' enthusiasm and curiosity as they engage with the technology and concepts that were pivotal in my own education."

The STEM-MoBILE offers interactive educational resources for K-12 students, including informational coloring booklets and science demonstrations. Upcoming events include visits to local community organizations and science expos like Wicked STEM, taking place Saturday, September 21, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, N.H.

STEM-MoBILE partners include the City of Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University, the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission and Manchester Transit Authority. It is part of the Work & Learn Program of the $44M Build Back Better Challenge Grant that the EDA awarded to the City of Manchester in 2022. The Work & Learn Program also includes the UNH Manchester CREATES program and ARMI's BioFab Explorer and BioTrek youth engagement programs.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Sydney Rollins at [email protected] or visit UNH STEM-MoBILE.

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