Brandon Solis is Named a Project Onramp Summer Intern for Addgene

Brandon Solis, 21, of Roxbury, has been named a Project Onramp intern for Addgene. He is one of 37 college students who are gaining valuable hands-on experience in entry-level positions at 22 life science companies across Massachusetts this summer as part of the biotechnology workforce development program.

Project Onramp matches undergraduate students working with Bottom Line, a non-profit committed to building strong connections for first-generation-to-college students, with paid summer entry-level internships, which often lead to full-time employment. Created and sponsored by four of the nation’s leading life science organizations headquartered in Massachusetts – MassBio, MassBioEd, Life Science Cares and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center – the program is designed to help bridge the opportunity gap for underserved and minority students while building a pipeline of local and diverse talent in the life science industry.

“Project Onramp is a platform through which students seeking careers in the field can access valuable hands-on experience through internships at local biotechnology companies they otherwise may not have access to,” says Sarah MacDonald, Executive Director for Life Science Cares. “For many participating students, this is their first experience in the workforce. For participating employers, this is an opportunity to open doors for young people, many of whom are first generation or first to go to college in their families, into a growing and thriving industry.”

Growing up, Solis always had a passion for writing. His study of dance afforded him another outlet to tell stories. As a rising senior at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, he is studying Sociology and Dance. After graduation, he aims to work in marketing and communications for a nonprofit organization working to serve marginalized communities.

“I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to explore a career in the life science industry where I am connecting with people in all facets of the industry, from marketing, to legal, to finance and customer service,” says Solis. “As a first-generation college student, it has been a difficult process exploring different career paths. With the help of Project Onramp, I have been able to navigate the world of different careers. This experience has helped me to connect with all different types of people in different departments and will help to give me an edge with future employers.”

As a summer intern at Addgene, headquartered in Watertown, he is responsible for interviewing employees to highlight on Addgene’s Instagram page, managing the entire process from creative design to data analysis. Project Onramp internships range from science and lab positions to disciplines in business administration, operations, human resources, marketing and communications. Bottom Line, a nonprofit that helps first-generation-to-college students from low income backgrounds get into college, successfully graduate and find meaningful careers, helps support students as they apply, interview and earn internships.

“Addgene’s Marketing and Communications Team is excited to have Brandon join us this summer,” says Aliyah Weinstein, Marketing and Communications Manager at Addgene. “His experience in social media management has been a great addition to our team as he’s iterated on existing projects with his new ideas. We enjoy having interns at Addgene and learning from them as much as they learn from us each summer.”

Since its establishment in 2019, Project Onramp has placed 87 students in well-paid internships with top companies statewide. For more information, visit: www.projectonrampma.com.

About Life Science Cares

Life Science Cares (LSC) is a collective effort of the life science industry connecting companies with nonprofits that improve the lives of people living in poverty in Greater Boston and Philadelphia. In Boston, LSC harnesses the sector’s human and financial resources from companies and supports a portfolio of 27 nonprofit organizations. LSC’s partner organizations work to address basic survival needs (food, shelter, improve education, and develop job skills that increase long term economic sustainability for the community’s most vulnerable neighbors. For more information, visit: www.lifesciencecares.org.

About MassBio

MassBio’s mission is to advance Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system, and improve patient lives. MassBio represents the premier global life sciences and healthcare hub, with 1,300+ members dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing diseases through transformative science and technology that brings value and hope to patients. Founded in 1985, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs, events, industry information, and services. For more information, visit www.massbio.org.

About Massachusetts Life Science Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, education, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and digital health. Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed over $700 million in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce programs. These investments have created thousands of jobs and propelled the development of new therapies, devices and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.

About MassBioEd

MassBioEd is dedicated to developing the region’s life sciences workforce with a focus on expansion, opportunity, and diversity. Since 2001, we have evolved into a unique link that connects students, educators, and industry professionals in programs that engage and excite teachers, inspire students, and illuminate pathways to careers and leadership in the industry. The cornerstones of our work — BioTeach and BioTalent — are inter-connected programs that ignite student interest and cultivate a field of diverse experts committed to solving some of the world’s most vexing challenges. To learn more, visit www.massbioed.org.

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