About Us
Our Mission
We seek to transform students’ sense of agency for their futures, building relationships for career development institutionally - between schools and STEM companies - and individually - between students and STEM professionals.
CoLAB’s hope is for Watertown students to see STEM organizations as places where they can thrive and build satisfying careers.
Target Student Outcomes
1. Potential Careers: Understand the breadth and depth of potential STEM careers, drawing clear connections to class content.
2. Interest: Foster curiosity and excitement for working in STEM, providing opportunities to enable and support exploration.
3. Self-efficacy: Boost confidence in STEM education and careers through an understanding that STEM roles are achievable for anyone interested, regardless of background, grades, or education level.
4. Education: Empower students to choose the path for their STEM journey, increasing engagement in STEM-related studies and initiatives.
5. Network: Build and foster a network of long-lasting connections between students, life science personnel, and school faculty.
6. Employment: Students looking to pursue STEM-related work can find internship opportunities and career support.
Collaborating Companies
Board of Directors
Diego Droguett, Viral Vector Technician, Addgene
Diego currently works at Addgene producing AAV (adeno-associated viral vectors) and assisting the company’s goal to make science and technology open and available to all.
Lynsey Kraemer, Science Curriculum Coordinator, Grades 8-12, Watertown Public Schools
Lynsey has been teaching science at Watertown High School since 2005 where she works to help more students discover their passion for science and realize the many ways in which this can transcend into a meaningful post-secondary career path.
Bridget Kreger, Senior Research Scientist, C4 Therapeutics
Bridget utilizes her creativity and curiosity to drive her passion for advancing cancer therapies through a deeper understanding of biology. She cultivates the skills of the people around her, with the ultimate goal of helping those who need it the most.
Merle Kummer, Principal, Kummer Consulting
An organizational learning professional and community activist, Merle’s passion is enabling people to create what they care about most. With Kummer Consulting, Merle provides innovation leadership programs to Biopharma R&D organizations. CoLAB Board President.
Liz Mundy, Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher, Watertown High School
Liz Mundy is a teacher at Watertown High School with an extensive background in chemistry and education, which she utilizes in order to ensure all students are developing into excellent communicators and collaborators beyond the classroom.
David Proia, Vice President, Biology and Drug Discovery, Acrivon Therapeutics
David has nearly 20 years of industry experience in the discovery and development of new medicines for oncology. He mentors for a number of local and national programs to build excitement for STEM and promote awareness for opportunities in the industry.
Denise Strauss, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Communications, Lyndra Therapeutics
Denise Strauss is a healthcare industry leader with experience building and managing US and Global brand teams and business units across marketing, sales, corporate communications, and commercial operations for biopharmaceuticals. Denise is also a Principal Instructor with Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, and a mentor to domestic abuse victims through JFCS. CoLAB Board Treasurer.