MdBio Foundation Launches “Learning Undefeated” Initiative to Bring Mobile Science Lab to Texas Schools Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

The MdBio Foundation, a non-profit that provides STEM education and workforce development to underserved communities, will be taking one of its mobile laboratories to southeast Texas in November to support students at high schools and middle schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The new “Learning Undefeated” initiative features MdBioLab, a self-contained, mobile science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classroom that will bring teaching space and scientific equipment, as well as lab supplies, to schools along the Gulf Coast and in Houston.

“More than 270 schools along the Gulf Coast were damaged by Hurricane Harvey, and some may never re-open. Students and teachers are left to use makeshift tools in temporary facilities, trying to regain a sense of normalcy after devastating losses,” said Brian Gaines, CEO of the MdBio Foundation. “We saw a great opportunity to share our resources – our mobile lab and professional scientific staff – to support education during the recovery period.”

MdBioLab will visit the Port Aransas Independent School District (ISD), near Corpus Christi, November 6 to 9, three weeks after the school opened for the first time following the August storm. There, the lab will serve nearly 270 students from Port Aransas High School and Brundrett Middle School. Then, from November 13 to 17, the lab will serve two schools in the Houston ISD, Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School and the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). During these two weeks, hundreds of students will have the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM activities onboard the lab.

“Hurricane Harvey did severe damage to our facilities, which is making it difficult for our dynamic science educators to continue providing students with experiments that bring their lessons to life,” said Jim Potts, principal of Port Aransas High School. “We are sincerely appreciative of being chosen as one of the stops for MdBio Foundation’s Learning Undefeated program. The MdBioLab is giving us the opportunity continue providing a high level of instruction despite the challenges we’re facing.”

Onboard the mobile lab, students will have the opportunity to perform science experiments from MdBio’s biology and chemistry curriculum, including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, acid/base titration and water filtration.

“When our team saw the destruction of so many southeast Texas schools, we knew we had to find a way to help,” said Jennifer Colvin, vice president of Education for the MdBio Foundation. “Sending our mobile laboratory will enable teachers to take control and refocus their students on learning during this time of recovery. In many cases, the schools we are working with are operating without any of their usual resources. Learning Undefeated will help keep students engaged and remind them that STEM learning can be fun.”

MdBio Foundation has been a thought leader in mobile lab education for more than 15 years, through its custom-built mobile laboratories and experiential STEM programming. Since 2003, MdBio has provided more than 150,000 students with hands-on access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and techniques through the foundation’s mobile lab program.

MdBio Foundation partners AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune; CNSI; Northrop Grumman and VWR International have pledged $40,000 to support Learning Undefeated. With additional contributions, the foundation hopes to expand the program to other high schools along the Gulf Coast.

About MdBio Foundation

MdBio Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides innovative, effective and experiential science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development opportunities to underserved communities. MdBio’s interdisciplinary approach uses STEM to explore a real-world, problem-centric curriculum that bridges school, community, health and business. The foundation’s flagship program is a mobile laboratory for high schools that has provided quality educational experiences to more than 150,000 students throughout the state of Maryland since its launch in 2003. MdBio also operates other celebrated STEM education programs, such as the Young Science Explorers Program for middle school students, the Maryland BioGENEius Award, and ATLAS: Advancing Tomorrow’s Leaders in STEM college and career symposium. Visit www.mdbiofoundation.org or follow on social media @MdBioFoundation.