As part of an ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of scientists on the island, the Amgen Foundation recently held an exclusive conversation with students from seventh to ninth grade of the program Seeds of Triumphan initiative of Science Puerto Rico (CienciaPR), along with prominent company leaders Amgena leading company in the biotechnology industry in Puerto Rico and worldwide.
The meeting included the participation of female engineers Maricarmen Szendreyvice president of Quality, and Gloria Alicea Ruiz,executive director of the Amgen Manufacturing Limited packaging plant, located in Juncos. Both shared their academic and professional trajectories in the field of biomanufacturing, with the aim of motivating young women to explore careers in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEMin English).
The students also had the opportunity to interact with the invited leaders and clarify their doubts about the skills necessary to achieve their academic goals, develop professionally and assume leadership roles within the biotechnology industry and in companies such as Amgen.
“At Amgen, we faithfully believe in cultivating the seeds of knowledge and leadership in our young women. Programs like Semillas de Triunfo are essential for them to see themselves as the next engineers, scientists and leaders of our industry”expressed Sylnés CentenoDirector of Corporate Affairs at Amgen Manufacturing Limited, in a press release.
As part of the event – held at the Creole Center for Science and Technology of the Caribbean-, the participants experimented with one of the fundamental instruments of biotechnology and biomedical sciences laboratories: the micropipette, used to precisely measure and move very small quantities of liquid.
During the activity, they learned basic concepts of volume, precision and accuracy, as well as appropriate techniques for transferring liquids in microliters. Also, they practiced the proper use of automatic micropipettes, identified their parts, understood their mechanical operation and applied good laboratory practices, including safety, responsible handling of materials and contamination control.
For her part, the doctor Liz Hernandezmanager of the Semillas de Triunfo Program, highlighted the impact of the meeting stating that “exposing our students to interact with women leaders in STEM allows them to see themselves reflected in those spaces and recognize their potential.”. At Ciencia Puerto Rico, we reaffirm our commitment to creating experiences that inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders in Puerto Rico.”
For students interested in participating in the CienciaPR Semillas de Triunfo program in the 2026-2027 academic year, the call will be open starting next April 9, through sciencepr.org.