Overview of Organization
BioTN is on a mission to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to Tennessee through support of biotechnology research, business, education and strategic policy statewide. BioTN brings pre-K through 12th grade schools, higher education institutions and businesses together to collaborate on projects that create more hands-on learning and training experiences for students and faculty in science and technology. This is achieved through internships, real-world training and direct interaction between the industry and educational institutions. More educational opportunities will lead to more students entering scientific and technical fields after graduation of BioTN’s programs, creating a better-educated work force to help staff new, existing, and relocating technology companies, all benefiting the overall economy in the State of Tennessee. As a result, education and availability of the workforce will play a significant role in the state's ability to participate in the 21st century economy.
Established in 2007, BioTN is a non-profit 501c3 foundation formed to facilitate and inspire Tennessee children and adults to explore the sciences. BioTN has three goals: 1) to enhance and improve STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) K-16 education in Tennessee; 2) to help train and connect Tennesseans for careers in the STEM fields; and 3) to promote the growth of businesses in the state based on STEM innovations, thereby creating high quality jobs for our citizens. Tennessee has a wealth of intellectual capital which has the potential to be a powerful economic engine in the state, and BioTN assists in leveraging this talent and "real estate" into long-term gains for those who seek a better and brighter future.
The organization is led by Executive Director Dr. Leslie Wisner-Lynch. Under Dr. Wisner-Lynch’s leadership, BioTN has played a role in numerous educational camps and programs, STEM outreach and a partnership with the Adventure Science Center. More formal programs include a partnership with the NSF GK-12 program and the implementation of a one-year biomedical technology program partnered with the Tennessee Board of Regents.
The BioTN organization is highly regarded for its contributions within the bioscience, research and education communities and its leadership serves on a number of public and private university science and engineering advisory boards and innovation based economic development boards. BioTN is represented on the board of directors of the Education/Workforce Development Committee for Life Science Tennessee, the recently approved STEM Prep Academy charter school in Metro Nashville, the Governor’s Small Leadership Team for the American Diploma Project and Tennessee’s STEM Innovation Network Advisory Council.
The life sciences are fundamental to the state’s vitality. But they also represent a significant opportunity for people to help heal, feed and fuel the world. BioTN – in partnership with Tennessee’s citizens – are honored to lead the charge in fulfilling these outcomes for a better Tennessee and transformed world.