BioBus Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2008, BioBus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping K-12 and college students discover, explore, and pursue science. The organization focuses on students who have been historically excluded from the scientific community due to factors such as race, gender, economic status, and physical access. BioBus envisions a world where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full scientific potential. Since its inception, BioBus has reached over 400,000 students at more than 1,000 schools and community organizations, primarily in New York City public and charter schools, and has extended its reach to regions as far as New England, California, and even internationally to Rwanda, Egypt, and Jordan.

Key Strategic Focus

BioBus's strategic focus is centered on providing hands-on, inquiry-based science education through mobile laboratories equipped with advanced research-grade microscopes and staffed by professional scientists. The organization offers a comprehensive pathway for students, including:

Discover Programs: Introductory 45-minute sessions aboard mobile labs, where entire classes of pre-K through twelfth-grade students engage in hands-on, standards-aligned lab sessions.

Explore Programs: Eight to twelve-week programs at schools and community centers, allowing students to develop their own research practices and build on their initial experiences.

Pursue Programs: Paid internships for high school and college students, enabling them to develop independent research projects while serving as mentors to younger students.

These programs are offered city-wide, with a focus on underserved areas such as Harlem, the Bronx, and the Lower East Side.

Financials and Funding

BioBus has received substantial support from various donors and partners, including:

Government Entities: New York City Council and Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens Borough Presidents; New York State Senate and Assembly.

Foundations and Corporations: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, New York City Economic Development Corporation, Flu Lab, Science Sandbox (an initiative of the Simons Foundation), Richard Lounsbery Foundation, Regeneron, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, National Grid, Con Edison, West Harlem Development Corporation, Manton Foundation, Marcus Partners.

Academic Institutions: New York University, Columbia's Zuckerman Institute, City College of New York STEM Institute, Harvard University, Northeastern University.

In May 2023, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced a $700,000 investment over three years to expand BioBus's mobile STEM training throughout the Bronx, aiming to deliver STEM education and training to over 12,700 students in the region.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BioBus's mobile laboratories are equipped with advanced research-grade microscopes and staffed by professional scientists, providing students with hands-on, inquiry-based science education. The organization utilizes a diverse tech stack, including Google Calendar, Twitter, and Site Kit, demonstrating an openness to integrating new technologies into their educational outreach programs.

Leadership Team

Ben Dubin-Thaler, Ph.D.: Founder and Executive Director. Dr. Dubin-Thaler created BioBus in 2008 after completing his Ph.D. in Biology and his B.A. in Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University. He initiated BioBus as an experiment to test his hypothesis that hands-on experience with research microscopes would excite individuals about science and encourage further exploration.

Latasha Wright, Ph.D.: Co-Founder and Executive Scientific Officer. Dr. Wright received her Ph.D. from NYU Langone Medical Center in cell and molecular biology and continued her scientific training at Johns Hopkins University and Weill Cornell Medical Center. She has co-authored numerous publications and presented her work at international and national conferences. At BioBus, she shares her love of science with a new generation of scientists and spearheaded the creation of the first BioBase community lab, the BioBus internship program, and the organization's Harlem expansion.

Sasha Chait: Executive Development Officer. Ms. Chait built and leads the fundraising, government relations, and communications efforts at BioBus. Since joining the organization in 2015, annual operating revenue has quadrupled, thanks to many dedicated and new supporters. She earned a BA in International Development and Social Change with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship at Clark University. Prior to BioBus, she worked at NYU Langone Medical Center, fundraising for biomedical research, healthcare for underserved people, and medical education.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mobile science education sector is a niche yet impactful segment within the broader STEM education industry. Organizations like BioBus play a crucial role in providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, particularly in underserved communities. The demand for such programs is driven by the need to bridge educational gaps and foster interest in STEM fields among diverse student populations.

Competitor Analysis

Similar organizations operating in the mobile science education space include:

Science Museum of Minnesota: Offers outreach programs and mobile labs to bring science education to schools and communities.

The Tech Interactive: Provides hands-on STEM education through exhibits and mobile programs.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Engages students with interactive science experiences, including mobile lab initiatives.

New York Hall of Science: Offers educational programs and mobile labs to inspire interest in science and technology.

California Academy of Sciences: Provides outreach programs and mobile science labs to educate students across various regions.

These organizations share a common goal of making science education accessible and engaging, particularly for students in underserved areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BioBus has established significant collaborations to enhance its impact:

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC): In May 2023, NYCEDC announced a $700,000 investment over three years to expand BioBus's mobile STEM training throughout the Bronx, aiming to deliver STEM education and training to over 12,700 students in the region.

Marcus Partners and Ginkgo Bioworks: In June 2022, Marcus Partners and its partners raised $200,000 to help BioBus expand to the Boston area, supporting the organization's mission to bring hands-on science education to students in New England.

Academic Institutions: BioBus collaborates with institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, and Northeastern University to provide quality science programming and resources to students.

Operational Insights

BioBus's strategic focus on underserved communities and its mobile laboratory model provide distinct competitive advantages. By bringing science education directly to schools and community centers, BioBus effectively addresses barriers related to physical access and resource limitations. The organization's emphasis on diversity and inclusion further strengthens its position in the market, aligning with broader societal goals of equity in education.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, BioBus has several strategic opportunities:

Geographic Expansion: Building on successful expansions into the Bronx and New England, BioBus can explore further geographic growth to reach more underserved communities.

Program Diversification: Developing new programs that integrate emerging technologies and scientific fields can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Strengthening Partnerships: Deepening collaborations with academic institutions, corporations, and government entities can provide additional resources and support for BioBus's mission.