About the BCSE

The Baxter Center for Science Education connects students and teachers to real-world scientific ideas and experiences. We provide professional development for teachers to implement authentic and innovative life science programs in their schools with a focus on hands-on, inquiry-based activities aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

This initiative is a collaborative partnership with Lindblom Math & Science Academy (LMSA), the Office of Community Education Partnerships (OCEP) at Northwestern University, and Baxter International Inc. The Center’s mission is to work with partners from the K-12 community, academia, and industry to empower teachers to engage their students in authentic science experiences adapted to their diverse learning environments. By developing programs based on real-world scientific challenges, we hope to inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for STEM disciplines that will inform students’ daily lives. Our vision is to foster tomorrow’s innovations by developing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The work of the Baxter Center for Science Education would be impossible without the help of our community including Baxter and Northwestern scientists, colleagues at the School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, student volunteers, school administrators, and especially our teachers.

Whether it is leading an activity at a workshop, developing exciting new curriculum for us to share, or volunteering to help out at an event, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that we do without the help of our friends. A lot of talented people come together to make sure that we can reach as many teachers and students as possible.

Our Advisory Board

  • Wayne Bevis, Lindblom Math & Science Academy
  • Mary Clark, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
  • Jori Fine, Baxter International Inc.
  • Nina Hike, Curie Metro High School
  • Nell Kemp, Lindblom Math & Science Academy
  • Angelique Lewis, Baxter International Inc.
  • Preston Lewis, Chicago Public Schools, Department of Science
  • Elizabeth Martinez, Illinois Math & Science Academy
  • Tom Martinez, Glenbard East High School
  • Joshua Paschedag, Chicago Public Schools, Department of STEM
  • Kristen Perkins, Northwestern University
  • Mark Prosise, Vernon Hills High School
  • Cheryl Watson, Saucedo Scholastic Academy
  • Melanie Zenisek, Arlington Heights School District

Corporate Partners

The Baxter Center for Science Education also works with a number of companies from both the educational and biotechnology sectors to be able to better help teachers in the Chicago-land area.