HWS News
8 January 2026 • Alums • STEM HWS Students Explore STEM Careers Across Boston
Students visit Boston-area organizations, connect with alumni and explore careers in science, technology and healthcare.
Hobart and William Smith students will explore Boston for a full day of connection and career insight during the HWS STEM Career Trek on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The immersive experience is designed to help students envision the many pathways open to them in science, technology, engineering and health-related fields.
From world-class research hospitals to innovative technology and sustainability companies, students will meet with alumni and professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare, biotech, clean energy and data-driven business.
“This Trek is about helping students connect what they’re learning at HWS with the impact they want to have in the world,” says Assistant Vice President for Career Services Brandi Ferrara. “By stepping into these organizations and hearing directly from our alumni, students gain clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of direction.”
The day will begin at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where students will be welcomed into the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s leading oncology research and treatment centers. The visit is coordinated by Director of Strategic Content at Dana-Farber Brittany Flaherty ’10, who will share insight into how interdisciplinary STEM teams collaborate to bring research from the lab to patient care.
Students then will travel to HubSpot in Cambridge, hosted by Sales Director for Inbound Sales Jean Baptiste ’14. There, students will learn how data science, analytics, product development and engineering intersect within the fast-paced world of technology and digital business.
In the afternoon, students will attend a STEM Alumni Career Panel, where HWS graduates will discuss their career journeys, transitions and lessons learned since leaving campus.
Panelists include:
- Contracts Specialist for the Clinical Trials Office Audreyanna Camacho ’23, MSM ’24, Massachusetts General Brigham.
- Senior Director and Head of Health Economics and Outcomes Research Michael Doane ’11, Ph.D., Alkermes.
- Clinical Trial Associate Talia Fountain ’22, Compass Therapeutics, Inc.
- Executive Director Nick Honig ’15, Highlander Health.
- Senior Consultant Julia Keogh ’21, Sustainserv.
- Former Director of Engineering and Technology Bill Simons ’99, Harvard Catalyst at Harvard Medical School.
The day will conclude at Triumvirate Environmental in Somerville, coordinated through Sustainable Solutions Specialist Liam Ford ’19. Students will hear how science, regulation and business combine in environmental services and sustainability and how STEM graduates are playing a growing role in addressing climate and waste challenges.
Top: While leading a tour for students on a 2025 career trek in Boston, Marketing Coordinator Kathleen Gearan ’21 speaks about her time working at Suffolk Construction.
