This summer internship program is dedicated to Mr. Thomas A. Bannon, a retired teacher who dedicated his life to his students by teaching them to learn from “out of classroom” experiences as well as by infusing advanced science concepts into early education curriculum. Mr. Bannon began teaching in the Ashland School System in September 1972 as a 4th grade teacher at the Warren School. In September of 1981, Mr. Bannon moved to the David Mindess Middle School, but continued to teach 4th grade. During his tenure, Mr. Bannon taught his students to think creatively and introduced various aspects of science into their core curriculum, including owl pellet dissection, bones, astronomy, workings of the heart and how things grow (both plants and people). Mr. Bannon was always eager to bring in experts from various fields such as United States Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), United States Army Soldier’s Systems Command, Mr. John Stasick (astronomy), Mrs. Leah Berthold (student height and weight measurements) and BioSurfaces, in order to provide his students a different, “hands-on” approach to science.  Mr. Bannon retired in 2008 after serving as a teacher for over 36 years.

This summer internship program, which began in 2008 and is currently funded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, is designed for college students who have at least completed their second year of college and are looking to gain laboratory research experience.  College students applying for this position must demonstrate the same passion for science and learning that Mr. Bannon has demonstrated throughout his career.  Students applying for this internship, which is 8-12 weeks in duration and includes a stipend, must be majoring in the physical or biological science, have a passion for learning and bring a strong work ethic.  If interested in applying, please submit a cover letter and CV to Mr. Matthew Phaneuf at biosurfaces@verizon.net.

2008 Recipient    

   – Michael Dion, Assumption College (Worcester, MA)

2009 Recipients   

   - Syed Ali, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA)

   - Paige Dupre, Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester, MA)

2010 Recipients

   - Samantha Brown, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA)  

   - Andrew Capulli, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA)

2011 Recipients

   – Katherine Larson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA)

   – Andrew Spiewak, University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)

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