HWS News
30 January 2026 • Alums • STEM HWS Students Explore STEM Careers Across Boston
Students visited Boston-area organizations, connected with alumni and explored careers in science, technology and healthcare.
Hobart and William Smith students explored Boston for a full day of connection and career insight during the HWS STEM Career Trek on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The immersive experience was designed to help students envision the many pathways open to them in science, technology, engineering and health-related fields.
Ranging from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to Mass General and from HubSpot to Triumvirate Environmental, students met with alumni and professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare, biotech, clean energy and data-driven business.
“This Trek was 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 gained clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of direction.”
Along with Ferrara, the trip was led by Associate Director of STEM Career Coaching Jessica Townley and Associate Director STEM Employer Development and Engagement Jeremy Elliott-Engel.
"Visiting a range of companies and speaking with alumni across different STEM fields gave me a clearer understanding of the many career paths available and how different academic backgrounds can lead to different types of meaningful work," says Efehan Huyuk '28, an undeclared major. "Hearing them share their personal journeys made those possibilities feel more tangible and attainable for me."
The day began at Dana-Farber, where students were 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 was coordinated by Director of Strategic Content Brittany Flaherty ’10, who shared insight into how interdisciplinary STEM teams collaborate to bring research from the lab to patient care.
Students then traveled to HubSpot in Cambridge, hosted by Sales Director for Inbound Sales Jean Baptiste ’14. There, students learned how data science, analytics, product development and engineering intersect within the fast-paced world of technology and digital business.
In the afternoon, students attended a STEM Alumni Career Panel, where HWS graduates discussed their career journeys, transitions and lessons learned since leaving campus.
Panelists included:
- 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.
- Former Director of Engineering and Technology Bill Simons ’99, Harvard Catalyst at Harvard Medical School.
The trek helped Lily Winch ’28 gain a current view of careers in healthcare and STEM.
"I’ve known for a while now that I wanted to go to school post-graduation to become a physician's assistant and it was important to me that I understand the world I’d be stepping into," says Winch, a biology and public health studies double major.
The day concluded at Triumvirate Environmental in Somerville, coordinated through Sustainable Solutions Specialist Liam Ford ’19. Students heard 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. Ford was joined by Lab Services Manager Claire Costello '19 and Account Manager of Life Sciences Augustus "Gus" Pierce '16.
Top: Students chat with Sales Director-Inbound Sales at HubSpot Jean Baptiste '14 during the HWS STEM Career Trek.
