BioConnects New England (BCNE), a multi-state coalition that aims to connect hubs throughout New England to support existing and establish new biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations, announces that Mike Tavilla, the coalition’s regional economic competitiveness officer (RECO), has been named to the LynnLab Board of Directors.
In this role, Tavilla, along with other Board members, oversees the operations and strategic direction of LynnLab, a community biology lab and maker space in Lynn, Massachusetts. The Board ensures that LynnLab’s mission to make science accessible to all is upheld and that the organization continues to provide hands-on projects and opportunities for people of all ages.
LynnLab provides a learning space that offers real-world applications, as well as professional tools and guidance, for children, teens, and adults. LynnLab envisions a community of friends, neighbors, and professionals who share a passion for making Lynn “bio-ready” to attract new jobs to the area, young people exploring the world of life science, and independent scientists and researchers needing affordable access to high-end tools.
Currently LynnLab exists both virtually and at pop-up events in and around Lynn, while the organization searches for dedicated, accessible space with room for classes, individual projects, and group events.
Tavilla, who joined BCNE in March of 2023 with more than 15 years of professional experience in regional economic development and strategy, with prior roles in academia, management consulting, and the private and public sectors, is also director of Workforce Partnerships & Economic Development at the Northeastern College of Professional Studies.
“In the short time that Mike has been a member of our Board, he has already made a significant impact,” said Don Pinkerton, president and principal organizer of LynnLab. “We welcome his valuable input as we continue on our mission to make science accessible to all.”
“Joining the LynnLab Board of Directors is a tremendous privilege,” said Tavilla. “I look forward to working with this talented team to advance our mission and bring scientific opportunities to our communities.”
About BioConnects New England
BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition dedicated to creating a robust and inclusive biomanufacturing cluster in the regions of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. This coalition connects hubs throughout New England to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance.
Created through a Phase 1 Finalist grant through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge in 2021, BioConnects New England has grown to include nine coalition members – The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, The I-195 Design and Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce, The University of Rhode Island, and FocusMaine – and over 40 partners across the northeast.
For more information about BioConnects New England, please email team@bioconnectsne.com or visit https://bioconnectsne.
