Bowie State BioBuzz Fall Student Ambassador

Experiential Internship (Unpaid Fall Internship)

Program Duration: 12 Weeks (August 31st, 2026 - November 13th, 2026)

Time Commitment: 8 to 10 hours per week

Location: Hybrid. Activities include campus-based engagement, virtual collaboration, and required participation in BioBuzz events and ecosystem activities across the BioHealth Capital Region

Compensation: Unpaid experiential learning opportunity focused on leadership development, professional exposure, and network building.

Program Overview

The BioBuzz BioCatalyst Student Ambassador Program is a leadership and experiential learning program designed to expand awareness of life sciences careers and pathways at the campus level.

The Student Ambassador role is intentionally designed as a peer-driven, low-pressure engagement model that focuses on awareness, inclusion, and accessibility within the life sciences ecosystem. Ambassadors serve as connectors and translators, helping students understand that careers in life sciences extend beyond traditional laboratory roles and exist across a wide range of functional areas, including business, communications, marketing, finance, data, policy, and operations.

Ambassadors play a critical role in shaping how students perceive and engage with the life sciences industry. By using student-centered language and informal engagement approaches, Ambassadors help reduce barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create approachable entry points into the ecosystem.

As members of the inaugural BioCatalyst cohort, Student Ambassadors will play a foundational role in helping build, refine, and strengthen this program. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to provide direct input into program development and participate in the selection and onboarding of future Student Ambassador cohorts.

The Student Ambassador role directly supports BioBuzz BioCatalyst's mission to build a more inclusive, informed, and accessible life sciences workforce pipeline by meeting students where they are and creating pathways for exploration and connection.

Program Objectives

The BioCatalyst Student Ambassador Program is designed to:

• Expand awareness of life sciences careers across diverse student populations and academic backgrounds
• Reinforce that the life sciences ecosystem includes a broad range of roles beyond traditional scientific positions
• Reduce perceived barriers, intimidation, and exclusivity associated with entering the life sciences industry
• Create accessible, peer-led opportunities for students to explore career pathways
• Build trust between students and the life sciences ecosystem through authentic, relatable engagement
• Generate insight into student perspectives, interests, and challenges to inform BioBuzz programming

Ambassador Responsibilities

Student Ambassadors will contribute to BioBuzz BioCatalyst initiatives through several key areas of engagement:

• Campus Awareness & Peer Engagement
• Small-Scale Campus Activation
• Event Participation & Ecosystem Engagement
• Insight Sharing & Feedback

Student Ambassadors will serve as visible, approachable representatives of the life sciences ecosystem within their campus communities. This includes engaging in informal, peer-to-peer conversations, sharing resources, and introducing students to life sciences opportunities in a way that feels accessible and relevant. Ambassadors will focus on reframing life sciences as an inclusive and multidisciplinary field, helping students connect their own interests and skills to potential career pathways.

Student Ambassadors will also contribute to content creation efforts, including developing and sharing social media content that highlights life sciences careers, BioBuzz initiatives, and relevant ecosystem opportunities in a way that resonates with student audiences. This includes creating content that supports workforce readiness, such as resume development guidance, LinkedIn optimization tips, interview preparation, and professional presence, including how to navigate expectations such as dress and communication in professional settings.

Ambassadors will also help develop and communicate strategic, student-friendly roadmaps into the workforce, supporting both life sciences and non-life sciences backgrounds in understanding how to navigate and enter the industry

Student Ambassadors will facilitate low-lift, informal campus engagements designed to spark curiosity and conversation around life sciences careers. These engagements may include small group discussions, coffee chats, study-break conversations, panel discussions with industry leaders, or informal information sessions.

These activities are intentionally designed to be small in scale, flexible in format, and focused on exploration rather than recruitment. Ambassadors will create environments where students feel comfortable asking questions, expressing uncertainty, and exploring new ideas without pressure or expectation.

Student Ambassadors are expected to actively participate in BioBuzz events, panels, and ecosystem programming. In these settings, Ambassadors will serve as peer representatives, on-the-ground connectors, and hosts who help create a welcoming and engaging environment for students and attendees.

Ambassadors will also support promotion and awareness of events and initiatives across their campus communities and networks.

Student Ambassadors will provide high-level, qualitative insight into student perspectives, including interests, questions, and areas of confusion related to life sciences careers. This feedback helps ensure that BioBuzz BioCatalyst programming remains aligned with real student experiences and needs.

Ambassadors will contribute to a feedback loop that informs how opportunities are communicated, how programs are structured, and how the ecosystem continues to evolve to better support emerging talent.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student
• Strong interest in professional development, career exploration, or life sciences awareness
• Comfortable engaging with peers in informal and conversational settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative in a flexible environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, or related industries
• Involvement in campus organizations, leadership roles, or student engagement activities
• Interest in communications, storytelling, or social media content creation
• Ability to connect with diverse student populations across different majors and backgrounds
• Curiosity about career pathways and workforce development

Core Competencies

• Ability to build trust and connect with peers authentically
• Curiosity and openness to exploring new career pathways
• Adaptability and comfort in unstructured environments
• Awareness of diverse perspectives and commitment to inclusion
• Proactive and self-directed engagement style

Professional Development Opportunities

Through this fellowship, participants will gain:

• Leadership Experience
• Development of peer leadership and campus engagement skills
• Industry Exposure
• Direct participation in BioBuzz events and engagement with life sciences professionals
• Networking Opportunities
• Connections with peers, professionals, and organizations across the ecosystem
• Career Exploration
• Exposure to a wide range of life sciences career pathways beyond traditional roles
• Professional Growth
• Experience navigating ambiguity, building relationships, and communicating across diverse audiences
• Recognition
• Upon successful completion of the program, Student Ambassadors will receive a custom BioBuzz BioCatalyst graduation stole in recognition of their contributions and participation

About BioBuzz

BioBuzz is a leading life sciences media and workforce development platform dedicated to amplifying the companies, innovation, and talent shaping the BioHealth Capital Region and beyond.

Through storytelling, community engagement, and strategic workforce initiatives, BioBuzz connects students, professionals, and organizations while strengthening the regional biotechnology ecosystem.