When I first ran for public office, it was because I believed I could make a difference in our community. I believed that I was fortunate to have earned degrees in Economics and Law, and wanted to use what I learned to put Cape Ann first and change peoples lives for the better.

It was with this in mind that I was an early supporter of the idea of bringing the life sciences to Cape Ann as an opportunity for good paying jobs for Cape Ann residents, as well as to utilize biotechnology and genomics to bring better science to support our fishing industry. From those first meetings around Joe Rosa’s table, the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute was born.

Over the past decade, with significant state support secured by myself and Senator Bruce Tarr, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute has lived up to its promise, establishing a world-class marine biotechnology research institute, creating a vibrant science learning environment in Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, and encouraging the development of a science community in and around Gloucester by hosting conferences and forging collaborative partnerships.

Last week, I was honored to accept the Joseph J. Rosa Award from the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute at the graduation of the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Class of 2024. This award touched me profoundly as I heard that the graduating class was the 10th class of students that would go on with the skills to be lab technicians and have careers in an industry that would provide them with economic opportunity and the ability to earn a living wage – hundreds of students from Cape Ann that have good paying jobs without to college.

The students who have graduated from the academy – with diverse educational backgrounds ranging from GEDs to bachelor’s degrees – have gone on to work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Moderna, Takeda, and Cell Signaling Technologies, as well as with GMGI itself. 80 percent of students enrolled have graduated and 90 percent of graduates were employed after graduation or enrolled in college to study science. The Academy has established agreements with Salem State University, North Shore Community College, and Northeastern University to award credits to graduates who are accepted into these institutions to pursue a degree in science.

Results like these are why I do this work. It has been extremely gratifying to see the Institute grow and change lives. I am extremely proud of every ounce of effort that I have put in the academy on your behalf.