Health & Science Programs for High School Students

John Chenier (he/his series) currently serves as the Recruitment Outreach Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Climate at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. For the past 20+ years, John has worked in post-secondary and graduate admissions, as a high school teacher, and as an athletic and career coach at a variety of institutions. He holds a B.A. from Fairfield University and Masters in Education at Cambridge College with a focus on interdisciplinary studies.

Dr. Berri Jacque is an Associate Professor of Medical Education and teaches immunology in a number of professional programs (medical, dental, PA, and MBA) at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). He directs The Center for Science Education at TUSM which aims to bring biomedical learning to high school classrooms, with the goal of broadening participation in science. Using a collaborative approach with high-school educators, his research focuses on understanding approaches that build interest in science and increase health literacy to prepare a diverse, engaged STEM workforce.

Dr. Tony Gao has a background in biomedical engineering, specializing in cardiovascular biomechanics. Prior to joining the Mini Med School team, he was part of the TUSM Center for Science Education, where his postdoctoral work focused on the development of online graduate courses for high school biology educators. Dr. Gao is interested in the potential of educational gaming and other interactive media as equitable tools to improve engagement with topics such as health literacy and science communication, both within and outside the classroom.

Dr. Liz Genné-Bacon is Associate Director of the TUSM Center for Science Education. Prior to joining Mini Med School, she worked with pd|hub, a multi-institution, NIH-funded effort to enhance professional development for trainees in STEMM. Dr. Genné-Bacon completed her postdoctoral training at the Center for Science Education at Tufts University School of Medicine, where her work focused on neuroscience curriculum development and strategies to help college instructors implement course-based research techniques. Dr. Genné-Bacon is particularly interested in investigating methods for expanding access to educational innovations for more student populations and broadening participation in science. Her biology research background is in molecular neuroscience and genetics. 

Dr. Revati Masilamani is an Assistant Professor of Medical Education and teaches immunology in the professional programs at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). At the Center for Science Education (CSE) at TUSM, she also directs Teaching the Great Diseases, a graduate program for science teachers. This program aims to bring cutting edge biomedical science and health literacy into high school classrooms by preparing teachers to teach complex biological topics using real world approaches. Her research focuses on models to strengthen engagement with science and health awareness in adolescent populations through inclusive, equitable teaching practices.