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The Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to enhance access to interdisciplinary research opportunities at UMass Amherst and increase company visibility for recruiting students. The agreement is under the umbrella of the iCons Industry Consortium, a 12-year-old collaboration between organizations and UMass Amherst that brings top-notch talent to consortium members.

Thermo Fisher intends to bring UMass Amherst STEM interns to their growing Franklin, Mass., location.

“Thermo Fisher Scientific is excited to join the iCons Industry Consortium at UMass, where we can participate in inspiring a diverse generation of innovators with the attitudes and skills needed to make the world safer, cleaner and healthier,” says John Puglia, senior director of research and development in the single use division of the bioproduction group at Thermo Fisher.

The iCons Program at UMass Amherst provides undergraduates in STEM, business, and policy with an interdisciplinary education that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking. Students in the program work on real-world challenges with faculty members from various STEM, policy, and business disciplines.

To date, iCons has worked with Thermo Fisher scientists and UMass Amherst researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering to develop advanced simulations of fluid flow through bioreactors used to make biologic drugs. Future interdisciplinary projects are envisioned to enhance the sustainability of Thermo Fisher products and processes.

“The iCons Industry Consortium is thrilled to welcome Thermo Fisher Scientific as an important collaborator,” says Scott Auerbach, founder and Mahoney Family Sponsored Executive Director of the iCons Program. “It seems natural for Thermo Fisher – one of the largest publicly-held science companies in Massachusetts – to exchange ideas and students with UMass Amherst, the largest public university in New England.”

More information about the iCons program can be found at icons.cns.umass.edu.