Abbott Laboratories Sparks STEM Interest at Westfield High School
Writer / Natalie Gargiulo
Photography Provided
In fostering community engagement and inspiring the next generation of innovators, Abbott Laboratories, manufacturer of the MitraClip device, recently visited Westfield High School, bringing their impactful STEM outreach program, One Heart, Many Beats.
This initiative not only sheds light on the groundbreaking work being done at Abbott, but also highlights the diverse career opportunities available in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to Westfield students.
“One of the things we want to do as we look to be good members of our community is interact with the youth,” says Abbott Senior Manager of Business Excellence Nolan Barr. “We want the youth to know Abbott is located within the Westfield community and that there are tremendous opportunities here.”
Abbott made headlines in 2020 with the groundbreaking of its facility in Westfield, the newest site for the company. Since then, Abbott has been dedicated to not only driving innovation in health care, but also becoming an integral part of the local community.
With over 275 employees already on-site and plans to expand to over 650 by 2029, Abbott is not just bringing cutting-edge medical technologies to Westfield, but also providing significant employment opportunities for local residents.
The focus of Abbott’s visit to Westfield High School with their One Heart, Many Beats program was to engage young minds and educate them about the transformative work being done in the field of structural heart therapies.
“It’s exciting to know that one of the leading companies in the world in this field has put a brand-new facility right here in Westfield,” Barr says. “Abbott Labs offers the opportunity for students to grow their entire career five miles up the road from their high school and still have access to a global company without ever leaving.”
One of the key innovations highlighted during the presentations was the MitraClip device, a transcatheter therapy that revolutionizes the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
During the sessions, Abbott provided students with insights into the development and manufacturing processes behind the device, as well as other products in Abbott’s structural heart portfolio.
By showcasing real-world applications of STEM principles, the presentations not only captured the students’ interest, but also sparked their curiosity about potential career paths in health care and manufacturing.
“By spending time in the classroom, we’re able to let students know how they can get involved in these types of careers,” Barr says. “When students aren’t aware that these careers exist, it makes it difficult for them to realize that they can be involved in them. If they can’t imagine it, they can’t pursue that future.”
By collaborating with schools and community organizations, companies like Abbott can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, empowering them to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
“When I was a student I can remember wanting to be an engineer, but not necessarily knowing what that means,” Barr says. “Anytime a student has an opportunity to get a different perspective from someone who works in our industry, it opens up potential opportunities to students.”
As Abbott continues to grow and innovate, their commitment to community engagement remains steadfast.
Through their program, they are shaping the future of health care, and investing in the future innovators of Westfield and beyond. With continued collaboration and dedication, the possibilities for positive change are limitless.
For more on Abbott, visit abbott.com.
