Ep 68: BioBus of the Future - The Work

We Love Science

Today we are speaking to Latasha Wright, co-founder and executive scientific officer of BioBus, a science non-profit with a mission to support all students in acheiving their scientific potential. A real life version of the magic school bus, BioBus started as an upcycled 1974 transit bus, filled with microscopes, that brings science to students throughout New York City. The immersive experience of BioBus not only introduces students to asking questions and experimentation, but also challenges the idea of what science is and who does science. The curriculum of BioBus has also now expanded beyond the interactive bus-based experimental set up to also include community labs and junior scientist internship programs that encourage students to solve problems in their community using science. In her everyday life as an executive scientific officer, Latasha considers herself the manager of all managers. Her work touches on developing strategy for the organization as they expand, looking at equitable engagement with the community, integrating programs with what is already taking place in the community, and program evaluation as well as constantly finding ways to better teach science to students. “We are here to add the salt on top of something that’s already delicious,” explains Latasha. One of the more challenging aspects of her job is fundraising, which is common when it comes to running a non-profit. Her goal is to always make sure there are enough resources to support the organization and its mission currently, and into the future. The aspect of community is very foundational to the success of BioBus; many students walk away from their experiences with BioBus with a sense of belonging in a newfound accepting, scientific community. Latasha recommends that anyone who wants to start their own science non-profit should not go it alone–you need at least two kinds of people: a dreamer and a do-er. Check out the latest episode!

Tune into this episode to hear about Latasha’s work and:

• How BioBus adapts its programming to the interests of the community
• What she learned as a graduate student starting a non-profit
• Why she does not recommend starting a non-profit alone

Reach out to Latasha:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-wright-95bb7a16/

Book a BioBus visit: https://www.biobus.org/programs

Check out Latasha's show on March 18th: Story Collider presents Stories of Brain and Beyond: https://www.storycollider.org/tickets/2025/mount-sinai-brain-beyond

If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:

• Ep 48: Advocating for Science and Research - The Work
• Ep 42: Science CEO Level Unlocked - The Work

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Chapters

1. Ep 68: BioBus of the Future - The Work (00:00:00)

2. Food Science (00:03:09)

3. Guest Introduction (00:08:45)

4. what is BioBus and your mission? (00:09:13)

5. How do you accomplish your mission through your programs? (00:12:16)

6. How does your internship program work? (00:13:59)

7. What does your role entail? (00:16:30)

8. What do you love most about what you do? (00:19:30)

9. What do you find most challenging about running a non-profit? (00:21:18)

10. Transferable skills from grad school important for running a non-profit (00:23:11)

11. What feedback has BioBus received? (00:24:35)

12. How the community can contribute to BioBus (00:26:43)

13. Advice for anyone interested in starting a non-profit (00:27:33)

14. Hosts on the Hot Seat game (00:28:53)

15. How to reach Latasha (00:31:24)