(Throughout Black History Month, we’re lifting up Black leaders in the life sciences and those who have made a difference in the lives of countless BTI students.)

Wayne Butscher, Ph.D., is a familiar face at BTI, where he is program director of the BioSTART to Laboratory Associates Program. He’s been with the organization for almost 21 years!

Dr.  Butscher came to BTI after working in technical sales in the biotech field. He was drawn to BTI because he has “always enjoyed helping others,” citing his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa, from 1979 to 1981.

At BTI, Dr. Butscher directs the BioSTART and Laboratory Associates Programs, which involves delivery and modification of curricula, with the assistance of BTI’s scientific director, and planning, scheduling and inviting guest lecturers.  Dr. Butscher is also always working on recruitment of the next cohort. He works closely with employers and recruiters to place BTI graduates into positions or internships. 

“I enjoy connecting with our trainees and seeing the figurative light bulb illuminate as they gain knowledge and confidence in this new arena for them,” he says. “I enjoy positively impacting the lives and the trajectory of students who have not had many advantages, and being there for trauma-affected people and their families.”

Dr. Butscher makes sure he stays in close touch with graduates who have successfully begun their careers but might need additional support such as refreshing their knowledge in various areas or helping them land a new position should their current position be of short duration (such as temporary positions).

Speaking of inspirations in his life, Dr. Butscher says, “While I strongly believe in affirmative action as a means of righting imbalances in education and exposure to trauma, I also think that it is a challenge to show that not all of us needed this balancer. My mother and grandmother instilled in us the importance of a good education and toiled long and hard to make sure that we received a great education. My mother was a medical technology worker and a fan of biomedical science which inspired me.” 

What does Dr. Butscher do in his spare time? “I am kind of a gadget fan whether the gadget is small like a smartphone or large like the electric vehicle that I own and am obsessed with.” He adds, ” I probably am a math science geek who enjoys physical fitness, gadgets  and learning foreign languages.

Of his work at BTI, Dr. Butscher says he especially values being on a team with wonderful, dedicated and caring colleagues who share the thrill of helping others.

Though Dr. Butscher says he “doesn’t really feel special.,” we beg to disagree!