We are thrilled to welcome Alia Qatarneh to Life Science Cares as our new Strategic Advisor to the CEO. Alia joins us as part of her Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) residency at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a 10-month, field-based leadership experience designed to bridge education, policy, and systems-level change.

Alia brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of science education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Director of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) Program of Massachusetts at Harvard University, where she led one of the most active and inclusive teacher communities in the global ABE network. Under her leadership, the Massachusetts site expanded access to hands-on biotechnology education for over 50,000 high school students across New England. She increased student reach by 42%, teacher participation by 67%, and grew the program’s funding by more than 25% by forging partnerships across the life sciences, education, and policy sectors. 

Alia’s work has been nationally recognized with honors including the Russell P. Stanhope Distinguished Friend of Science Award and the Harvard Extension Alumni Association Emerging Leaders Award. A passionate advocate for equity and representation in STEM, she is deeply committed to creating learning experiences where all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can see themselves reflected in the future of science.

At Life Science Cares, Alia will work alongside CEO Sarah MacDonald and the national leadership team during a pivotal time of organizational growth. Her residency will focus on advancing internal alignment, strengthening cross-site collaboration, and elevating LSC’s storytelling and impact strategy, all while completing a capstone portfolio that reflects her leadership in action.

A proud East Boston native and first-generation Arab-Italian, Alia also serves as a LeadHER with TrailblazHERs Run Co., a Boston-based running crew that centers sisterhood, empowerment, and belonging.