Angeline Academy Students Step Into Science With Support From Moffitt and Speros

Last week, 45 students from Angeline Academy of Innovation stepped into a new chapter of their academic journey by donning their first blue lab coats during the school’s inaugural coating ceremony for its Biodesign Pathway program.  

The event was made possible through a donation from Moffitt Cancer Center and Speros. It celebrated a milestone for students and a growing partnership between education, health care and innovation in the Pasco County community.  

“This donation is a dedication to the trailblazers of Angeline Academy’s Biodesign Pathway,” said Joanna Weiss, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Moffitt Cancer Center, whose office supported the donation. “We wanted to honor their commitment to innovation and learning, and we’re proud to support the next generation of health science leaders.” 

Each coat has the Moffitt Cancer Center logo, Angeline Academy logo, Biodesign Pathway emblem and the student’s name. Moffitt also provided an additional 31 coats for shared lab use to ensure every student has access to professional gear during hands-on learning. 

The donation and event were coordinated with the help of Angeline Academy educators Nichole Mathews and Chad Mallo and assistant principal Michelle Calidonio Topham. 

A Program That Launches Future Careers 

The Biodesign Pathway at Angeline Academy of Innovation serves as a launchpad for students seeking to become future innovators within the science fields. The program gives students the opportunity to participate in clinical and lab-based experiences that simulate real medical environments.  

Rooted in the Project Lead the Way biomedical curriculum, the program immerses students in formal courses such as the Principles of Biomedical Science that explore biology, forensics and disease outbreaks; Human Body Systems which covers anatomy, physiology and real-world medical case studies; and Medical Interventions that teaches students about diagnostics, treatment planning and prosthetic design.  

Students also gain hands-on experience with lab techniques such as gel electrophoresis, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, aseptic technique and blood typing, while also participating in HOSA competitions, STEM showcases and innovation challenges. Electives like AP biology, engineering and cybersecurity further broaden their skill set. 

A Parent’s Perspective 

For Nicole Ferreira, a Moffitt nurse practitioner, the ceremony was a moment of pride. Her son, Noah, joined Angeline Academy late in his high school career, which was a move that came with its own challenges. 

The Ferreira family celebrates Noah's completion of the Biodesign Pathway at Angeline Academy.

“We were worried he wouldn’t be able to finish the Biodesign Pathway because it starts earlier in the high school,” Ferreira explained. “But the school worked with us. Noah doubled up on classes to catch up, and once he started, he was all in.” 

Ferreira, who works in Moffitt’s infusion center, said the program transformed her son’s outlook on health care careers.

“Before, both of our kids were like, ‘We don’t want to do anything medical,’” she laughed. “But once Noah got into the Biodesign program and started taking anatomy, physiology and learning about medical interventions, he became so interested. It’s been such a blessing.”

Using his skillset learned through the Biodesign Pathway, Noah plans on pursuing a degree in biochemistry and dentistry after high school graduation.  

For Ferreira, seeing Moffitt support the program felt like a full-circle moment. “It was amazing to see Moffitt involved. These students are the future, and this partnership shows them what’s possible.”

Building a Pipeline for Tomorrow 

Speros, a 775-acre biotech campus rising alongside the Angeline community, sees students like Noah as future collaborators.  

“As neighbors, we’re proud to support their journey,” said Josh Carpenter, president of Speros. “The partnership between Angeline Academy, Speros and Moffitt is a shining example of how education and industry can come together to inspire the next generation. As the Speros campus continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge research, clinical practice and biotech development.” 

Anchored by Moffitt Cancer Center, Speros is designed to be a hub for biomedical research, clinical care and biotech and pharmaceutical development. Its mission is to accelerate breakthroughs in life sciences while fostering collaboration between industry, academia and the local community.  

For students at Angeline Academy, Speros represents a future career pipeline filled with opportunities for internships, mentorship and real-world experience. Angeline Academy will graduate its first senior class in May 2026, including five Biodesign Pathway students.  

“Our inaugural class of students are pioneers who have set the tone for future classes,” said Nichole Mathews, a biomedical science teacher at Angeline. “For our administration, faculty, staff, parents and supportive community members, the graduation of these students is filled with pride, reflection and anticipation. We are thrilled to celebrate our first class of curious, forward-thinking students. As they step into the world as future leaders in science and health care, they mark the beginning of a legacy that will inspire those to come.”