Georgia Life Sciences Names Renee' Martin, Ph.D., Program Manager to Lead Flagship Educator Workforce Development Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


July 21, 2026 (ATLANTA, Ga) – Georgia Life Sciences (GLS) has named Renee' Martin, Ph.D. as Program Manager for its Teacher Training Initiative, one of the state's most established educator workforce development programs designed to prepare middle and high school teachers to introduce students to careers across Georgia's growing life sciences industry.

 

Now entering its eighth year, the initiative has trained 959 educators who have collectively reached nearly 300,000 students across Georgia. Approximately 70% of participating teachers serve Title I schools, helping expand access to high-quality life sciences education and career exploration in communities throughout the state.

 

In her new role, Martin will lead the Teacher Training Initiative, a longstanding partnership with the Georgia Department of Education that equips educators with industry knowledge, classroom resources, hands-on laboratory experiences, and connections to Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. She will also oversee the Georgia Life Sciences Equipment Depot, which provides donated laboratory equipment and educational resources to classrooms across the state.

 

"Preparing Georgia's future life sciences workforce begins by investing in our educators," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "Renee' brings an exceptional combination of classroom experience, educator leadership, and a deep understanding of Georgia's education system. Her experience supporting teachers across the state, combined with her passion for workforce development, makes her uniquely positioned to lead this important initiative as we continue expanding opportunities that connect educators, students, and Georgia's life sciences ecosystem."

 

A seasoned educator with a solid track record in agricultural and STEM education, Martin has taught and supported students and teachers across Georgia and most recently served with a Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), where she worked with educators to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes.

 

She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication from the University of Georgia, where her work focused on agricultural education, educator development, and workforce preparation.

 

Beyond her professional experience, Martin has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service through numerous roles with the University of Georgia Graduate Student Association, Designated Dawgs, the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE), and other community and professional organizations.

 

"I am honored to join Georgia Life Sciences and contribute to a program that is making a meaningful difference for educators and students across Georgia," said Martin. "Teachers play a vital role in helping students discover new opportunities and envision future careers. I look forward to working with educators and industry partners to strengthen those connections and inspire the next generation of Georgia's life sciences workforce."

 

Martin joins Georgia Life Sciences as the organization continues to expand its statewide workforce development efforts to meet the talent needs of Georgia's rapidly growing life sciences sector. Through educator training, industry partnerships, classroom resources, career awareness initiatives, and the Georgia Life Sciences Equipment Depot, the organization is helping build the skilled workforce that will power Georgia's future economy.

 

Additional information about the Georgia Life Sciences Teacher Training Initiative is available at www.galifesciences.org.

 

About Georgia Life Sciences

Georgia Life Sciences is the state's leading life sciences membership organization, representing biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, research, and life sciences service companies, along with academic institutions and ecosystem partners. Through advocacy, workforce development, and industry engagement, Georgia Life Sciences works to advance innovation, strengthen Georgia's life sciences economy, and develop the talent pipeline that powers the industry's future.

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