Joseph Maggiore, a Manalapan native, began exploring his interest in science and medicine as a student at Biotechnology High School (BTHS), part of Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). Through hands-on learning and exposure to advanced scientific concepts, he developed an early interest in research, problem-solving and innovation. Although he is currently enrolled in an MD-PhD program where he is engaged in medical research, he makes time to run a small business he launched to support music education.
A 2015 graduate of the district, Maggiore said Biotechnology High School not only gave him a strong foundation in the sciences but also challenged him to explore how he could apply what he was learning. This helped him build confidence, leadership skills and a strong desire to continue learning.
“Education at MCVSD absolutely prepared me for success. Being exposed so early to topics like developmental biology and bioengineering was such a unique opportunity, but above all else, it was the environment that BTHS created that truly shaped me,” Maggiore explained. “The teachers at BTHS placed a huge emphasis not just on academic content, but on life experience as well, and they played an incredibly vital role in my career development.”
After graduating from high school, Maggiore continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied bioengineering. He then enrolled in the MD-PhD program at the University of Pittsburgh. He recently completed the PhD portion of his training, which involved studying kidney disease using lab-grown tissue models. He is currently completing the medical degree portion of the program.
Maggiore said many of his science, engineering and technology courses over the years, starting with those at BTHS, prepared him to think and act like an innovator. While pursuing his advanced degrees, he founded Conduction, a company that creates technology to help musicians and DJs work together and support music education in schools. The company has grown from an idea into a small business and enables Maggiore to remain connected and contribute to a second passion of his: music.
Maggiore’s story demonstrates how career and technical education is effective in helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. He took the knowledge and the professional skills he acquired and has set out to apply them to make a difference.
