Principal leads innovative learning

As the principal at Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern, Gina Maffucci leads a campus where students are introduced to bioscience as early as pre-K.

After serving two years as the school’s assistant principal, Maffucci is stepping into her third year as principal, continuing the next chapter of learning at a school she has helped build.

“I was part of the founding team for the school. I helped establish the vision for the school, welcome new families and students, and shape what we wanted the campus to become,” she said.

At Biomedical Prep, students are prepared to become innovative global thinkers and future scientists. The school opened in August 2022 with pre-K and first grade. Since then, it added one grade level each year and is on track to eventually serve students through eighth grade.

As Maffucci prepares for the new school year, she is preparing to welcome the first class of fifth graders, another milestone in the school’s continued growth.

“I love every back-to-school season,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate how much our students have grown while building excitement for what’s ahead. Every year, as our school grows, we continue improving and expanding opportunities for our students.”

The vision for this unique school began with Charles Ginsburg, M.D., former vice provost and senior associate dean for education at UT Southwestern. Before retiring, Ginsburg imagined a partnership with the district that would give students from all backgrounds early exposure to biomedical sciences and inspire future careers in medicine.

“I was fortunate to be a part of the team that brought Dr. Gingsburg’s vision to life,” Maffucci said. “Through our instructional programs, students begin exploring science concepts and discovering what’s possible for their futures.”

With 13 years of experience as both a teacher and instructional coach, Maffucci draws on her background to support both student learning and teacher growth as Biomedical Prep continues expanding.

“We create real-life experiences that allow students to simulate what medical professionals do in real-world situations,” Maffucci said. “Doctors and scientists come to our campus to work directly with students through hands-on simulations and experiments, introducing them to their fields in ways that are engaging and age appropriate.”

Through these partnerships, students gain hands-on experience practicing CPR, learning to use EpiPens during allergy response simulations, exploring laparoscopic surgical tools, and using cervical collars to stabilize the neck and spine during emergency response scenarios.

Across the campus, teachers guide students in exploring concepts ranging from the body’s organ systems to the functions of the brain.

The immersive approach to learning has become central to the school’s identity, inspiring its motto: “Science starts here.”

Guided by the school’s six core values—curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, innovation, and leadership—Maffucci is preparing students to approach science with an understanding of its power to improve lives. She credits the school’s success to the educators who bring that vision to life each day.

“Our teachers are phenomenal,” Maffucci said. “They live our core values and work every day to instill those same values in our students. They are true partners in building the future of this school, and we share a collective vision with our teachers, staff and community.”