I’ve learned how integral science is to our everyday lives and how crucial it is to share this message with the public. It’s not enough to research science, you must also do something with it that makes a difference for the greater good.
I am the Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations at Celmatix and my day typically involves lots of meetings to ensure that the business, scientific, and operational activities are all in sync with each other. Celmatix is a next-generation women’s health company transforming the way women and their physicians leverage genomics and data to make more informed, proactive reproductive health decisions. It’s exciting that Celmatix, founded by fellow WCGS alumna, Piraye Yurttas Beim, PhD ’07, is part of the booming burgeoning biotech industry in NYC. My role has changed as the company has grown. As a member of the leadership team, I focus on taking a broad look at how the company is evolving and our capacity to meet these strategic goals.
WCGS provided me with an amazing scientific foundation, both in the core classes and through my work in the lab. It taught me how to approach a scientific problem by boiling it down to its core components and focusing on confronting the specific issue at hand.
I’m in touch with many of my classmates, including Drew Thacker, PhD ’11 who I shared a bench with for many years. We are even godfathers of each other’s daughters.
Be open to many different paths, both academic and/or non-academic. And don’t be afraid to make a change. Lots of doors will remain open to you, especially as you become a fully trained scientist.
