Non-Academic Careers Panel Discussion

Interested in pursuing a career outside of academia? _This year we will have 9 panelists spanning a range careers in government agencies(USDA, NIH), industry (Pillsbury, Sanofi Pasteur), health care (UMass Medical Center), science education and international development._ Brief bios of our panelists are provided below ._ This is a great opportunity to learn first hand about non-academic career paths and the steps you can take now if you hope to pursue these jobs in the future. _ Our panelists are generously donating their weekend for this panel and an associated undergraduate mentoring program._ We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. _ If you are interested in attending, please complete the survey here._ _ Our Panelists: _ Shawn Gallagher After receiving a BS in Biology from Penn State, I worked as a medical technician in an ophthalmology clinic before going to graduate school for Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Delaware. I am currently a psychology professor at Millersville University and conduct research on the perceptual consequences of eye disease. For more information, visit here:_ Nate Hafer I currently serve as Director of Operations for the University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UMCCTS)._ The goal of our center is to accelerate clinical and translational research in order to improve the health of patients and communities._ I coordinate overall activities and assist in the implementation of sponsored programs associated with the UMCCTS._ In this role I serve as the UMCCTS Research Navigator, acting as a contact person to extramural resources (biopharmaceutical industry, NIH, etc.), communicating resources to researchers, aiding in the development of projects, and maintaining a working knowledge of all UMCCTS services, programs, operations, and personnel.__ After Penn State I went on to get a PhD in molecular biology, then went on to roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Academy of Sciences in science policy/research administration._ More info is available at my Linkedin page. _ Cathy Vrentas I am an assistant professor of biology at Frostburg State University, a masters level public university with a teaching focus. I also have experience working in microbiology research for the federal government (USDA and NIH) and as a science communicator and educator for the University of Wisconsin-Extension. _ Joe Flasher I have worked on model rockets and space shuttles, board games and video games, Nickelodeon events and Nigerian elections. Im currently working as a software developer focused on trying to make data and tools more accessible to others around the world. _ Jim Giranda He received his BS in Microbiology and his MS in Environmental Health. He is currently director of International Flavors and Fragrances where he is responsible for product safety and quality systems, microbiological control systems and environmental sampling. Previously he worked in quality and food safety. _ Josh Yoder As a medical science liaison, I focus on medical education and routinely interact with global leaders in my field. I took on this role after spending over 15 years in academic research focusing on viruses and over a year in a biotech startup working on insulin. Rohit Moghe Pharmacist & Educator in acute & ambulatory care and public health. Caring for the Elderly. Diabetes Educator. Patient Advocate Christa Hasenkopf Dr. Christa Hasenkopf is an atmospheric scientist, passionate about the power of open air quality data to enable previously impossible science, influence policy and empower the public. She is Co-Founder of OpenAQ, the first open-source, global, open air quality data hub, as well as the Chief Air Pollution Advisor to the Medical Director at the U.S. Department of State. She is not an employee, nor representative of the U.S. Government. Heather Erdman Heather has worked for biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, large and small, including roles in R&D, Sales and Marketing, Clinical Research, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Operations. She is now employed by the FDA managing regulatory review activities, supporting drug, biologic and medical device products and submissions.