Professional Development Events
Upcoming Events for 2013
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Title: Diverse Careers in Science: A Boston University Alumni Panel Discussion
Speakers: Beth M. Hovey, Ph.D., Jesse Lugus, Ph.D., Dorothy Pazin, Ph.D., Gregg Strohmeier, Ph.D., MBA
Moderator: Lauren Celano, MBA
Open to: Ph.D. Students and Postdocs
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Location: Bakst Auditorium, BU School of Medicine, Instructional Bldg., 72 East Concord Street
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 P.M.
Description: Join in the Boston University alumni panel discussion and learn about the many diverse career paths of a BU Ph.D. Alumni in the biological sciences.
Speakers' Bios:
Beth M. Hovey, Ph.D. Analyst, Decision Resources (Market Research)
Not wanting a traditional academic science track, Beth has tried several 'alternative' careers including working for: a startup biotech company; a small, innovative publishing house; and now a healthcare/pharma industry market analysis company. Beth received her bachelors’ degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) from the University of Colorado. Immediately following undergrad, she worked at the bench in a startup biotech, Dharmacon. After several years in industry, Beth went back to graduate school, finishing a PhD at BU in Molecular Medicine (PI: David Seldin). Shortly thereafter, Beth joined JoVE, the Journal of Visualized Experiments, as a science editor, ultimately moving her way up to running the editorial department of 25 editors and assistants. Recently, Beth has transitioned to a position as a market analyst, where she provides commercially focused strategic analysis of the pharmaceutical industry, including company, drug and therapy area competitive intelligence and forecasts. In addition, Beth volunteers on the board of a local science organization, MASS AWIS.
Jesse Lugus, Ph.D. Research Investigator, Novartis
Jesse Lugus is a Research Investigator with the Developmental and Molecular Pathways (DMP) platform at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research in Cambridge, MA. He leads a small group in discovery efforts for targets and therapeutic nodes in signaling cascades that control tissue regeneration. His goal is to identify signaling pathways that control adult stem and progenitor cell populations to protect, repair, and reprogram tissues damaged by disease or at risk for becoming damaged. Jesse was a postdoctoral fellow with Kenneth Walsh in the Whitaker Cardiovascular Research Institute, examining broad phenomena including myokines, inflammation, and mitochondrial dynamics in the vascular endothelium. Jesse has a BA in Biology from Wisconsin where he performed research with Rick Moss and Gary Lyons. His Ph.D. is in molecular cell biology from Washington University School of Medicine where he was a Lucille P Markey Fellow in Human Pathobiology and was funded through an AHA predoctoral training grant.
Dorothy Pazin, Ph.D.
Director, Predoctoral Research Program, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Pazin graduated from BU with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics in 2009. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship in developmental biology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), Dorothy decided to transition her career away from the bench and into teaching and administration. She has spent the past year coordinating a research program for dental students at HSDM, helping them identify mentors and resources for completing their research projects. In addition, Dorothy served as a Teaching Fellow at Stonehill College where she taught Genetics and various laboratory courses to undergraduate students.
Gregg Strohmeier, Ph.D., MBA
Senior Scientist, Synageve BioPharma Corp.
Dr. Strohmeier is a formulation scientist with over ten years of experience in industry. After earning his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Boston University, he completed two post-docs, one at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School and the second in the Pulmonary Center of Boston University. While is his second post-doc he earned an MBA at Boston University. After teaching freshman science for one year in the College of General Studies, he accepted a position as Staff Scientist in Formulations at Formatech Inc. During his 5 years at Formatech, he and his direct reports developed formulations and processes for over 20 injectable protein drug molecules. Dr. Strohmeier then joined Stryker Biotech, and developed formulations and manufacturing processes for bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-7 for the treatment of bone fusion, and osteoarthritis. Recently, Dr. Strohmeier joined Synageve BioPharma as a Senior Scientist, Formulations working to develop orphan drugs for commercialization.
Moderator's Bio:
Lauren Celano, MBA
Founder and CEO, Propel Careers
Lauren Celano is the Founder and CEO of Propel Careers, a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with entrepreneurial innovative life sciences companies. Lauren is very passionate about working with individuals with strong scientific backgrounds to find exciting growth opportunities in the life sciences industry. Through Propel, she builds relationships and provides guidance on how individuals can position themselves for their next opportunity. She also actively places individuals into positions with exciting life sciences companies Prior to Propel Careers, Lauren was a senior account manager for SNBL USA where she worked with emerging biotech companies in Europe, Asia, and the US to help characterize and advance their drug molecules. Prior to SNBL USA, she held business development positions with Aptuit and Quintiles and worked with Absorption Systems as a marketing manager and account manager. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College and an MBA with a focus in the health sector and entrepreneurship from Boston University. To learn more about Propel Careers, see link: www.propelcareers.com.
Additional Information: (Reception to follow in room L-109A/B)
RSVP: Yolanta Kovalko
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Speaker: Lauren Celano, MBA
Open to: Ph.D. Students and Postdocs
Date: Monday, June 24, 2013
Location: Room L-110, BU School of Medicine, Instructional Bldg., 72 East Concord Street
Time: 4:00 – 5:20 P.M.
Description: Does your resume need a makeover or are you wondering how to turn an academic CV into an industry-focused resume? Are you looking for advice on writing a cover letter and what companies look for in these? Are you looking to learn how to highlight experiences for different roles (i.e. research, business development, marketing, clinical research) and what companies look for in each type of role. This seminar will cover resume and cover letter tips and advice so that all of your skills are highlighted for potential employers to see.
Speaker's Bio: Lauren Celano, MBA Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Propel Careers, a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with entrepreneurial innovative life sciences companies. Lauren is very passionate about working with individuals with strong scientific backgrounds to find exciting growth opportunities in the life sciences industry. Through Propel, she builds relationships and provides guidance on how individuals can position themselves for their next opportunity. She also actively places individuals into positions with exciting life sciences companies Prior to Propel Careers, Lauren was a senior account manager for SNBL USA where she worked with emerging biotech companies in Europe, Asia, and the US to help characterize and advance their drug molecules. Prior to SNBL USA, she held business development positions with Aptuit and Quintiles and worked with Absorption Systems as a marketing manager and account manager. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College and an MBA with a focus in the health sector and entrepreneurship from Boston University. To learn more about Propel Careers, see link: www.propelcareers.com.
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Title: OPA Speaker Series: The World Beyond Your Bench
Speakers: Larissa Fawkner, Director of Corporate & Community Relations and Julie Deschenes, Director of the Learning Center from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation and Lauren Celano, Founder and CEO of Propel Careers
Open to: Ph.D. Students, Postdocs, Faculty
Date: Monday, July 1, 2013
Location: Room L-212/213, BU School of Medicine, Instructional Bldg., 72 East Concord Street
Time: 12:00 – 1:50 P.M.
Description: Making the transition from a postdoc role to a full-time position in or outside academia can be a challenge. The private sector is looking for more than just a great scientist. What are the life science and biotech companies looking for and how can you best present yourself to potential employers? What skills beyond the bench do you need to be successful? The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) will present its Industry Exploration Program. An online matching program to give postdoc’s a half-day peek inside the business, science and culture of sector’s most innovative biotech companies. Then, Propel Careers will outline services that their organization provides to enable your future success.
MassBioEd in conjunction with Propel Careers will also highlight programs that each organization offers to provide graduate students and postdoc’s access to executive-level leaders and the most current information on job trends of the industry. Propel Careers will also discuss their career counseling, resume review, interview coaching services, as well as the soft skills needed to present yourself to potential employers.
Speakers' Bios: Lauren Celano, MBA Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Propel Careers, a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with entrepreneurial innovative life sciences companies. Lauren is very passionate about working with individuals with strong scientific backgrounds to find exciting growth opportunities in the life sciences industry. Through Propel, she builds relationships and provides guidance on how individuals can position themselves for their next opportunity. She also actively places individuals into positions with exciting life sciences companies Prior to Propel Careers, Lauren was a senior account manager for SNBL USA where she worked with emerging biotech companies in Europe, Asia, and the US to help characterize and advance their drug molecules. Prior to SNBL USA, she held business development positions with Aptuit and Quintiles and worked with Absorption Systems as a marketing manager and account manager. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College and an MBA with a focus in the health sector and entrepreneurship from Boston University. To learn more about Propel Careers, see link: www.propelcareers.com.
Larissa Fawkner is the Director of Corporate and Community Relations for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation. In this position, she directs the Foundation’s partner engagement, fundraising, and external relations. These functions fulfill the mission to support the biotechnology industry’s growing need for a skilled, educated workforce. Larissa has a diverse career in external relations and has directed strategic stakeholder engagement in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she managed community relations for the Boston Globe and the Boston Globe Foundation. She previously directed marketing, media and community science programs for the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. Her early career was dedicated to STEM education in the informal science environment. She graduated with a BA from Syracuse University, holds a Professional Certificate in corporate social responsibility from the Boston College Carroll School of Management’s Center for Corporate Citizenship.
Julie Deschenes joined the MassBioEd Foundation as the Manager of the Learning Center in April 2011. With 17 years of trade association experience she brings with her an extensive knowledge base in public affairs, workforce development education and training, coalition building, and e-learning programs acquired during her tenure at the municipal association, and at the home care and banking trade associations, respectively. Julie is a graduate of MCLA, and has a Master’s in Public Administration from Suffolk University. She enjoys participating in community activities such as fundraising for local charities, volunteering on municipal committees and councils.
Past Events
| DATE | EVENT |
| 5/29/13 | GMS Career Development Monthly Seminar Series: Job Search Boot Camp - Tips and Advice for how to Organize your Job Search and Identify the Right Opportunity for you |
| 5/7/13 | Scientific Storytelling: Pitch Your Research to the Public and Scientific Peers with Rafael E. Luna, Ph.D. |
| 4/25/13 | GMS Career Development Monthly Seminar Series: Following up and Maintaining Your Network After You Land a Job with Lauren Celano, GMS Career Advisor, CEO Propel Careers |
| 4/17/13 | IRB 101 for BUMC Graduate Students IRB Submission with Mary-Tara Roth, Director, Clinical Research Resources Office (CRRO). View video recording of this event. |
| 4/9/13 | Teaching Opportunities through the Biomedical Laboratory Clinical Sciences and BioScience Academy with Connie Phillips MA, MPH Program Director; Gloria Vachino M.S. Associate Director; Stefan Doerre and Michael Panichas. View the video of this event |
| 3/21/13 | Foundations in Biomedical Sciences sponsored 2-part Workshop Ethics in Science with Ara Tahmassian, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Research Compliance, BU and BMC Gregory Viglianti, Ph.D., |
| 3/19/13 | GMS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Speaker Series Enriching Your Mentoring Relationships A How-To Workshop for Mentees and Mentors with Joanne Kamens, Ph.D. |
| 3/18/13 | Career Development Monthly Seminar Series March Seminar: Becoming a Leader – Cultivating Leadership Skills for Career Advancement with Lauren Celano, MBA CEO Propel Careers |
| 2/27/13 | Engaging Effectively Across Differences: Diversity, Curiosity, and Questions David Joseph, VP of Programs, Public Conversations |
| 2/5/13 | Creating Your Individual Development Plan, Part II: Setting Goals for Scientific & Career Success Cynthia Fuhrmann, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Career & Professional Development in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMASS |
| 1/2013 | The Business of Biotechnology Abdulmaged Traish, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Urology, BUSM & Carl Franzblau, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, BUSM - 3 Part Workshop |
| 1/31/13 | Writing a Research Paper: Publish or Perish Department of Physiology and Biophysics Special Topics Students Seminar presented by Olga Gursky |
| 1/23/13 | Work/Life Balance Judith Jones, DDS, MPH, DScD, Professor and Chair, Department of General Dentistry, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine |
| 12/12/12 | From Graduate Training to Green Card Roy J. Watson, Jr. , Watson Law Offices, Bedford, MA |
| 12/4/12 | Diverse Careers in Science: A Panel Discussion Video Recording |
| 12/3/12 | Working in the Multi-cultural Lab: Communication, Reasoning, and other Cultural Differences Anne P. Copeland, Ph.D., Executive Director, The Interchange Institute, Former Associate Professor of Psychology, Boston University |
| 11/14/12 | Selling Yourself: it’s a dirty job but you can do it. Tobe Berkovitz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Advertising, BU College of Communication |
| 11/12/12 | Creating your IDP - Finding the Right Career for YOU Cynthia Fuhrmann, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Career & Professional Development in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMASS |
| 11/6/12 | Career Development Monthly Seminar Series: Informational Interviewing - An excellent way to enhance your career search Lauren Celano |
| 10/24/12 | How to Get Published Elsevier and Mass AWIS invite you to attend a presentation on “How to Get Published”. |
| 10/17/12 | Career Development Monthly Seminar Series: Building Your Online Personal Brand: Using blogs, LinkedIn, and other social media tools to build your brand. |
| 10/2/12 | From Academia to Entrepeneur: How to Start Your Own Company Discussion with Elizabeth Iorns, Ph.D, winner of the 2012 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur award and co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Science Exchange and with William Gunn, Ph.D., Head of Academic Outreach for Mendeley. |
| 9/20/12 | Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Losing Control Meet Drs. Leslie Zebrowitz, Brandeis University, Barb Cohen, Arex Pharmaceuticals, and Valerie Weiss, Film Director whose research and characters are based on and featured in the film. |
| 9/2012 | Take Control of Your Financial Life TODAY! Rick Shaffer, a financial expert and real estate attorney, has hosted The Money Show since 1991. Sponsored by Association for Women in Science/ BU Women in Science and Engineering. |
| 9/19/12 | Have More Money $$$ “Financial Rules Of Thumb Workshop” |
| 9/17/12 | "Careers in Communicating Science: Journals, Blogs, Netcasts and Tweets" Vincent Raceniello and Alan Dove |
| 9/12/13 | Career Development Monthly Seminar Series: Building a Resume and Cover Letter for Industry Lauren Celano, MBA CEO Propel Careers |
| 9/12/12 | Personal Qualities and Career Stephen Brady, Ph.D. Director, Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine |
| 8/14/12 | Networking insights Lauren Celano, MBA CEO Propel Careers |
| 6/12/12 | How to Develop an Elevator Speech Isabel Dominguez, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology Section, BUSM |
| 5/23/12 | Negotiating Work and Life Joanne Kamens, PhD , Executive Director, Addgene |
| 4/17/12 | Intellectual Property Patent Primer Michael Pratt, Executive Director, BU Business Development |
| 4/2012 | Teaching Opportunities for Graduate Students and Postdocs |
| 3/2012 | Tax Information for International Postdocs |
| 2/2012 | Refining your Resume for Industry |
| 1/2012 | Building Your Personal Brand |
| 12/2011 | Pathways to U.S. Permanent Residence for International Postdocs |
| 11/2011 | Meet BU Ombuds, Francine Montemurro and learn about the Office of the Ombuds |
| 10/2011 | Lab Time Management: a Practical Perspective |
| 9/2011 | National Postdoc Appreciation Ice Cream Social |
| 8/2011 | Skills for Successful Networking to Advance Your Career |
| 7/2011 | The Industry Exploration Program (IEP) |
| 6/2011 | Teaching and Mentoring Opportunities through Biomed Program and CityLab Academy |
