Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking – Drug Discovery – Hosted by WEST

In the world of science, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths. This panel is designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. This panel will include subject matter experts in drug discovery teams including experts in: biology/pharmacology, chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, translational development, and toxicology. The panel discussion will be moderated by Siennah Greenfield, Scientist II- Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Panelists include:

• Jan Adams, Associate Research Fellow, Medicinal Chemistry at Pfizer
• Isabelle Dussault, Senior Vice President, Preclinical and Translational Development at 2seventy bio
• Kayla Frost, Senior Scientist I, Preclinical Safety, Investigative Toxicology and Pathology at Abbvie
• Niyanta Kumar, Associate Director, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics at Mersana Therapeutics
• Amritha Ramakrishnan, Research Principal Scientist Immuno-Oncology Biology at Takeda Pharmaceuticals