BCLA's 9th annual Bioscience Talent Connection (BTC), held on February 16th at the USC hotel, was an insightful and engaging event aimed at guiding professionals in the bioscience industry. The event commenced with opening remarks from BCLA leadership, who set the tone for the day's discussions. Following her welcome, the audience was treated to a series of career spotlight presentations which showcased various career opportunities in STEM beyond the bench-top.
Dr. Alejandro Martorell, Senior Project Manager at Kite Pharma, delivered an enlightening presentation on his career journey transitioning from neuroscience research to project management. With a background starting in academia to industry, Dr. Martorell shared valuable insights into resume building and highlighted the essential skills needed to succeed in project management roles. His practical advice resonated with attendees aspiring to carve out their paths in the bioscience sector, making his session a standout highlight of the event.
Anisha Butala, a Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Haemonetics since 2022, brought a wealth of experience to her presentation. With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering and a specialization in Medical Product Engineering, Butala's professional journey included experience at medical device companies such as Nordson Medical, Medtronic Diabetes, and Edwards Lifesciences. Her discussion delved into the typical career trajectory within regulatory affairs, offering valuable insights into the years and experience required to ascend from an Associate to the esteemed position of VP of regulatory affairs.
Dr. Tepring Piquado, President and Co-Founder of ADDSTEAM, electrified the audience with her engaging presentation. Starting by energizing the crowd, Piquado shared her inspiring career journey in Science Policy. From her beginnings as a graduate student to her current role as a Nonprofit Leader, Piquado demonstrated the diverse pathways available within the field. Her talk not only motivated but also provided practical strategies for engaging with legislators and addressing crucial health policy issues.
Dr. Jorge Osuna, Associate Director of Technical Services at Gilead Sciences, shared his expertise in manufacturing technical services. With a PhD in chemistry from USC, Osuna's tenure at Gilead Sciences spanned over a decade, showcasing his remarkable progression from a postdoctoral scientist to his current leadership position. His presentation illuminated the multifaceted nature of technical services roles, highlighting the qualifications needed and the pathway to success within the field.
Lastly, Mackenzie Thompson, a Laboratory Project Services Manager at Q2 Solutions, offered insights into the professional development opportunities available in the organization. Thompson emphasized Q2's commitment to providing flexibility, growth potential, and collaboration, making it an appealing destination for STEM professionals. Her discussion on various career paths within STEM industries was aimed to inspire attendees to explore diverse opportunities and pursue their passions within the field.
Following the enlightening career series, attendees eagerly participated in a science communication workshop led by Llewellyn Cox, PhD, who discussed communication approaches tailored to diverse audiences, empowering attendees with valuable strategies to adapt their messaging effectively. Subsequently, attendees collaborated with assigned mentors to refine their science storytelling skills, receiving invaluable guidance on enhancing their science communication.
As the event drew to a close, attendees were treated to a networking lunch, fostering connections among speakers, mentors, and attendees. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to engage with esteemed exhibitors during the career fair segment such as Takeda, Cedars-Sinai, KGI, Petri Bio, BioscienceLA, and BCLA Consulting. This segment facilitated valuable connections between talent and organizations, fostering future collaborations and professional growth.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, fostering vibrant interaction and potentially forging lasting connections. We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, mentors, and exhibitors whose contributions enriched the event experience. We hope that all attendees found the event rewarding and look forward to future engagements within the bioscience community in Los Angeles.
