Consultant Spotlight - September 2024

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I joined in October 2023, so almost 1 year exactly.

What is the focus of your research?

I work in a cardiovascular pharmacology lab that studies platelets and thrombosis. The primary concern with currently available antiplatelet and antithrombotic drugs is their high bleeding risk. In the lab, I lead three projects on small molecule drug candidates that have the potential to reduce thrombotic risk. Our ultimate goal is to develop an antithrombotic therapeutic that mitigates thrombosis risk without compromising hemostasis.

What are your current career goals?

In the long term, I aspire to integrate my scientific skills and my business experience to drive innovation from the benchtop to the clinic. Ultimately, my goal has always been to make an impact on the patient experience and improve clinical outcomes. At the moment, I am interested in pursuing a career in biotech, initially in a science-focused role, but I would eventually like to transition to a position with a greater focus on business development.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have been a consultant on both primary and secondary research projects and am currently serving as a project manager. I have come to realize that these titles encompass a myriad of roles. Throughout my experience on miLEAD projects, I have had to opportunity to develop skills in various capacities, including as an investigator, an analyst, a problem solver or a sounding board.

What led you to seek out milead?

I started the 3rd year of my Ph.D. with the simple career exploration goal of figuring out, “What do I want to do with my life?”. I pursued miLEAD as an opportunity to network with peers and gain exposure to non-academic career opportunities. Additionally, I was interested in evaluating my transferable skills and learning how to apply the analytical and problem-solving skills that I developed in lab to different settings.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you been able to develop?

I have gained substantial experience working on projects that are highly team-oriented. miLEAD provides an excellent opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, both within miLEAD and on the client side. I have learned to navigate and manage teams effectively, leveraging the strengths of team members while supporting and encouraging areas for improvement.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences thus far working with miLEAD? 

During my first project with miLEAD, my team faced numerous challenges in completing the project. As a first-time consultant, it was incredibly motivating to see the team come together to tackle obstacles. Whether it was a late-night Zoom call to debrief the day's work or an early morning strategy session, we rose to the occasion to meet the client's needs. Ultimately, it was rewarding to see the client's positive reaction to our work, and I finished the project knowing I had made lifelong friends.