Consultant Spotlight - July 2022

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

One Year.

What is the focus of your research?

My research focuses on finding and characterizing particular functional elements within human DNA, called silencers, that are important for controlling genes. When mutations occur in silencers, they can sometimes lead to diseases like cancer, so by mapping and studying these elements I contribute to our ability to better diagnose and predict genetic diseases.

What are your career goals? 

Through my PhD and my work with miLEAD, I have realized I want to do work that combines my technical ability with my skills in communication, problem solving and working with people. I am looking into both scientific research in industry and consulting as potential careers where I could develop and leverage these skills.

What roles have you played on projects? 

During my first project, I worked as a consultant to identify and contact key opinion leaders to collect their input through primary research. We collected quantitative and qualitative data and analyzed and presented it to our client, on what turned out to be a very successful project. I helped in the writing and graphic design for a whitepaper and developed organizational tools which I shared with the team.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to be a Project Manager for another primary research project, where I was able to apply my previous experience to help guide my team to key tools for success. This experience allowed me to develop in a different direction, and focus on guiding a team, communication, organization, and time management.

What led you to seek out milead?

I was interested in exploring my options for careers outside bench research and developing my 'soft' skills. I also wanted to learn more about consulting as a career. I have always enjoyed working as part of a team, and both writing and presenting and thought miLEAD sounded like a great way to practice this and meet like-minded people.

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

Working on miLEAD consulting projects I have improved my slide-design skills, and learned to be even better at communicating clearly both by working with team members and clients.

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

The biggest thing I have gotten from being a part of miLEAD is that it has given me confidence and clarity about the skills I have and can develop, and helped me see my PhD in a new light. By learning how to teach myself, how to analyze problems and data and work independently, I have developed tools that allow me to learn and do almost anything. Also, working with other graduate students on these projects, attending events and getting to know such a diverse, motivated, capable and fun group of people has been a wonderful experience.