Co-Director of Human Resources

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I have been a member of miLEAD since November 2019, and just joined the Board of Directors in October 2021.

What is the focus of your research?

I study the evolution of RNA viruses, such as influenza virus, poliovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. I use gene editing and structural biology to understand why some strains of virus propagate faster than others and monitor the mutations that could have implications for drug resistance, host range expansion, and immunization escape.

What are your career goals? 

My current goal is to be a consultant that employs analytical methods as well as qualitative research to help the clients’ strategic decision-making.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I worked on three projects as a consultant and two projects as a project manager. As a consultant, I developed the training modules currently being used by the incoming consultants with my team and conducted primary and secondary research to identify the best market for clients. As a project manager, I developed the research plans and coached my teams to make the transition from a scientist to a consultant. Now as a co-director of human resources, my role is to recruit more talented people to miLEAD and provide them with full opportunities to grow.

What led you so seek out milead?

I sought out to see what people do with life science outside academia, while miLEAD offers opportunities to work with real clients and real-world problems.

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

I have progressed a lot in various communication skills, including clear presentation, efficient communication in an interdisciplinary team, conducting interviews, and resolving disagreements. My knowledge of business also grows significantly.

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

In my second project as a project manager, my team was asked to advise on the strategies to advance a product outside the team’s specialty. I had to not only make plans for the research but also learn to quickly understand a community that I knew little about then convey my understanding to the team. This experience made me creative in finding resources and broadly expanded my methods of learning.