Madeleine Braun, chief of presidential initiatives at The Jackson Laboratory, will be the keynote speaker April 30 at Southern’s virtual bioscience careers forum.
Braun plans to discuss her experiences with projects bringing together the disciplines of biology, computer science and technology to increase understanding of complex human diseases. She will share with students her perspective on what skills and experiences are important to build a career in team-based science.
The forum, “Bioscience Careers Forum — Technology, Healthcare and Business: Collaborating to Improve Human Health,” is scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The program also will feature a panel discussion that will include Braun, as well as Erika Smith, CEO of ReNetX Bio of New Haven; Shelley Des Etages, director of precision medicine clinical biomarker scientist at Pfizer; Mostafa Analoui, executive director of Venture Development and Technology Incubation Program, and Judd Andres, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry leader. The discussion will be moderated by Dawn Hocevar, president and CEO of BioCT.
“This event comes at the perfect time,” said Christine Broadbridge, executive director of research and innovation at SCSU.
“Connecticut has recently launched the ‘Connecticut: Where Science Lives’ promotional campaign, which highlights the life sciences opportunities in Connecticut and is intended to attract new businesses to the state, while supporting those already here and growing,” Broadbridge said.
“It continues to be a well-kept secret that the Greater New Haven region is home to the second largest cluster of biotechnology companies in New England. Biotechnology impacts all sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business, which will be demonstrated through this year’s forum. There are opportunities for students in all disciplines to join and contribute.”
Networking opportunities for students will be available with industry professionals.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz; state Sen. Christine Cohen and state Rep. David Yaccarino, co-chairs of the General Assembly’s BioScience Caucus; Jane Gates, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system; Robert Prezant, provost and vice president for academic affairs at SCSU; and Michael Piscitelli, representing the city of New Haven.
Registration is open to the public, and students in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system are especially encouraged to attend.
