Beyond Academic Careers in Biosciences Symposium

Schedule

all talks held in Foege Auditorium | remote viewing option
registration not required

Friday, May 19

8:30 - 9:15a - Breakfast, Foege Auditorium lobby

9:20 - 9:30a - Opening remarks

9:30 - 10:10a - Dr. Leonora Martinez-Nuñez (she/her)
Senior Program Manager of Outreach, UMass Chan BMB
"Intersectionality in Science Careers: My Pathway to Science Illustration and Outreach"

10:10 - 10:50a - Dr. Jey McCreight (they/he)
Science Communicator; former science communications lead at 23andMe
"Finding Your Narrative: My Journey from Research to Science Communication"

10:50 - 11:30a - Dr. Chazeman Jackson (she/her)
Senior Director of DEI at ASHG
"Pushing the Boundaries: Creating the Career You Love!"

11:30 - 1:00p - Lunch break

1:00 - 1:40p - Dr. Karen Peterson (she/her); remote presentation
Fred Hutch Director of Scientific Career Development
“Negotiating a Non-Academic Job Offer (with a focus on industry)”

1:40 - 2:30p - Jenny Montooth, M.A. (she/her); remote presentation 
Social Media Specialist, NHGRI
“Science is for everyone! How I went from public history to science communication and genomics memes”

2:30 - 2:40p - Closing remarks 

4:30 - 8:00p - Dinner, reception, Foege Building Vista Cafe

 

 

 

 

About GSAIMS

GSAIMS website

Speakers:

Dr. Chazeman Jackson (she/her)
Senior Director of DEI at ASHG

Chazeman S. Jackson is an experienced health science researcher, public health administrator, and seasoned policy advisor. Currently, she serves as the first Senior Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the American Society of Human Genetics. Prior to this position, Dr. Jackson was a senior science policy analyst and the lead for the National Institutes of Health portfolio within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities with an emphasis in philosophy from Tougaloo College, a Master of Arts degree in biology from American University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in microbiology from Howard University.

Dr. Leonora Martinez-Nuñez (she/her)
Senior Program Manager of Outreach, UMass Chan BMB

Mexican born and raised. I obtained my PhD from the Center of Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada, Baja California. I moved to Massachusetts to train as a postdoctoral scientist at UMASS Chan Medical School where I studied the architecture of the exocyst protein complex, involved in membrane trafficking. I'm passionate about scientific visualization and outreach through eye catching graphics. I'm fortunate I can combine science and illustration in my current position.

Dr. Jey McCreight (they/he)
former science communications lead at 23andMe

Jey McCreight is a genomicist turned science communicator with a passion for health and research equity. They began their career journey studying Biology at Purdue University, where they also conducted research as a Fellow in Ecological Genetics. Jey then completed their PhD in Genome Sciences at the University of Washington as a NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Most recently, they spent nearly 6 years creating and leading a program to communicate 23andMe's genomics research to both scientific audiences and the general public. They are a a trusted expert on inclusive research communication, and most notably led efforts to make 23andMe's product, research, and culture more transgender inclusive.

Jenny Montooth, M.A. (she/her) 
Social Media Specialist, NHGRI

Jenny Montooth joined the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) as the social media specialist for the Office of Communications in 2017. Jenny runs NHGRI’s social media accounts and helps to manage the Twitter account for the NHGRI director. They work to make NHGRI-funded genomics research accessible, inclusive, interesting and fun for wider audiences. Through these efforts, Jenny has earned an NHGRI GREAT award for Diversity and Inclusion in Genomics Education and was nominated for a Golden Post Award for Best Government Twitter Presence in 2022 and 2023.
Jenny has led the social media strategy for major NHGRI efforts, including the successful completion of the first human genome sequence.

Dr. Karen Peterson (remote, she/her)
Fred Hutch Director of Scientific Career Development

Dr. Karen Peterson is the Director, Office of Scientific Career Development and Scientific Ombuds at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She is also the Co-Director of the Fred Hutch-UW Biomedical Research Integrity Training Program. Karen is the author of the Nature Guide to Life Science Careers and has over 20 years of experience in career counseling and professional development for biomedical scientists. She is the 2020-2021 recipient of the Seattle AWIS Award for Excellence in Professional Development Education. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring genealogy and spoiling her three cats.