Ep 77: A Bond of Purpose from Academia to Industry - The Journey

We are joined again by Christine Vazquez, a viral immunologist and Principal Scientist at GSK, to hear about her journey into science. The earliest memories from her childhood picture Christine sitting with her dad watching educational shows like Stories from the ER and dreaming of growing up to become a medical doctor. Her dad, especially, nurtured her interest in science and reading through books. As an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, she was introduced to laboratory research as part of the curriculum and immediately felt a spark. “I think for me, what I became more interested in after exposure to research, was …  I don’t necessarily want to treat patients. I want to figure out why they’re getting sick and how to help them get better. The broad interest still was the same; the research question changed,” explains Christine. This change in her perspective, and a strong aversion to taking the MCAT, encouraged her to look beyond medical school as the next stage of her journey unfolded. But, Christine didn’t really know if graduate school would be the right choice for her. More importantly, the experiences Christine had gained over time also evolved her perception of who is a scientist–some work at the bench and many others apply their knowledge to different fields like science writing and communications. There were endless opportunities for her at this stage; how could she make the right decision? Looking back at her journey, Christine had several influential mentors, especially teachers and guidance counselors who saw something in her that she didn’t even see in herself. They encouraged her to participate in extra-curricular activities and opened doors to new opportunities. If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self it would be, breath, it will all work out. Outside of work, Christine enjoys reading, especially literary fiction.Check out the previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/17378991 Tune into this episode to learn about Christine’s journey:The importance of pivoting for Christine to find her way along her journeyHow her definition of “who is a scientist” evolved with different experiencesWhere Christine sees herself going nextReach out to Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vazquez/ If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The JourneyEp 65: Finding Your Fit: How to Navigate the Transition from Academia to Industry – The JourneyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In the final episode of our Academia to Industry series, we sit down with Dr. Christine Vazquez, a viral immunologist and Principal Scientist at GSK, to explore what it really means to make science work for patients. With humor, warmth, and sharp insight, Christine walks us through her deeply personal journey—from the tragic loss of her father to sepsis, to finding purpose in virology and infectious disease research. Christine reflects on what she’s had to unlearn to succeed in industry. She also shares how she’s come to appreciate the power of using her scientific training to pivot, adapt, and make a real difference in people's lives. Tune in to learn more about:How rotations in grad school changed her focus from bacterial to viral pathogens How to recognize and transfer the skills you’ve built, even when the language around them changes  The realities (and myths!) of publishing, mentorship, and impact in industry science  Why your project doesn’t define your worth as a scientist Reach out to Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vazquez If you enjoyed this episode you'll also enjoy:Ep 60: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The WorkEp 64: Finding Your Fit: How to Navigate the Transition from Academia to Industry – The WorkVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU) joins us today to discuss her journey in science, the people who inspired her, and the lessons she learned along the way. She was motivated to go into science by a very unconventional source–the Maury Show. Specifically, Tash remembers the days she spent in front of the tv, when she was home sick, and engrossed by the family drama unfolding before her eyes as Maury would reveal the results of paternity testing. From there, Tash was determined to go into forensic science. She completed summer programs and attended the University of New Haven, which has a renowned forensic science program. After completing her undergrad, Tash realized laboratory research was a better fit for her career goals than working on a real-life crime scene; and she attended the University of Connecticut for her Masters in biochemistry. With this new drive, Tash completed her doctorate in molecular genetics from Rutgers University. While at Rutgers she was also introduced to the experience of recruiting students, and this moment changed everything for Tash. She couldn’t describe or specifically see what career path this activity encompassed, but Tash knew she wanted to help students become scientists. Looking back at her journey, one piece of advice she would give her younger self is reassurance. “The beauty of things not working out the way you envisioned them, is you learn how to navigate,” she explains. In her reflections, Tash also wishes she had more confidence in her decision making, rather than waiting for the approval or support of others. Outside of work Tash enjoys spending time with her family and singing karaoke–you can find her breaking into song and dance anytime!    If you missed the last episode listen here. Listen to the latest episode here.Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: How her dreams of becoming a forensic scientist were completely shattered by realityWhat she admired most about her mentors and their personalitiesHow she envisions her future selfReach out to LaTasha:[email protected] To learn more about STEP:https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 7: STEMLand Future of Science - The JourneyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today we welcome Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU), which offers resources to middle school through graduate school students in numerous areas within STEM–engineering, math, medicine, and others.. The program works through a tiered system providing courses to strengthen introductory STEM coursework, to understand the application of STEM concepts in the real world, and an immersive introduction to medical and professional training. In her every day, Tash balances numerous responsibilities including making sure key deliverables are met for particular programs through various tasks from budgeting to achieving team goals to working directly with students. What she enjoys most is the ability to learn new things regularly and interact with students eager about STEM. “It makes me feel like I’m doing work that is truly affecting the lives of these students,” explains Tash. Apart from these highlights, there are also challenges that come with her role like being a saleswoman; she is constantly looking for new schools to partner with, realizing that every school will have different and unique needs, and advocating for support for the STEP program. The best advice Tash has for anyone who is interested in a similar career in program management is to get involved with student organizations or volunteer organizations to get a flavor of what it is like to juggle many plates and responsibilities.      Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: Why she feels like she is in the circus juggling plates like an acrobatWhat she loves about her job and working with studentsHow program management compares to academic career pathsReach out to LaTasha:[email protected] To learn more about STEP:https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 6: STEMLand Future of ScienceEp17 : Mentors of Incalculable Worth - AnthologyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We are back today with Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) to learn about her career journey. As a child, her science spark was ignited by a combination of playing with a toy microscope, an inspirational physics teacher, and the board game Life. In high school, Ariel was especially fortunate to attend a private school in the suburbs of Philadelphia and encountered fantastic teachers, many of whom were women with PhDs, who inspired her with stories from their time in academia and industry. Her teachers not only taught her the basics of STEM, but encouraged her to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom like summer research programs. Ariel’s journey through science in her youth was almost a fairy-tale-like experience guided by mentors, teachers, and experiences that set the foundation for her future. “I was solidifying the desire to be a scientist.  . . I was definitely being prepared for a career there by the best,” she remembers. As an undergraduate at Swarthmore College, she contemplated becoming teaching faculty, or working in science outreach before a career assessment surprised her with options like diplomat and school principal. Ariel was at a bit of crossroad--how could she keep her interest in science yet find intersections with areas such as diplomacy? While attending Johns Hopkins University for her doctorate, Ariel reflected on her cv and let it “speak to her,” leading to a position as a public school biology teacher. Her intentional decision making at this step was rooted in her own personal experiences as a high school student, having exposure and access to great teachers and mentors. Currently, Ariel keeps herself busy with many hobbies outside of work–reading, learning, eating out, and passion projects. Check out the previous episode here.Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:How a career assessment almost derailed her science career goalsThe importance of finding a group of people who will fight for you, in rooms you are not inThe importance of exposure, equity, and access in guiding her career choiceReach out to Ariel:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/Email: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 52: How Science and Philosophy Intertwine - The JourneyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today, we are joined by Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB)–a science and technology center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CEMB represents faculty across various disciplines at multiple institutions within mechanobiology, an interdisciplinary field exploring how physical forces affect living things. In her role, Ariel manages the educational programs, recruits new students, provides first-hand research experiences, organizes a postdoc preview day and much, much more. While Ariel’s role doesn’t require using a pipette anymore, she has made use of translational skills, such as successful project planning and knowing what questions to ask during the planning process. “A good researcher thinks not only about today, but their Tuesday, 3 months from now,” explains Ariel. Two of the favorite things about her job are the diversity of the tasks and responsibilities, and working with her colleagues. A challenge that Ariel encounters in her role is, of course, funding and the uncertainty this can create in providing sustainability for CEMB. Looking back at some of the events Ariel has organized for K-12 outreach, she recalls an outreach day where students conducted experiments with venus flytrap plants. The event allowed the students to have memorable experiences beyond simply learning the science. “Exposure, equity and access–those three things allow us to change outcomes for people,” Ariel explains. One piece of advice from Ariel is to embrace pursuing your interests broadly to find your perfect fit.   Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:How her values drive her decisions in her career path Why there is no such thing as useless knowledge Reach out to Ariel: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/Email: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 36: Sista, Sista! Graduate School Years - The WorkEp 12: Immunology and squidVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Dr. Luis Martinez is back to speak with us about his journey. As a senior venture associate at Capital Factory, a venture capital firm, his love of science began by noticing what was missing–people doing science who looked like him. Luis was raised in an incredible town on the U.S.-Mexico border–El Paso, Tx. His introduction to science came from experiences at the local library and shows like Star Trek and Cosmos. As a high schooler, he was on the science team and had the opportunity to take a state exam for chemistry. But, rather than studying, he took the exam without any preparation. And somehow he passed; ranking first in the state! This, for him, set a path to pursue science in college. He attended Trinity College as a first generation college student and had the incredible opportunity to complete research as an undergraduate. As a junior, he declared himself as a chemistry major and was introduced to graduate school by a guidance counselor. The decision for Luis was easy–graduate school was free–it was a clear yes. As a graduate student at Harvard University, he remembers his involvement in a major scientific discovery that focused on developing organic molecules using efficient and sustainable methods. From this discovery, he also learned about patenting and scaling innovations; important lessons he would need for the future. At the end of his doctorate, Luis had to decide between a postdoctoral fellowship or joining a consulting firm. He chose the latter. After a few years, however, a family emergency brought him back to El Paso to join the university as a chemistry professor. Later on, he again moved to Trinity University as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation to lead an undergraduate entrepreneurship program. When Luis looks back at his journey so far, he recommends two pieces of advice, “Be bold; and don’t worry about it, it’ll all work out.”               Check out the previous episode with Luis.Tune into this episode to hear about Luis’s journey and:How he chose his major as a first generation college studentHow he was able to adapt his unique professional experiences to drive his career journey  Reach out to Luis: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drluismartinez/If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 43: Science CEO Level: Unlocked - The Journey Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today we are joined by Dr. Luis Martinez, a senior venture associate with a background in organic chemistry and entrepreneurship at the venture capital firm, Capital Factory. The firm, based in Austin, Tx, was founded in 2009 to bring together entrepreneurs with potential partners, customers, and future hires. The firm works with a multitude of clients from corporate companies to start-ups to federal partners. Over the last year, they have invested about $23 million over 45 different entities within their expansive portfolio with a technology focus. Even though Luis has countless years of experience in entrepreneurship and innovation, he still finds that studying and understanding science is a very important and it is a worthwhile investment. “What is more awesome now in 2025, then when I got my Ph.D. in the 1990s, is that there are a lot more opportunities to apply your science and do what you do as a scientist beyond the paths that are presented out of graduate school,” he explains. In particular Luis finds the ability to take the unique skills learned in graduate school and apply them to different scenarios in entrepreneurship, start-ups, and solving critical questions to be key. For those who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship, he recommends taking time to visit your current or alumnus university entrepreneurship center, i.e. get out of the lab and walk across campus. Additionally, he suggests getting involved with training programs such as Activate and Nucleate, which focus on entrepreneurship for scientists. And, take advantage of the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program which facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. The last piece of advice he recommends is actually joining someone else’s start-up before venturing into your own to get the best hands-on experience.    Tune into this episode to hear about Luis’s work and:The next wave of science entrepreneurship careersWhy science is important for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship important for scienceWhat areas of science are hot for entrepreneurship right nowReach out to Luis: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drluismartinez/If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 6: STEMLand Future of Science - The WorkEp 39: The Art of Science with Laura Canil - The WorkEp 42: Science CEO Level: Unlocked - The Work Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today Latasha Wright, co-founder and executive scientific officer of BioBus takes us through her career journey, which had some very unexpected twists and turns along the way. Her childhood began in Mississippi as the youngest of 5 children. Both her parents nurtured the importance of education through constant exposure to books and just asking, “What did you learn today?”. Once Latasha started high school, however, she truly discovered her love of science with an incredible science teacher who encouraged mixing things together and blowing things up! She continued her education at Tougaloo College, a historically black college and university (HBCU), determined to get her degree in chemistry. As a college student, Latasha also received the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC U-STAR) scholarship. She also confidently declared her interest in going to graduate school for a PhD–but she didn’t know what a PhD actually was! This experience opened the doors to completing a program at the NIH, giving her first-hand experience in lab research. And, Latasha absolutely loved every minute of it. Excited for her future as a scientist, it was now time for Latasha to apply to programs; she was grappling between NYU, Berkeley, and Emory. However, a chance encounter with the associate dean of NYU changed her trajectory completely, and she ended up attending NYU. After receiving her doctorate in cellular and molecular biology, she completed two post-doctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. By chance, during her time back in NYC she met Ben Dubin-Thaler, and that connection led to the creation of BioBus. Currently, Latasha is really excited about bringing BioBus to the Bronx with a Community Lab. And she keeps reminding herself to “Be ready for the journey, it's gonna be good!”.Tune into this episode to hear about Latasha’s journey and:How Latasha learned about the option of completing a Ph.D.Why she decided to go to NYU over Berkley and EmoryWhat convinced her to transition from academia to science-outreach with BioBusReach out to Latasha: Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-wright-95bb7a16/ Book a BioBus visit: https://www.biobus.org/programs If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 67: BioBus of the Future - The Work Ep 42: Science CEO Level Unlocked - The WorkEp 6: STEMLand Future of Science - The WorkCheck out Latasha's show on March 18th: Story Collider presents Stories of Brain and Beyond: https://www.storycollider.org/tickets/2025/mount-sinai-brain-beyondVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today we are speaking to Latasha Wright, co-founder and executive scientific officer of BioBus, a science non-profit with a mission to support all students in acheiving their scientific potential. A real life version of the magic school bus, BioBus started as an upcycled 1974 transit bus, filled with microscopes, that brings science to students throughout New York City. The immersive experience of BioBus not only introduces students to asking questions and experimentation, but also challenges the idea of what science is and who does science. The curriculum of BioBus has also now expanded beyond the interactive bus-based experimental set up to also include community labs and junior scientist internship programs that encourage students to solve problems in their community using science. In her everyday life as an executive scientific officer, Latasha considers herself the manager of all managers. Her work touches on developing strategy for the organization as they expand, looking at equitable engagement with the community, integrating programs with what is already taking place in the community, and program evaluation as well as constantly finding ways to better teach science to students. “We are here to add the salt on top of something that’s already delicious,” explains Latasha. One of the more challenging aspects of her job is fundraising, which is common when it comes to running a non-profit. Her goal is to always make sure there are enough resources to support the organization and its mission currently, and into the future. The aspect of community is very foundational to the success of BioBus; many students walk away from their experiences with BioBus with a sense of belonging in a newfound accepting, scientific community. Latasha recommends that anyone who wants to start their own science non-profit should not go it alone–you need at least two kinds of people: a dreamer and a do-er. Check out the latest episode!Tune into this episode to hear about Latasha’s work and:How BioBus adapts its programming to the interests of the community What she learned as a graduate student starting a non-profitWhy she does not recommend starting a non-profit aloneReach out to Latasha: Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-wright-95bb7a16/ Book a BioBus visit: https://www.biobus.org/programs Check out Latasha's show on March 18th: Story Collider presents Stories of Brain and Beyond: https://www.storycollider.org/tickets/2025/mount-sinai-brain-beyondIf you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 48: Advocating for Science and Research - The WorkEp 42: Science CEO Level Unlocked - The WorkVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band [email protected] Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and [email protected] Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic