In this special episode of "Flippin' the Script!", the tables are turned as Dr. Diane Bovenkamp steps in as guest host to interview the show's creator and regular host, Dr. Cynthia Steele. Listeners are offered an intimate look into Cynthia's personal and professional journey, exploring her path from academia to industry and the motivations behind launching the "Bench to Boardroom" series. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, providing valuable insights for those navigating similar transitions.​

Cynthia candidly shares her aspirations for the podcast, emphasizing her desire to discuss topics such as negotiating job offers, overcoming self-imposed barriers, and achieving work-life balance. She also hints at future episodes focusing on soft skills and the processes involved in career development. This reflective and inspiring dialogue not only sheds light on Cynthia's experiences but also aims to empower listeners to pursue their own career goals with confidence.​

Throughout the episode, Cynthia mentions her involvement with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), where she volunteers to review resumes and posters. She encourages attendees to approach her during the event, highlighting her commitment to supporting others in their professional journeys.

Today's guest is Dr. Melissa Haulcomb, an Intellectual Property attorney at K&L Gates. Melissa has a PhD in Neuroscience from Loyola University Chicago and a JD from Indiana University - which she pursued during her post-doc! Melissa's story is one of how perseverance, the right mentors, and incredibly hard work can help you find the career of your dreams. Melissa and I talk about her career journey and what sparked her interest in patent law, and importantly the ways her life changed for the better when she decided to stop doing what was best for everyone else and start doing what was best for her. (As the saying goes, "self-care is never selfish.").

Today's guest is The Bold PhD herself, Dr. Gertrude Nonterah! I first learned about G's work when I came across some of her wonderful LinkedIn articles and promptly signed up for her newsletter. G has a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Temple University, and has been a prolific writer since 2018 when she began freelancing after her postdoc was cut short. Since then, she's built the whole The Bold PhD brand around helping PhDs and trainees build their personal brand and also find jobs outside academia. G and I have an amazing conversation about everything career- and brand-building. Hope you enjoy!

Today's guest is Dr. Erin Zook, Director of Medical Affairs at BD. Erin and Cynthia met as graduate students at Loyola University, and we got Erin to break out of her comfort zone for this on-the-record trip down memory lane! On this episode, Erin and Cynthia discuss their shared experiences as graduate students who didn't learn about their career options outside academia until after graduation (and how you can better prepare yourselves), how Medical Affairs has something for everyone who loves to tell a story through good data, and how improv classes may actually be a key to building a better career path for yourself! Enjoy!

In this episode, Erin talks about participating in Women in Bio, which can be found at https://womeninbio.org/.

Today’s guest is Kristen Herring, PhD, scientific consultant supporting ARPA-H, a new government agency funding high-risk, high-reward research programs (disclosure, I also support ARPA-H in my day job). 

"Bench to Boardroom" is on the road! This week, we are in Seattle at the annual Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting to see some amazing research, catch up with some old friends, and network and make some new ones! Today's conversation is with our friends at the BrightFocus Foundation, Drs. Diane Bovenkamp and Preeti Subramanaian. We talk about the importance of conference travel for young researchers, this week's events that the foundation is sponsoring, and upcoming deadlines for their Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma grants.

The BrightFocus Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million to fund groundbreaking research to help make diseases of the eye and brain a thing of the past. Postdoctoral fellows within 4 years of graduation and New Investigators who are within 10 years of graduation are welcome to apply - even those who already work in industry or other for-profit institutions! This allows opportunities for those pre- and post-grad to pursue their ambitions beyond the traditional paths. Check out their website to learn more about their grant opportunities, deadlines, research they've funded, and how you can contribute. https://www.brightfocus.org/

Today's guest is Deva Boone, MD MBA, owner and surgeon at Southwest Parathyroid Center, and one of the nation's foremost experts on parathyroid disease and parathyroid surgery. After obtaining her MD from Cornell Medical College, Dr. Boone first pursued a surgery residency followed by an endocrinology fellowship, and finally landed in the niche subspecialty of parathyroid surgery. (Don't worry if you don't know what the parathyroid is, that's the first topic!) 

Today's guest is Dr. Andrea Unser, Senior Research Scientist at Humonix Biosciences, Inc. Andrea has had a lifelong interest in science, and has spent so much of her life in research and engineering that she actually dreamed of having a boring 9-to-5 job while she was in grad school! Thankfully, she was lucky enough to meet her future Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Karen Torrejon, when they worked in a lab together, and they have been working together ever since! Andrea and I talk about the importance of making connections, why it's sometimes good to geographically restrict yourself, and how future industry bench scientists can make themselves stand out in the interview process. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!

Today's guest is Dr. Julie Whitcomb, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Eyenovia, Inc. Julie has a PhD in mechanical engineering, and even received a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue some of her graduate research in Munich! Following graduation, Julie began her industry career as a scientist before making the transition to Medical Affairs, making her one of the first guests who have done two highly sought-after jobs in industry. We discuss her time in Germany, some MSL best practices and how to maximize your time at conferences, and what Julie looks for in new Medical Affairs applicants. Plus, as you'll hear, if you enjoy "Bench to Boardroom," you have Julie to thank!