In this exciting episode of the Life Sphere Podcast, Kathy Brunner hosts Sandra Torres, a notable figure working at the crossroads of technology, science, and healthcare. With over 12 years of experience, Sandra shares her journey from academia to the private sector, focusing on empowering Ph.D.'s and postdocs in their transition. The conversation delves into the critical role of diverse perspectives in healthcare innovation, especially in clinical trials and patient care solutions. Sandra highlights the benefits of inclusivity in research and development, from addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes to enhancing patient solutions. She emphasizes the importance of involving marginalized communities and a variety of perspectives beyond traditional categories, which leads to breakthrough innovations in healthcare. Additionally, Sandra discusses the challenges and opportunities in data management, particularly in the era of big data and AI, underscoring the need for quality data that represents all populations. The podcast touches on the impact of COVID-19 on telemedicine and decentralized clinical trials, pushing for more agile and inclusive practices in healthcare research and development. Sandra's insights provide a compelling look into how technology and diversity are driving forces behind more effective and equitable healthcare solutions.

In this episode of the Life Sphere podcast, Kathleen Brunner welcomes guest, Dr. Alicja Santos, CEO of Polonium Foundation. Together they delve into the realms of sustainability, accessibility, healthcare, and global scientific collaboration. The conversation kicks off by exploring the origins of the Polonium Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the scientific diaspora, with its roots tracing back to the discovery of the element polonium. Dr. Santos, who brings a wealth of expertise in healthcare and sustainability, highlights the evolving landscape of medicine, emphasizing the need for equitable, sustainable, and future-focused approaches. The dialogue addresses the challenges of talent migration and supply chain logistics in the context of healthcare, offering insights into reshaping the industry for a more accessible and eco-conscious future. Kathleen and Dr. Santos also touch upon the pivotal role of education, especially in STEM fields, and how organizations like Women In Bio are instrumental in empowering women and underrepresented voices in the scientific community. Today’s episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of crucial topics at the intersection of science, sustainability, and global healthcare access. 

Dr. Santos holds a B.Sc. from Robert Gordon University, Scotland, and M.Sc and Engineering degrees from Lodz University of Technology, Poland. Her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago was supported by an American Heart Association Fellowship, where she developed novel cancer metastatic blockers and cardiomyopathies diagnostics. Dr. Santos also held the presidency of Women In Bio (WIB) Chicago, where she currently serves as the Advisory Board Chair. 

This week on the Life Sphere podcast, we take a look back at some of the remarkable guests we've had on the show. And while it's impossible to truly pick a favorite guest or segment, we've curated some stand out moments for you to enjoy. Each guest has contributed to Life Sciences, their specific sector, our podcast and the community in countless ways and we're incredibly grateful for all of them. This episode is a "thank you" to the women of Life Sciences who have taken the time to share their story, expertise and experience with us. Join us as we delve into captivating conversations with leading women in Life Sciences, exploring groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy, regulatory practices, talent acquisition, the dynamic intersection of real estate and life science and much more! 

These women have shown us that there is rarely one path to get to the career of your dreams. Often the road is winding and there are many obstacles to overcome. Since the start of Life Sphere we've spoken with trail blazers leading the way and showing all of us what is possible. Every guest has told us of their desire to help their peers whether as a mentor, advocate or simply as an example of what is possible. Our guests are leaders in their fields often making strides in male dominated industries, while also leading the way for other women to follow. They're making sure that if they are the first woman in the room and at the table, they aren't the last. Don’t miss this very special episode of Life Sphere. 

In this episode of the Life Sphere podcast, we take a look into the world of prosthetics with our esteemed guest, Dr. Sara Peterson. As the CEO and founder of Wise Women Parliament, Dr. Peterson is a true advocate, educator and certified prosthetist-orthotist dedicated to transforming the lives of women living with limb loss or limb difference. During this captivating conversation, Dr. Peterson sheds light on the crucial distinction between limb loss and limb difference, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals in these situations. She passionately discusses the importance of providing holistic care, recognizing that true healing encompasses the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of an individual. With her expertise and firsthand experience, Dr. Peterson delves into the remarkable advancements in prosthetic technology that are revolutionizing the field. She highlights the incredible potential of sensor technology and artificial intelligence, which have greatly enhanced the customization and delivery of prosthetic devices. Through the use of 3D printing and data collection, prosthetics can be tailor-made and more affordable. Drawing upon her extensive network of healthcare professionals, Dr. Peterson emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach required to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by patients.  

Her organization, Wise Women Parliament offers an uplifting community and provides a safe and supportive space for women experiencing limb loss or limb difference. Through virtual and in-person meetings, Wise Women Parliament connects individuals across different states, fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and camaraderie. 

Tune in to this inspiring episode as Dr. Sara Peterson enlightens us with her expertise, compassion, and dedication, and discover the transformative impact she and Wise Women Parliament are making in the lives of women navigating the realm of prosthetics and limb difference. 

In this episode of the Life Sphere Podcast, host Kathleen Brunner speaks with Michelle Johnson, the CEO of Metrum Research Group who has over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, marketing and business management. Their conversation delves into leveraging data-driven strategies, embracing technology and digital transformation and staying ahead of technological advancements to drive innovation and remain competitive. They even end with some interesting book recommendation that bridge the gap between industry and entertainment.  

Michelle highlights Metrum's commitment to science and developing open-source tools that make scientific content freely available to the community. She also emphasizes Metrum's multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and its ability to adapt and serve customers by taking different perspectives into account. The discussion emphasizes the impact of digital transformation in the Life Sciences industry and the opportunities it presents for Metrum and their customers. The discussion also focuses on the importance of democratizing and standardizing data to enable better decision-making in drug development. Kathy and Michelle further discuss the balance between the pressure to deliver therapies quickly and ensuring accuracy and quality.   

Metrum Research Group is a decision informatics company that helps decision-making teams take a quantitative approach to drug development. They hold a unique position at the intersection of science, technology, and data, and they are dedicated to transforming biomedical decision-making to improve health effectively and efficiently for all. 

Join host Kathleen Brunner in a another episode of the Life Sphere Podcast as she engages in an enlightening conversation with Melissa Singer Weiss, Principal at Stevenson Search Partners. With nearly 15 years of experience in the Life Sciences industry, Melissa shares her invaluable insights on talent acquisition, company building, and the integration of innovation.

Melissa unveils the distinctive approach of Stevenson Search
Partners, emphasizing the significance of cultivating enduring relationships with
clients and candidates. She highlights the strategic methods employed to
develop long-term partnerships and offer invaluable guidance throughout
individuals' careers.

Exploring the convergence of science and technology, Melissa
sheds light on how Life Sciences companies are embracing artificial
intelligence and digital innovation. She addresses the challenges of sourcing
experienced talent in these rapidly evolving areas, drawing intriguing
parallels between talent matching and the intricate pieces of a puzzle.

The discussion delves into the strategic aspects of talent
acquisition at different company growth stages. Melissa emphasizes the
criticality of strong leadership, effective communication skills, and a solid
reputation in attracting and assessing top-tier talent. Furthermore, she
underscores the transformative power of diversity of thought and the inclusion
of diverse candidates in driving innovation and seizing market opportunities.

As a Principal at Stevenson Search Partners, Melissa draws upon
her extensive Life Sciences experience to advise organizations on attracting
top executives for critical leadership roles. From Pre-Series A ventures to
established life sciences companies, she serves a broad range of clients across
science, development, and business. Don't miss this captivating conversation
that uncovers the art of building Life Sciences companies, nurturing talent,
and embracing innovation.

In this episode of the Life Sphere podcast, we are privileged to have Elina Lavit, VP of Business Development at OncoNano Medicine, as our guest. Elina brings over 19 years of leadership experience, having held pivotal roles in organizations spanning start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations. Her expertise encompasses diverse therapeutic areas such as oncology, surgery, cardiology, and neurology, making her insights invaluable.

With a background in economics and biology, Elina offers a unique perspective on the dynamic intersection of medicine and business. Join us as we delve into Elina's fascinating career path, from her beginnings as a medical representative to her current role driving business development and quality assurance. 

Elina shares her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in today's ever-evolving medical landscape. She discusses the transformative work her company, OncoNano Medicine, is undertaking to address one of the most significant problems in oncology. Their cutting-edge solutions are accelerating the science and expediting therapies to patients in need.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as Elina Lavit provides profound insights into the race against time in oncology, the complexities of medicine today, and the remarkable solutions that are shaping the future of healthcare. 

Welcome to  another episode of the Life Sphere podcast with Kathy Brunner. In this episode, we are delighted to have Savanah L. Saldaña-Shumaker, M.S., an accomplished NMR Chemist at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences and remarkable entrepreneur. Savanah's expertise lies in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy within the Division of Preclinical Innovation's Analytical Chemistry Core. Moreover, she is the co-founder of two successful startups: SCS Laboratory Solutions, Inc. and Nazte Beauty, LLC.

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through Savanah's career, from her early aspirations as a ballerina to her current roles as a chemist and visionary entrepreneur. In a thought-provoking conversation with our host, Kathy Brunner, Savanah skillfully bridges the gap between the worlds of startups and chemical safety and sustainability. She sheds light on the vital importance of these principles, showcasing their transformative impact on creating safer skincare products for consumers.

Furthermore, Savanah emphasizes the profound connection between chemical safety and patient care. By advocating for responsible chemical handling and championing sustainable practices, she reveals how these elements play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes.

Tune in as we uncover the inspiring journey of Savanah L. Saldaña-Shumaker—an extraordinary chemist, entrepreneur, and advocate for chemical safety and sustainability. Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey as we explore the fascinating realms of science and entrepreneurship.

On this episode of the Life Sphere podcast, host Kathleen Brunner talks with Marnie Smith, Senior Director of Quality at Network Partners, about her career journey from aspiring doctor to engineer and how it led her to work in the medical device industry. Kathleen and Marnie discuss the role of quality in improving patient outcomes and emphasize the importance of not overcomplicating it. They also delve into the impact of digital transformation on quality, including Quality 4.0, and highlight the need to bridge the gap between software engineers and quality engineers. They further discuss how the pervasiveness of computer applications and the shift to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is affecting validation requirements and requiring greater resources to maintain compliance. Finally, Kathleen and Marnie consider possible solutions, from partnership opportunities to a move towards forward-thinking, while maintaining GxP best practices and bringing safe products to patients. With over 15 years of medical device experience, including design, project management, supplier quality, and manufacturing impacts on quality, Marnie's extensive background provides support and leadership to Network Partners and their clients.

In this episode of the Life Sphere podcast, host Kathleen Brunner speaks with Juliette Vandenbroucque, a Senior Director of Business Development at a leading digital innovator in clinical research. With her extensive international experience spanning PR, scientific communications, global medical affairs, and clinical research, Juliette shares her unique perspective on the intersection of business development and innovation in the life sciences industry.

Juliette shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities of bringing new therapies to market in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, and rare diseases. She also discusses her work with leading pharma companies and biotech startups, including her involvement in three IPOs, over 15 product launch strategies, and two new manufacturing site inaugurations.