The Research Evangelist

On today's episode, meet Rodney Gillespie. Rodney is a Global executive with broad leadership experience. He is currently the Vice President, Oncology Sales & Marketing, Solid Tumor at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Before joining JNJ, Rodney had a thirteen-year tenure with AstraZeneca, including stints in the UK and in South Africa. Rodney has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce & Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia and a Masters of Business Administration from University of Washington in Seattle. He has a passion for participating in activities and organizations that allow him to give back to disadvantaged communities and kids.

On today's episode, meet Laurie Myers. She is Director of Global Health Literacy and Oncology Health Equity at Merck. Laurie got her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Yale, and her MBA in Health Care Management at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Laurie is a Medical Marketing & Media (MM&M) Top 40 Healthcare Transformer, and she’s a passionate leader of Merck global health literacy efforts.

On today's episode, meet Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, Director, Scientific Programs at the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, a masters in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and PhD in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemstry from Boston University. He's also a Diversity and STEM advocate.

On today's episode, meet Dr. David Spigel. Dr. Spigel is the Chief Scientific Officer at Sarah Cannon Research Institute. He also cares for patients as a medical oncologist at Tennessee Oncology. David got his medical degree from University of Tennessee Heath Science Center School of Medicine in Memphis, did his residency at Indiana University School of Medicine and his Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Spigel oversees all scientific aspects of Sarah Cannon's clinical trial program, working with the research physician leaders to ensure the best new agents and studies are available to their patients.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Lecia Sequist. Dr. Sequist received her MD from Harvard Medical School and trained in internal medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and in hematology/oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she also received an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She joined the faculty at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in 2005 and has an active clinical and translational research career, as well as a busy practice caring for patients with lung cancer. She is currently the Director of the Center for Innovation in Early Cancer Detection at MGH. Dr. Sequist is also helping firefighters get screened for lung cancer as a principal investigator of the MGH Fire Health Study.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Nathan Pennell. Dr. Pennell is a medical oncologist, and Director of Thoracic Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic. He is also Vice Chair of Clinical Research for the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. He's a proud dad and Steelers fan, and a really nice guy. I'm proud to have him on my show.

On today's episode, meet Lisa Cruz, Associate Director, Takeda Oncology. She is responsible for Global and US Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patient Advocacy and Engagements. She has many years of previous experience in HIV advocacy at Bristol Myers Squibb and Janssen. Lisa has degrees from St. Michael’s College and Masters in Public Administration from Suffolk University. She lost her father to lung cancer and is passionate about helping patients and caregivers.

On today's episode, meet Melinda Aldrich, PhD. Melinda is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She holds additional appointments in the Department of Thoracic Surgery and in the Department of Biomedical Informatics.  Her research is focused on understanding why there are differences in lung cancer risk and survival among different racial/ethnic populations. She received her M.P.H. and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.

On today's episode, meet Jasmine Greenamyer. Jasmine is Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships at EMD Serono. Her experience spans work driving national and community public health interventions, advocating for health equity, and increasing access to the early detection and treatment of cancer. In her current role she oversees global initiatives including Healthy Women, Healthy Economies, and Embracing Carers. Jasmine received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Justin Gainor. Dr. Gainor is the Director of the Center for Thoracic Cancers at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also Director of Targeted Immunotherapy in the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies. Justin received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, did his Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and his Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital. His major research interests have centered around two themes: targeted therapy and immunotherapy. He's also an advocate for patients and supporter of The White Ribbon Project.