Sept 11, 2025

🕗 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📍 Venue: LabCentral 238
238 Main St
Cambridge, MA

🎟️ Registration fee: $10

⏰ Register by September 6

Spend a full day connecting, learning, and growing with graduate students, undergraduates, and early-career professionals in the biomedical sciences—especially those from historically excluded backgrounds. This is your space for honest conversations, practical skills, and building a supportive community.

This year’s program includes two engaging panel discussions and three interactive workshops led by biotech industry leaders. You’ll gain actionable strategies for navigating your career, building your network, and making a confident, values-aligned transition into industry.

keynote speaker

LILA NEEL

National Director, Life Science Cares Project Onramp

Lila Neel is dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and leveling the playing field for young people. She began her career at Reach Out and Read, supporting early childhood literacy to ensure all children start school ready to learn. Today, she continues this mission with undergraduate students, helping them access meaningful internship opportunities in the life sciences. With experience bridging early education and workforce development, Lila is passionate about building pathways that empower the next generation to succeed.

cONFERENCE AGENDA

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration & Morning Coffee

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:10 AM - 9:40 AM | Opening Keynote Address

Lila Neel from Project Onramp, Life Sciences Cares

9:40 AM - 10:30 AM | Panel 1: Transitioning from Academia to Industry

This session will explore topics such as navigating the job market, understanding industry roles, and leveraging academic experience in new environments. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from professionals who’ve made this transition.

Moderator: Dr. Jose Delgado

Panelists:

  • Dr. Vanessa Yanez

  • Dr. Bharathi Sundaresh, Flagship Pioneering

  • Dr. Dennis Dean, Velsera

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Morning Coffee Break

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM | Workshop 1: Building an Impactful Resume & Personal Brand

Presented by Courtney Utsey, Atkis Oncology

With Courtney Utsey, Director of People and Culture at Aktis Oncology, participants will craft compelling biotech resumes and develop authentic personal brands as they prepare to enter industry.

11:50 AM - 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Workshop 2: Acing Interviews and Networking Like a Pro

Presented by Courtney Utsey, Atkis Oncology

This workshop is designed to help those in the life sciences from historically underrepresented groups feel confident and prepared when engaging in interviews and professional networking. Participants will leave with practical strategies for navigating biotech industry conversations, presenting their experience effectively, and building authentic professional connections.

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Panel 2: Career Panel

This session will highlight diverse roles across the biotech industry and give attendees a clearer picture of what’s possible beyond academia. Panelists will share personal career journeys, practical tips, and advice on how to discover and pursue fulfilling roles in the life sciences sector.

Moderator: Katherine Suarez

Panelists:

  • Dr. Anissa Belfetmi, Nixon Peabody LLP

  • Dr. Jonah Larkins-Ford, Marvelbiome

  • Dr. Defne Surujon, Day Zero Diagnostics

2:50 PM - 3:10 PM | Afternoon Coffee Break

3:10 PM - 4:10 PM | Workshop 3: Negotiating Salary and Benefits in Biotech

This workshop is designed to empower those in the life sciences from historically underrepresented groups with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves during job offer negotiations. The session will highlight strategies for securing fair compensation and navigating benefits packages, with a focus on practical insights and candid advice.

Speakers:

  • Courtney Utsey, Aktis Oncology

  • Elizabeth Wu, Scismic

  • Na'Shantéa Miller, LabCentral

4:10 PM - 4:50 PM | Networking Session & Pay It Forward Coffee Chats

4:50 PM - 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Farewell

Venue

LOCATION

The SIS Thriving in Biotech conference will be held at the LabCentral 238 facility located at
238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

LabCentral 238 is located a one-minute walk away from the Kendall/MIT Station on the MBTA Red Line.