2023 2024 ASPIRE Annual Report

BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program

Page 18 Appendix A4-A9

Trainee Professional Development

Page 32 Appendix A10-A12

Employer Relations and Workforce Development

Career Exploration and Decision-Making

Alumni Relations, Outcomes, and Development Page 41 Appendix A13

Campus Partnerships and Faculty Outreach

Page 4 Appendix A1-A3

Page 24 Appendix A18

National Career Development Research and Best Practices

Page 26 Appendix A14-A17

Kim Petrie, PhD

Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Developament Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration

Ashley Brady, PhD

Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration

About Us The Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program provides career and professional development enrichment activities for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The office was recognized in 2013 for its commitment to career development for biomedical sciences PhD students and postdocs through a BEST award, a $1.2 million, 5-year grant from the NIH Common Fund. The ASPIRE Program subsequently was awarded four Burroughs Wellcome grants for a business module, a data science module, a life design module, and a project management module.

Dr. Kim Petrie is Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Development, Dr. Ashley Brady is Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Kate Stuart is Associate Director, and Angela Zito is Assistant Director. Mary Gray Lindstrom lends event and logistical support as Program Manager.

Jan Varadarajan, PhD, is Assistant Director of Postdoc Support.

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Kate Stuart

Associate Director

Angela Zito, M.Ed. Assistant Director

Mary Gray Lindstrom Program Manager

Janani Varadarajan, PhD Assistant Director, Postdoc Support

ASPIRE Program • Office of Career Development • Biomedical Research Education and Training Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences bret.career.development@vanderbilt.edu

Trainees We Serve The ASPIRE Program serves PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical and life sciences. ASPIRE activities and individual advising are tailored for BRET-affiliated PhD graduate students and postdocs, and our events are open to the VU Community.

Postdoctoral Departments served

727

Graduate Students

1084 Total

PhD Programs served Biochemistry Biological Sciences Biomedical Informatics Biostatistics Cancer Biology Cell & Developmental Biology Chemical & Physical Biology Epidemiology Health Policy & Health Services Research Hearing & Speech Sciences Human Genetics Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Microbe-Host Interactions Molecular Pathology & Immunology Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Neuroscience Pharmacology Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program

Allergy/Pulmonary Anesthesiology Biochemistry Biomedical Informatics Biostatistics Cardiac Surgery Cardiology/Cardiovascular Cell & Developmental Biology Clinical Pharmacology Diabetes/Endocrinology Emergency Medicine Epidemiology Gastroenterology Postdoctoral Genetic Medicine Fellows Health Policy Hearing & Speech Sciences Hematology/Oncology Infectious Disease Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Nephrology Neurological Surgery Neurology Obstetrics & Gynecology Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Orthopaedic Surgery Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Pediatrics Pharmacology Plastic Surgery Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Rheumatology Surgery Urology Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science

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Career Exploration and Decision-Making Providing opportunities to explore careers is paramount to the ASPIRE program. Many of the foundational activities of the office are aimed at instilling confidence and facilitating career decision-making.

CV/Resume Drop-In Clinic The ASPIRE Program hosts a weekly CV/Resume Drop-In Clinic for VU and VUMC biomedical sciences PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. The members of the ASPIRE team will review CVs, NIH biosketches, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or other professional documents used in a job search. No appointment is needed.

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Drop-Ins

Individual Advising The ASPIRE Team meets with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows by appointment to discuss career exploration efforts and professional development topics. Topics include any aspect of the professional development or job search journey: • preparing and applying for academic positions and post-docs • graduate school survival skills • salary negotiation • presentation skills and interview tips • writing CVs, resumes, and cover letters • opportunities for scientists outside the academe

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261

Individual Appointments 155 PhD Students 86 Postdocs 13 Alumni 7 Others

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Episodes

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Beyond the Lab Podcast With ever-increasing career options for our PhD students and postdocs, many struggle to know if academia, government, non-profit, or industry would be a good fit for them, and why, and many find it difficult to know where to begin searching for their next role and what others like them have done.

The Beyond the Lab podcast is aimed to help trainees better understand career options in a widely accessible format and at a pace that they can choose. Beyond the Lab was first launched in 2013 as a YouTube video series and then transitioned to a successful podcast beginning in 2017. The series has over 110 episodes in which biomedical scientist alumni are interviewed about their professional journey and career. The standard format asks the interviewee about their time in training, the transition to their next role, and the actual details of their workday. Episodes foster insight into skill building, networking, job search strategies, and reflection about how time in PhD or postdoctoral training prepared them for their job.

Career Fields Represented

3,790 Downloads this Year

Below, alumna Bojana Jovanovich, PhD, shares her story with Kate Stuart for a Beyond the Lab podcast episode.

21,976 All Time Downloads

Season 7 was recorded in 2023-2024. Beyond the Lab series covers 30 different career categories and has been downloaded over 21,000 times. The podcast format makes career information easily accessible while multitasking at the bench, on a walk, or even in the car by listening via iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, or directly from the ASPIRE website, which lists all episodes by category.

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BRET’s Annual Career Symposium Helps Students Explore a Variety of Biomedical Career Paths

By Alexandra Scammell, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences On May 31, the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training’s ASPIRE Program hosted its yearly career symposium, bringing together biomedical science professionals, including basic sciences alums, to speak about their jobs and share their Top, all diverse career pathways with more than 200 attending speakers of biomedical graduate students and postdoctoral the 2024 Annual Career fellows. This year’s theme, “A Kaleidoscope of Symposium Biomedical Science Careers,” emphasized the variety featured above.

Above, Dr. Kim of roles available to trainees once they complete their training, from research and academia to industry and Petrie talks with former government. student and current speaker Meagan Quinlan. Right, top to bottom, Kate Stuart and Mary Gray Lindstrom oversee from the back of the ballrooms.

Trainees pick up registration documents.

Speaker Isaac Zike and Henry Henderson speak with attendees.

“The ASPIRE Annual Career Symposium is an excellent opportunity for our trainees to explore careers and has proven particularly effective because they hear from former graduates of our own PhD training programs,” Walter Chazin, senior associate dean of BRET, said. “The fact that we have so many alumni who are highly motivated to come back to campus to share their stories and network is a powerful testament to the success of our graduate training in the biomedical sciences.”

Every year, BRET brings back a handful of alums to discuss career opportunities for biomedical sciences PhD’s and the diverse landscape of biomedical careers with current trainees.

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“Our PhD and postdoctoral alumni go on to become leaders in many spheres, both in and beyond academia,” Kim Petrie, director of the ASPIRE program. “If a typical PhD student connects with career symposia during each of their five years in grad school, they can build their professional network by 50–60 people!”

In addition to these alum speakers, the opening keynote talk was given by communications expert Jean-Luc Doumont, whose background is in engineering and applied physics. Currently, Doumont trains researchers, engineers, managers, and other professionals to effectively communicate, think critically, and enhance other professional development skills.

“It was refreshing to hear a talk with practical advice from a trained scientist!” Cherie Saffold, graduate student in the molecular pathology and immunology graduate program, said.

In tandem with the day’s talks, symposium participants engaged in dynamic networking sessions and discussions on topics ranging from effective communication and grant writing to navigating the job market and developing a personal brand. One hands-on workshop, “How to Network,” was designed to help attendees build skills necessary for successful careers.

Cherie Saffold networking at the 2024 ASPIRE Career Symposium “Networking is a skill, and no one has ever taught me how to do it,” Saffold said. “[In the workshop], I felt like I learned some concrete step to practice and improve my networking skills.”

Like Saffold, many attendees left the day with valuable connections and insights that could lead to future collaborations and career advancements.

Top, trainees enjoy the casual networking reception at the end of the symposium. Second above, Kristin Burnum-Johnson speaks candidly at the Fireside Chat. Inset, keynote Karissa Culbreath meets a graduate student. Above, Eric Johnson shares his industry experience. Below, Jean-Luc Doumont conducts the workshop on “Networking for Researchers.” Left, trainees mingle between sessions.

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Basic Sciences Trainees Visit Boston’s Biotech with ASPIRE on the Road By graduate students Christopher Williams and Kateryna Nabukhotna Deciding on one’s future beyond graduate school or a postdoc fellowship is a daunting task. But for us and 10 other School of Medicine Basic Sciences students, the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training helped facilitate the next steps in our careers.

Our group of trainees had the unique opportunity to travel to Boston in May to visit biomedical companies new and old, large and small, through the ASPIRE on the Road program. Throughout the tours, we found comfort among the familiar, including our favorite lab equipment, caffeinefueled science, and the smiles of fellow Commodores.

Before hitting the road, all 12 participants submitted a cover letter and resume to the BRET Office in which we demonstrated our interest in the program and the pursuit of a career in industry. Many of us were unsure of precisely what to expect on this trip, but thankfully Ashley Brady, assistant dean of biomedical career engagement and strategic partnerships and the trip’s organizer, went to great lengths to ensure we were exceptionally well prepared for any and all professional situations. We gathered for two meetings ahead of the trip in which we discussed trip logistics, how to dress, backgrounds of the companies we were visiting, the individuals from each company who would host us during these visits, and more. Needless to say, by the time we landed in Boston, we were ready to go!

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Our first stop on the trip was MOMA Therapeutics, a biotech company with fewer than 100 employees that specializes in developing small molecule inhibitors of MOlecular MAchines (enzymes that create force, work, and motion and that give the company its name). A panel of employees from different departments within the company showed us just how critical collaborative work is at a smaller organization, where enthusiasm to learn and help others is indispensable when driving innovation.

On day two of our trip we visited several larger pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck. Our conversations with employees at these companies covered just about

everything, including company structure and organization, hiring processes and tips for application success, the enormous breadth of positions and functional roles within these organizations, and more.

sleek and modern lab spaces with powerful equipment and ample resources for cutting-edge research, but made sure employees were well hydrated and caffeinated. Espresso machines, sparkling water dispensers, and cold brew on tap were fixtures of each laboratory visit that we were always sure to take advantage of!

“It was so inspiring to meet the next generation of scientific talent! The ASPIRE program is such a valuable resource for the biomedical An exciting graduate program networking by providing a way opportunity took to introduce some of place during the Vanderbilt’s graduate Vanderbilt Alumni students to careers Networking Happy outside of academia Hour. Before this and, importantly, event, we were to network with provided a list of former alums,” attendees and their said Roshi Afshar, current occupations Ph.D.’05, principal so that we could scientist at JnJ identify specific Innovative Medicine. people we hoped to “I appreciated the connect with. The questions and interest happy hour kicked the students had as off with a greeting Opposite page, the group visits The Engine Accelerator; below the group they gained exposure to what poses for a photo before arriving at Sanofi. Above, the ASPIRE on the from the dean of Basic life is like for different roles in Road trainees gather at MOMA Therapeutics. Below, Council of Visitors Sciences, John Kuriyan, and industry, and, as someone who member Asit Parkh shares his experience at MOMA Therapeutics. provided an immediate sense knows firsthand how difficult of Vanderbilt community. that leap from academics to As the evening went on, we industry can be, I hope they had friendly, helpful, and were able to take home some meaningful conversations nuggets of inspiration and with Vanderbilt alums learnings as they navigate the and ended up meeting next phase of their careers.” and interacting with more people than we originally The next day included visits anticipated. to incubator spaces that house (very) small biotech startups A significant and unique that often have just a few aspect of the trip was the employees. Many of these companies occupy less bench ability to gain firsthand information about industry career space than our own labs at Vanderbilt but maintain access paths directly from scientists who had a range of roles to what is otherwise prohibitively expensive equipment and within different companies. As many of us have a longresources. term objective to transition to a career in industry, we were specifically curious about what we could currently do as Before returning to Nashville, we made one last stop at graduate students and postdocs to increase our chances of Dewpoint Therapeutics, a smaller biotech company that being successful applicants for industry roles. targets biomolecular condensates. Researchers at Dewpoint showed us how their novel compound-screening pipeline We learned specifics about each company’s positions and integrates artificial intelligence to discover compounds that interview processes. These behind-the-scenes details were modulate the behavior of cells. tremendously helpful as we look to start navigating the application process and search for the appropriate job Each company—regardless of size—provided not only match. We also garnered general insights into the qualities

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and skills that are critical for getting a job in industry; employees at each company repeatedly mentioned networking as one of the essential factors that can help us stand out from other applicants. Having internal reference contacts can also make a notable difference during the hiring team’s decision-making process.

The ASPIRE on the Road trip was an outstanding opportunity for each of us to grow our networks. At every company, we met scientists at different career stages who specialize in various research areas, which enabled us to establish the most relevant networking contacts based on our individual scientific and career interests.

It was a pleasure to be a part of this year’s ASPIRE on the Road group. Although most of us did not know each other before the trip, all trip participants became quick friends who connected thanks to our common interests. It quickly became apparent that the group consisted of ambitious, curious, open-minded, and driven people ready to ask questions and maximize opportunities. We networked with each other and bonded throughout the trip, particularly during an inspirational walking tour of Kendall Square, one the most innovative spots on the planet due to its high concentration of biotech and pharma companies.

We returned to Nashville feeling inspired and ready to make well-informed career decisions that will hopefully bring us one step closer to our future dream jobs!

Opposite page, top, the group visits Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; middle left, Council of Visitor member Lori RudolphOwen and Ashley Brady; bottom, the group on a rooftop at Sanofi.

Current page, above, the group tours Kendall Square with alumni tour guides. Left, trainees pop over to the Broad Institute. Below left, Sanofi graciously hosted our trainees for a tour of their facility.

Below, all participants with Ashley Brady at MOMA Therapeutics.

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Vanderbilt students Laurel Bellocchio, Audrey Arner and Logan Northcutt outside the U.S. Capitol (Heather Bloemhard / Vanderbilt University)

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Vanderbilt students explore STEM policy in Washington, D.C.

By Vanderbilt University Three Vanderbilt graduate students traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The workshop provides an opportunity for students from around the country to learn from experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. The Vanderbilt Office of Federal Relations has been sponsoring graduate students to participate in the AAAS CASE workshop for a decade.

The program aims to empower students to leverage their scientific expertise to shape public policy.

Sessions covered a spectrum of topics, ranging from science policy, career pathways and the federal budget process to science communication skills and advocacy.

Participants also learned how congressional offices and federal agencies operate and what it’s like to work there.

On the final day of the workshop, the Vanderbilt graduate students met with staff in four congressional offices, specifically those working in the intersection of science and policy. The staffers shared their perspectives on how scientists can advocate to shape public policy. The meetings were arranged

by Vanderbilt’s Federal Relations team, offering a uniquely comprehensive experience for the Vanderbilt students.

“As a PhD student knowing I don’t want to continue into academia, science policy is the answer to so many questions I had about how to use my expertise in the government sector,” said Lauren Bellocchio, PhD candidate in Chemistry. “This workshop taught me about how the federal budget is used for promoting science and technology policy, and I gained the invaluable firsthand experience of speaking directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill.”

Logan Northcutt, PhD candidate in Cancer Biology, added, “I really learned a lot about policymaking and how funding for science is influenced by government priorities. I would highly recommend the AAAS CASE Workshop to anyone who is interested in science policy.”

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations works in close partnership with the Graduate Leadership Institute and the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training ASPIRE program who select the students who participate each year.

“I’m thrilled to continue bringing students to Capitol Hill as part of the AAAS CASE program,” said Heather Bloemhard, associate director of federal relations.

“The workshop is an excellent opportunity for both professional development and civic education; it is gratifying to see them gain valuable insights into science policy and advocacy and learn how they can have a meaningful impact on policy as both citizens and scientists.”

For students and post-docs interested in exploring careers in science policy or advocacy, Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations hosts a biennial Federal STEM Policy & Advocacy Seminar. This program, inspired by the AAAS CASE Workshop, offers content tailored to the interests of the Vanderbilt community.

The next seminar is tentatively scheduled for fall 2024 in Washington, D.C. The Division of Government and Community Relations is committed to fostering civic engagement and advocacy among students, faculty and staff. Students can learn more about how to be an engaged citizen in the Student Advocacy Guide.

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PhD Career Stories A long-standing tradition since 2011, PhD Career Stories is a monthly seminar series for trainees to learn about the varied careers a biomedical science PhD can pursue. The informal event features alumni who can offer insight into working post-PhD. This past year, the ASPIRE program hosted speakers who shared their experiences in: Research Development Management Consulting Medical Writing Industry Postdocs Clinical Laboratory Medicine Patent Law Product Management Entrepreneurship Product Design and Development

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Above, Jake Brown discusses his role as a product manager at Mars Petcare.

Below, Janice Ascano and Phil Ko speak on their work within the Vanderbilt Research Development team. Bottom, Form Bio director Amicia Elliott on right, spoke about her journey in entrepreneurship and also took time to meet with Kaitlyn Browning, the ASPIRE intern with Form Bio. At left are screen shots of the virtual PhD Career Stories about Industry Postdocs.

A Snapshot of ASPIRE on the Road in St. Louis

By Minh “Amy” Tran, graduate student In October 2023, I, along with a select group of biomedical PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis, Missouri, a national hub for biopharma and plant biotechnology, to explore potential careers and learn about working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries firsthand.

Before the trip, Ashley Brady, assistant dean of biomedical career engagement and strategic partnerships and the trip’s organizer, prepared a pre-information session for us, which was incredibly helpful. During the session we reviewed the companies and leaders we would visit, thought through what our discussions should entail, and considered what types of careers each company could facilitate. We also discussed how to best position ourselves for networking opportunities, and got to know our peers. Ashley ensured we would make the most out of this field trip experience!

Larry’s willingness to pave the way for future students was inspirational and I hope to do the same for future Vanderbilt Ph.D. students someday.

“I remember sitting at my desk in the lab at Vandy while I was job hunting and making a promise to myself that if I ever made it across the abyss to the other side that I would do everything I could to help all the students possible navigate that unknown as well,” Thompson said.

“The opportunity to share all the information available to help [the ASPIRE on the Road participants] see what we do and how they could fit into to that framework was very rewarding. I hope it gave them some faith that finding an industry role that fits into their career plans is possible.

I hope their visit inspired them that they too could have impact on patients’ lives.”

Our visit to the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center, one of the largest plant research centers in the area, broadened my perspective on biotech as my scope had On our first night in St. always been biomedical Louis, we enjoyed dinner research aimed at disease with biochemistry alum prevention through Larry Thompson, PhD’06, vaccines. At Danforth, associate research fellow where labs are funded at Pfizer Research & by the center and federal Development, who grants, we learned how helped organize the trip. improving plant and food It was encouraging to production, increasing connect with a fellow crop nutrition, and researcher who had once enhancing crop resistance been in our position and to harsh weather and successfully transitioned Top, the ASPIRE on the Road: St. Louis stand in front of Eurofins. Above, alumni and city host diseases can also improve Larry Thompson kick off the trip at a welcome dinner gathering. into a career in industry. human health. It was

fascinating to discover that many scientists on staff came from fields like genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology and not plant science like we expected. It was illuminating to understand just how transferable a PhD’s skillsets can be, even if more background knowledge needs to be acquired once on the job.

We met Elliot Kellner, the director of commercial innovation on Danforth’s innovative partnership team. His career path was particularly inspiring: Starting as a faculty member, he realized his strength lay in communicating and explaining scientific ideas. This led him to a role in commercializing research into patents and products. He showed us that research and development is not the only career path for biomedical science trainees and that there are multiple roles that can leverage our personal strengths while allowing us to remain passionate and involved in science.

The second day of our trip was focused on visiting the larger pharmaceutical companies Bayer Crop Sciences and Pfizer.

At Pfizer, we toured the facility and met with various staff working on analytical, bioprocess, and pharmaceutical R&D. We enjoyed networking with Pfizer employees, who were open and shared valuable career advice. Deepika Nambiar, a protein scientist who completed her postdoctoral research at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of being proactive about professional development, taking advantage of the numerous classes, soft skills training, and internal job postings that are made available at any place you work for.

The networking continued into the evening at a happy hour organized as part of the trip. Around 30 alums joined us, all friendly, helpful, and eager to get to know us and share their wisdom. In speaking with the alums, the fact that diverse career paths are available after we earn our degrees, from postdocs and business/product managers to pharmaceutical sales representatives, became crystal clear.

Our visit continued with a visit to BioSTL, a nonprofit focused on growing the city’s

Top, the ASPIRE on the Road: St. Louis group visit Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Second from top, trainees visit Discovery Services in nearby St. Charles, MO. Above, members of the group before entering the Donald Danford Plant Science Center. Right, trainees smile at Millipore Sigma.

biotech ecosystem. The BioSTL team of PhD scientists scout for biotech startups, conduct market research to assess their potential, and invests in or incubates them to help them succeed. This fast-paced, market-driven environment appealed to those of us on the trip who were interested in business and entrepreneurship.

Millipore Sigma was the last stop of the trip.

There, we had the opportunity to learn about their process for developing assay kits for labs and companies. A friend and postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Walter Chazin, Randika Perera, made a connection during this visit and ended up moving to St. Louis to work for them!

“My ASPIRE on the Road experience in St. Louis was truly transformative. Visits to St. Louis’ cutting-edge companies and research institutions, including MilliporeSigma, gave us valuable insights into industry practices and provided networking with industry experts,” Perera said.

Later, when applying for a job at MilliporeSigma, Perera mentioned that he had visited one of their sites and the scientists he had met there. “This led to an engaging conversation about the different MilliporeSigma sites in St. Louis and a job offer!

The ASPIRE on the Road trip not only expanded my professional network, but also showcased the importance of seizing opportunities and being proactive in career development,” Perera said.

Looking back, the trip accomplished exactly what I hoped it would: it exposed me to the vast array of career paths available to graduate students like me, from R&D and business management to investing and consulting. The connections I made with my peers, various speakers, and Vanderbilt alums are invaluable as I think about what’s my next step. Ultimately, I am grateful to ASPIRE and especially Ashley for making this experience possible.

Top, trainees tour a greenhouse facility inside Bayer Crop Sciences. Second from top, the group gathered for a photo outside of Bayer Crop Sciences. Above, author Minh Tran, Menghan Mei, and Ashley Brady pose with host Larry Thompson at Pfizer with the retired fermentor which produced >3.2 billion COVID vaccine doses at this site. Left, Pfizer host Larry Thompson greeted the group upon arrival at Pfizer.

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Trainee Professional Development Skill-building, networking, negotiating, and managing a professional image are important aspects of a trainee’s professional development. Our workshops, seminars, modules, and informal cafés help equip trainees for the next step in their career path.

ASPIRE Modules

ASPIRE Modules fill in any training gap for career readiness a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow may have.

The ASPIRE Modules are short, non-credit bearing electives that broaden the training experiences of biomedical sciences trainees.

These elective modules provide efficient exposure to topics in major career theme areas. The ASPIRE Modules are optional and open to any biomedical sciences trainee who wishes to take them to supplement their research training.

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For the final presentations of the ASPIRE Management and Business Principles module, Professor Joe Rando, left, congratulates the winning team for their excellent efforts in the module.

2023 Workshop: Preparing for a Faculty Career and Job Search

Faculty in teaching-intensive roles engage in a panel discussion about their jobs, from left to right, alumni Karen Meisch, Austin Peay State University; Chris Barton, Belmont University; and Wallace Sharif, Morehouse College.

This ASPIRE Workshop for Preparing for a Faculty Career and Job Search is for postdocs and late-stage grad students in the biomedical and life sciences who are interested in faculty careers. The full day event features interactive sessions and panel discussions with current faculty on topics ranging from exploring faculty roles, to interviewing for faculty jobs. Topics include:

Understanding the Landscape of Faculty Careers Planning Your Independent Research Career Applying and Interviewing for Faculty Jobs Negotiating Your Faculty Position International Faculty Panel

Faculty members Dave Cortez, Kathy DelGiorno, and Eric Skaar share their words of wisdom at the Faculty Job Search Workshop. Right, a panel of faculty share their experiences about the international faculty search. Below, Kim Petrie kicks off the day with welcome remarks.

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Ashley Brady covers Interviewing 101 during a monthly session of the ASPIRE Job Search Series.

Job Search Series The ASPIRE Job Search Series is a monthly career development workshop series for biomedical PhD students and postdoctoral scientists covering topics pertinent to preparing for and participating in the job search.

Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit The ASPIRE Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit is a career development workshop series focused on equipping biomedical PhD students and postdoctoral fellows with the skills and insight to achieve their highest potential during their research training and beyond.

ASPIRE Cafe for Postdoctoral Fellows The ASPIRE Cafe for Postdoctoral Fellows is a seminar series featuring career development and professionalism topics curated specifically to help postdoctoral fellows maximize their training and successfully transition to their next career stage.

Storing Funding Success: ASPIRE Grant Repository The ASPIRE team maintains a repository of funded grant applications written by Vanderbilt graduate students. Access is granted to Vanderbilt graduate students who are currently writing a grant application. Currently the repository contains example F31 NIH NRSA, AHA, and NSF GRFP grant applications.

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The ASPIRE Grant Repository has expanded to assist faculty who are writing NIH Diversity Supplement applications. Faculty members with a funded NIH diversity supplement are encouraged to share their applications as an example for future Vanderbilt faculty applicants.

Trainees accessed repository since Fall 2021

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NSF GRFP examples

2

F31s

2

American Heart Assoc

Diversity Supplements

3

F30s

ASPIRE Path in Molecular Medicine

The ASPIRE Path in Molecular Medicine (APMM) is designed to provide advanced training in the field of molecular medicine, which bridges basic science with clinical application. The program is dedicated to educating the next generation of researchers and practitioners by integrating cutting-edge molecular techniques with clinical insights to enhance understanding and treatment of diseases.

Key Components of the Program • Training and Education: APMM offers comprehensive training opportunities that include coursework, seminars, and hands-on research experiences. The curriculum equips students with a robust understanding of molecular mechanisms and their relevance to medical practice.

• Research Opportunities: Students in the program engage in research projects that explore the molecular basis of diseases and potential therapeutic strategies. The research is collaborative, involving both basic scientists and clinicians.

To participate, students must meet academic and research prerequisites. This includes foundational knowledge in molecular biology and relevant laboratory skills.

The program aims to foster a multidisciplinary approach, preparing trainees to contribute significantly to the field of molecular medicine through innovative research and clinical applications.

APMM Program alumni have pursued a diverse range of basic science, translational, or clinical research careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Above, at this year’s annual summer retreat, students showcased their research findings, participated in presentations at the anatomy lab, and had the privilege of hearing from keynote speaker Ben Park, Director of VUMC Precision Oncology.

Left, APMM leadership presents certificates for students completing the program.

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Rachelle Johnson, PhD Co-Program Director

Matt Luther, PhD Co-Program Director

Christopher S. Wilson Program Assistant Director

Mary Gray Lindstrom Program Manager

L E A D E R S H I P

Abigail Brown, PhD Co-Program Director

A P M M

Mark de Caestecker, MB, PhD Program Director

Bench-to-Bedside The “Bench to Bedside” mini-symposium series was created to enhance interaction and discussion between Vanderbilt biomedical science graduate and postdoctoral education programs and clinical scientists involved in patient care.

Dr. Daniel Perrien and Dr. Kathryn Dahir discussed fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).

Dr. Perrien is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Emory. Dr. Dahir is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Below, Keynote speaker Dr. Ben Park presented on “Found” in translation: Science driven by unmet clinical needs.

Summer Retreat

2023-24 APMM Activities September 6

Fall Orientation

September 12

Clinical Orientation

September 20

Welcome Reception

October 4

Speed Icebreaker Meeting

October 25 Bench to Bedside Symposium Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Emily Martin, PhD and Rebecca Hung, MD, PhD November 1

Town Hall and Info Session

November 15

Bench to Bedside Symposium – VIVID Health Multi-disciplinary gender-affirming care Kevin Niswender, MD, PhD

November 29 Seminar Series – Health Dipartites in Kidney Disease Ebele Umeukeje, MD, MPH December 13 Bench to Bedside Symposium

Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation David Charles, MD and Mallory Hacker, PhD, MSCI January 10

Clinical Quiz

February 2 Bench to Bedside Symposium –

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Dr. Doug Johnson, MD February 7 APMM Student Research Talk Heather Hartmann and Amelia Cephas March 6 APMM Student Research Talk Tara Hickman March 20 Bench to Bedside Symposium –

Cystic Fibrosis: From Bench to Bedside Allison Miller, MD and Dan Cook, MD, PhD April 3 APMM Student Research Talk Lindsay Bass April 17: Bench to Bedside Symposium

New Therapeutic Approaches for Hypophosphatasia Kathryn Dahir, MD April 24

APMM Happy Hour

May 1 APMM Student Research Talk Sudiksha Rathan Kumar May 15 Bench to Bedside Symposium – Myelodysplastic Syndrome:

Understanding a Failing Bone Marrow and its Risks P. Brent Ferrell, MD May 22

APMM Happy Hour

June 28

Summer Retreat

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Campus Partnerships and Faculty Outreach The BRET Office of Career Development strives to maintain partnerships with departments and programs across campus. We partner by providing presentations on a variety of professional and academic development topics and serving on university committees.

ASPIRE Campus Advisory Roles The ASPIRE Team serve in a variety of capacities to advise and partner with campus organizations, committees, and initiatives: • Dean’s Advisory Council for Mental Health and Wellness • Graduate Development Network • Basic Sciences Council of Visitors • Vestigo Editorial Board • VU Science Policy Student Group Faculty Advisor • Vanderbilt University Advanced Degree Consulting Club Staff Advisor • Professional Development Course, “Becoming a Scientist,” IGP Curriculum Review Committee • Life Science Tennessee Academic Alliance • VU Corporate Partnerships Advisory Board

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Campus Partners

Kim Petrie greets trainees while participating in the Career Passport event organized by the Vanderbilt Graduate Development Network which encouraged students to discover campus resources in a fun way.

Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Dean’s Office Vanderbilt University Medical Center Vanderbilt Graduate School Vanderbilt Career Center Vanderbilt Center for Tech Transfer & Commercialization Training Programs in the Biomedical & Biological Sciences Vanderbilt Development & Alumni Relations Vanderbilt Graduate Development Network Vanderbilt Graduate Leadership Institute Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, & Inflammation (VI4) Vanderbilt International Student & Scholar Services Vanderbilt Graduate Program in Chemistry Vanderbilt Managerial Studies Program Vanderbilt Medical Scientist Training Program Vanderbilt Office of Federal Relations Vanderbilt Office of Public Affairs Vanderbilt Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Vanderbilt Process & Solution Implementations Vanderbilt Research Cores & Shared Resources Vanderbilt School of Engineering Vanderbilt University Advanced Degree Consulting Club Vanderbilt Science Policy Group Vanderbilt University Counseling Center The Vanderbilt Collaborative for STEM Education & Outreach (CSEO) Vanderbilt Writing Studio The Wond’ry

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National Career Development Research and Best Practices Career and professional development best practices and trends are constantly evolving. To continue to provide outstanding services and remain at the forefront of graduate and postdoctoral career development, the ASPIRE Program cultivates partnerships and participates in professional organizations to share our work.

Outcomes Publication From Goal to Outcome: Analyzing the Progression of Biomedical Sciences PhD Careers in a Longitudinal Study using an Expanded Taxonomy Authors: Abigail M. Brown, Lindsay C. Meyers, Janani Varadarajan, Nicholas J. Ward, JeanPhilippe Cartailler, Roger G. Chalkley, Kathleen L. Gould, Kimberly A. Petrie Using a taxonomy that delineates key milestones, the study of the BRET Outcomes team analyzed biomedical PhD student career goals and outcomes. The group related career goal at defense with first position after PhD, first non-training position, and job at several timepoints after graduation. Students commonly changed career goals during training and entered first nontraining positions in different career areas than their goal at defense. The career area of graduates’ first non-training position was a good indicator of their job 10 years after graduation.

The Outcomes Team hosted Town Hall seminars to discuss the results with the BRET community.

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Graduate Career Consortium

GCC Leadership

Jan Varadarajan and Kim Petrie presented a concurrent talk at the 2024 Graduate Career Consortium Conference in Philadelphia. There, they presented on the recent FASEB paper findings of longitudinal alumni outcomes data.

Jan Varadarajan is the Co-Chair of the Finance Committee.

Kate Stuart is the Director of Southeast Region and Regional Conference Committee Chair.

Ashley Brady is a member of the Professional Development Committee.

Above, RC Stabile, Kate Stuart, Jessica Abner, and Jan Varadarajan participate in the 2024 national Graduate Career Consortium conference in Philadelphia, PA.

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National Postdoctoral Association

Jan Varadarajan and Kate Stuart traveled to the 2024 National Postdoctoral Association meeting in March 2024. Both presented posters, and Kate Stuart was chosen to present a lightning talk, “A Tradition Worth Keeping: the ASPIRE Annual Career Symposium.”

Kate Stuart and Jan Varadarajan presented posters and a lightning talk at the 2024 National Postdoctoral Association Conference in Seattle.

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Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Guidance for Trainees Jan Varadarajan was selected to participate in the BWF Career Guidance for Trainees workshop which allowed award recipients extra training to accompany their grant funding to enhance training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows around a specific career area.

2023 AAMC GREAT Conference Professional Development Activities for ASPIRE Staff • Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Guidance Project Development and Evaluation Workshop • 2024 Graduate Career Consortium Annual Meeting • 2024 Graduate Career Consortium Regional Meeting • 2024 National Postdoctoral Association Annual Conference

Kim Petrie and Lindsay Meyers represented the BRET Office at the poster presentation session of the 2023 AAMC GREAT Conference.

• 2023 AAMC GREAT Group Annual Conference • RedCap Day 2023

Biomedical PhD Alumni Career Goals and Outcomes Revealed in New Research

By Marissa Shapiro, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences A team from the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training published a longitudinal study of the career goals and outcomes of up to 1,452 biomedical sciences PhD graduates. The study provides clarity on how students’ career goals change during graduate school and how career goals at graduation connect to career outcomes.

The article, “From goal to outcome: Analyzing the progression of biomedical sciences PhD careers in a longitudinal study using an expanded taxonomy,” has broad implications for academic and biomedical research communities, funding organizations, employers and PhD trainees in the face of a changing workforce and economy. The article was published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal FASEB BioAdvances on October 5, 2023.

This research connects career goals during graduate school with career outcomes and shows the career evolution of PhD alumni longitudinally during the critical, career-defining 10 years after graduation with a PhD. The job landscape for PhD graduates has changed

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over the past decade, in part due to the country’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy. There are greater chances for people with advanced thinking, analysis and communication skills developed during their PhD studies to work for private companies in 2023 than in 2013. This shift is intensified by the stagnation or lessening of the number of permanent faculty positions in universities during this time. The result is that fewer PhD graduates are taking the traditional route of becoming professors in universities.

“This trend is especially true for biomedical science PhD graduates,” said Abigail Brown, first author of the article, director of outcomes research for BRET and assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics. “The number of PhD degrees granted by U.S. institutions has quadrupled in the last 40 years, while available tenure-track faculty jobs have remained steady.”

While there are numerous compelling career prospects for PhD scientists, little is known about the factors that influence their career choices. Equally lacking is data about career path progression and how it aligns with the aspirations of PhD students during their studies.

To address these gaps, the BRET team’s study followed the careers of 1,452 Vanderbilt biomedical PhD alumni

who graduated between 1997 and 2021, for up to 10 years after their thesis defense. Their work was guided by their goal of more closely aligning the structure of biomedical PhD training programs with career development initiatives for Vanderbilt trainees and with national workforce trends.

“We found that most students changed their career goals during graduate school, which speaks to the importance of universities and graduate programs providing opportunities for PhD students to explore career options and their interests,” said Kimberly Petrie, principal investigator on the study, assistant dean for biomedical career development for BRET and associate professor of medical education and administration. “Our findings emphasize that PhD students need a wide range of career development opportunities and career mentoring during graduate school to help them transition efficiently to their future careers inside and beyond academia.”

Other findings include:

• In line with national trends in postdoctoral employment over time, there is a declining number of Ph.D. students pursuing postdoctoral training.

The article co-authors include Lindsay Meyers, Assistant Dean of BRET Operations, Janani Varadarajan, Assistant Director of Postdoc Support and Outcomes Research Project Manager, Nicholas Ward, former Outcomes Research Project Manager, Jean-Philippe Cartailler, Director of Creative Data Solutions in the Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Roger Chalkley, former Senior Associate Dean of BRET and professor emeritus of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Kathleen L. Gould, Louise B. McGavock Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and former Senior Associate Dean of BRET. This work was supported in part by a Common Fund NIH Director’s Biomedical Research Workforce Innovation Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training Award (DP7OD018423).

• Overall, about 30 percent of students were interested in research-intensive faculty jobs at the time of doctoral defense.

• Students who became more interested in pursuing a faculty job during graduate school cited a high-quality mentoring experience or increased confidence in their ability to succeed.

• Many alumni ultimately pursued different careers than their stated career goal at the end of graduate school, suggesting that alumni also switch goals during postdoctoral training.

• By 10 years after graduation, about one third of alumni were in academic research positions. The remaining alumni were employed in other types of roles in academia, industry, government and nonprofits.

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Employer Relations and Workforce Development ASPIRE partnerships with companies and organizations lead to exciting exploratory visits, internships, and externships for our trainees. Employer Relations and Workforce Development also includes: • Meetings with potential and current employer partners • Hosting employer information sessions • Speaking at conferences and giving invited talks • Serving on committees to represent Vanderbilt biomedical trainees

ASPIRE Internship Program The ASPIRE Program facilitates opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to conduct internships and gain hands-on experience with a project in a professional work environment. From remote work as a planner for a large national conference or a business development analyst for a local biotech company, the internship program offers experiential learning opportunities with depth and breadth.

Since the ASPIRE Program began in Fall 2015,

203 trainees

(146 graduate students, 57 postdocs) have completed internships with 47 partner companies and non-profit hosts.

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Karen Tkach Tuzman, Head, Discovery & Preclinical Development and Director of Biopharma Intelligence, and BioCentury Inc. (Redwood City, CA) visited campus to meet with BioCentury’s ASPIRE interns along with local alumna and former intern, Sara Winn, Associate Director of Data & Analytics at BioCentury, Inc.

2023-2024 Internship Hosts 6th Floor Insights Belmont University BioCentury, Inc. Digital Medicine Society CSNK2A1 Foundation Decode Health Digital Medicine Society Form Bio Pendant Biosciences, Inc. Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation VI4, PMI, VUMC Vanderbilt Institute of Clinical and Translational Research Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences

Employer Relations Developing relationships with local and national companies keeps the ASPIRE pipeline flowing with talent and opportunities! Establishing these partnerships yields employer information sessions for biomedical sciences

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PhDs, conference meetups, internship opportunities, and other connections for the trainee population to embed into the scientific ecosystem.

Employer Partner Meetings

Form Bio Life Science TN

Employer Info Sessions When they visit campus, employers meet with trainees and are exposed to the population we serve in-person. In turn, trainees learn what companies have to offer and develop personal connections that offer insight into a company’s culture and values. Trainees can also use the time to explore if a company is a good fit.

ORISE Merck

Alumnus Brandon Vara with Merck Chemistry (above) and Meagan Morris with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (right) presented employer information sessions to trainees.

ORISE

Vanderbilt Basic Science Alum Q&A: Randy Perera, PhD Dr. Perera is shown here at BioSTL, an entrepreneur center and incubator in St. Louis, looking down on their lab space during his ASPIRE on the Road trip to St. Louis.

By Alexandra Scammell, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences The School of Medicine Basic Sciences has seen remarkable and diverse trainees come through its doors, collaborate and learn from distinguished faculty, then graduate from one of our nationally ranked departments. But where are they now?

They go on to become leaders in basic science fields at notable institutions, universities, governmental entities, and research and development companies. Some of the places our alums have gone on to work are U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Pfizer Inc., Food and Drug Administration, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to name but a few. And some even decide to stay at Vanderbilt!

Meet Randika “Randy” Perera, Fellow’24, who worked in the lab of Walter Chazin and is now a scientist at the pharmaceutical and biotech company MilliporeSigma. His work is focused on antibody drug conjugate-based drugs as a targeted therapy for treating cancer.

We sat down with Perera to discuss his experiences studying basic science and how it played a role in his successful career.

What activities at Vanderbilt had the most significant impact on your career path?

The ASPIRE Program profoundly shaped my professional growth by offering a rich array of resources and opportunities, such as career workshops, mentorship, and networking events.

The ASPIRE on the Road trips especially were transformative, allowing me to explore various industries, connect with professionals, and gain valuable insights into different career paths. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications and career readiness equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate my career journey effectively. x

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My ASPIRE on the Road experience in St. Louis was truly instrumental for my career. The program provided an incredible opportunity to explore the vibrant biotech and pharmaceutical landscape of the city. During the trip we took in October 2023, we visited several cutting-edge companies and research institutions, including MilliporeSigma, which allowed us to gain valuable insights into industry practices and network with industry experts.

Additionally, my involvement in the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, particularly with the Sullivan Family Ideator Program, was pivotal. It taught me how to translate scientific knowledge into viable business ideas and consider the broader impact of commercializing academic research.

This experience provided invaluable insights into the business aspects of science and prepared me for the dynamic world of pharmaceutical industry.

One of the greatest strengths of Vanderbilt is its ability to bring together like-minded, goal-oriented individuals who fostered my confidence and enabled me to achieve more than I had imagined.

Tell us more about your ASPIRE on the Road trip to St. Louis!

One of the highlights of the trip was the Q&A sessions, where we had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals. During MilliporeSigma’s Q&A, one of the panelists mentioned that, when preparing a resume, we should not only focus on our career achievements but also highlight how our experiences align with the job requirements and the company’s needs. This was a great eye-opener for me and greatly influenced how I prepared my resume.

During my interview process with MilliporeSigma, I was able to mention that I had visited one of their sites and named the panelists I had spoken with. This led to an engaging

conversation about the different MilliporeSigma sites in St. Louis, and eventually resulted in a job offer.

The ASPIRE on the Road trip not only expanded my professional network but also showcased the importance of seizing opportunities and being proactive in career development. It was a remarkable experience that significantly influenced my career trajectory.

Were there any specific mentors or professors who played a crucial role in shaping your career aspirations?

Walter Chazin, who was my postdoc advisor, was one of the best mentors I have encountered during my career. When I first joined his lab, I mentioned my aspiration to join the biotech or pharmaceutical industries after my postdoc period.

Drawing from his extensive experience, he helped me curate my career and personal development goals to enhance my competitiveness for industry positions. He was approachable and available, creating a comfortable environment for me to seek advice and ask questions.

Dr. Chazin provided me and my peers with honest, constructive feedback. He pointed out areas for improvement in a supportive manner, aimed at fostering both professional and personal development. His strong work ethic greatly influenced me, instilling a sense of dedication and discipline that has been invaluable in my career. He had a strong professional network and was generous in sharing connections, resources, and opportunities with me. Most importantly, he was empathetic to my challenges and perspectives, always encouraging me to see the bigger picture.

The other mentor who had a significant impact on my career was Andy Weiss, who was a postdoctoral scholar in Eric Skaar’s lab at the time. Andy was my first collaborator, and we worked closely together on several research projects, producing high-quality science. He was instrumental in guiding me through the transition from academia to industry.

Andy generously shared his experiences and insights, demystifying the process and helping me understand what to expect in the industry. His support extended beyond professional advice as he was also a great source of personal encouragement, reminding me to stay resilient and focused on my goals.

Can you share a pivotal moment or decision in your career?

Taking part in the ASPIRE on the Road program played a pivotal role in my career because I was at a crossroads at that time, debating whether to stay in academia or transition to industry. I hadn’t visited any pharmaceutical companies before, so I wanted to get some firsthand experience before

making my decision. Seeing the high-tech pharmaceutical companies and getting a glimpse of their culture by connecting with their employees gave me the perspective I needed. It confirmed my goal to join the industry, and from then on, I’ve never looked back.

How has the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical research training played a role in your ability to collaborate with professionals from different fields in your career?

During my time at Vanderbilt, I collaborated with research groups both within and outside the university, an experience that was invaluable in equipping me with skills to navigate diverse perspectives and manage conflict resolution, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships— skills crucial in the collaborative environment of the pharmaceutical industry.

Working with interdisciplinary teams and on complex research projects honed my problem-solving skills and adaptability. This experience proved invaluable during the interview process, where I could provide real-life examples of how I tackled challenges and contributed to successful outcomes in a collaborative environment.

Looking back, is there any advice you would give to yourself or current biomedical science students based on your own experiences and the lessons you have learned in your career?

Don’t hesitate to explore diverse opportunities and keep learning, even if they take you out of your comfort zone. The field of biomedical science is rapidly evolving, and ongoing learning is essential to stay current and competitive. Even if some techniques or instruments are not directly related to your research, still try to become familiar with them.

Vanderbilt has great resources for biomedical students. Each experience, whether successful or challenging, contributes to your growth and broadens your perspective.

Maintain good relationships with your peers and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Networking opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and potential career opportunities.

Since we are in the biomedical field, it is important to stay resilient. Some days, you might not obtain the results you want, or the experiments may fail, but view these as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow stronger. Finally, celebrate your successes, acknowledge your achievements and hard work, both big and small. Try a new restaurant in downtown Nashville or go watch a football game on Sunday with your friends. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being enhances productivity, boosts confidence, and motivates you for your future endeavors.

ASPIRE Travel Scholarship recipient Ximena Leon snaps a selfie at the Science Events Summit.

Exploring Careers in Science Outreach Graduate student attends Science Events Summit

By Ximena Leon, PhD Candidate My entire academic journey has been one of discovery— trying to make a clearer path towards a future career in STEM. But what does that look like when you are a graduate student with a plethora of career possibilities but none that seem to fit the parts of STEM that you are most passionate about?

Now a 4th year PhD student, the anxiety of figuring out

what I want to do with my degree is finally setting in. I have started looking into potential careers that both fit my skillset and incorporate aspects of my training that provide me with the most fulfillment. For me, what I enjoyed the most about science was the outreach and mentorship opportunities that evolved from my research experiences. Since starting college, I have focused on using my science background to connect students with STEM opportunities early in their academic journeys. However, I had no idea where to start with making this into a career! What would this career interest look like

outside of academia post-graduation? While on LinkedIn, I came across a post about the Science Events Summit—a gathering of individuals passionate about connecting people with science in their communities. What better way to explore a career in science outreach than by meeting the people who are actively involved in it?

Through support from the Science Events team and the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Travel Scholarship Program, I was able to attend the Science Events Summit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California this past June. Immediately upon arriving at the summit, I was greeted by friendly faces eager to talk about science events. The conference was structured with several roundtables, panel discussions, opportunities for oneon-one conversations, plenary talks, and a science events expo. The small size of the conference gave me the chance to meet every single attendee and prompted incredibly valuable and inspirational conversations.

I had the opportunity to co-lead one of the roundtable discussions with Francesca Long (Wisconsin Science Festival) on developing careers in science outreach. The roundtable discussion focused on topics from career trajectories, job titles, and how to leverage your skills to find a job in science outreach. This intimate group conversation allowed us to receive advice and raw perspectives about what it looks like to be in the field of science outreach, specifically two key things: 1) every career trajectory looks completely different and doesn’t have to be linear and 2) your technical skills aren’t the only things you bring to the table as a graduate student. Every individual sitting at the table had completely different paths— some had picked up jobs in science events after retiring from their previous jobs as professors and entrepreneurs, others discovered years into their industry jobs that their passion was in science communication, and some even started in event organization and found their way into science events. However, none of them had anticipated the career shifts that they would be making along the way. I also learned that years of experience in one career can lead to many transferable skills, and those around the table shared how they were able to leverage those skills and combine their passions to create a career in science events. Similarly, I realized that though the research skills we learn during graduate school may not be directly related to the career we envision having, we develop other skills, such as leadership and communication skills, that are valuable to jobs outside of research.

All you may need is a creative way to market yourself and the skills to back it up.

My conference experience could be summarized by final plenary talk speaker and founder of Pueblo consulting company, Daniel Aguirre, who advised to, “listen for an opportunity.” This really stuck with me as it encapsulates everything I learned at the summit—opportunities are everywhere. Networking is so important, and actively listening to the community of people that you are serving and collaborating with is crucial to a successful and meaningful career in science outreach.

I walked away from the summit with new friendships, opportunities for collaboration, and incredible career mentors. I encourage you to explore your passions because it may lead to a clear vision of what you want your future career to look like as well as a network of people that can help you reach your goals.

Advancing science and entrepreneurship: Leasure awarded the second ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship

By Ashley Brady, PhD Catherine Leasure, PhD’23, has been awarded the prestigious ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship. In her new role, which began on July 1, 2023, she is focusing on forming a start-up company based on technology developed at Vanderbilt University by Gregor Neuert, associate professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, that can model the pharmacodynamic profile of drugs.

The ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship is a collaborative initiative of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, the BRET Office of Career Development’s ASPIRE Program, and the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization that seeks to bridge the gap between academic excellence and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Leasure will be supported in her efforts for up to two years, will receive extensive mentorship and supplemental training, and will participate in a variety of networking opportunities. Leasure is the second person to participate in this fellowship, following Karrie Dudek, PhD’21, who inaugurated the program in 2021.

Leasure completed her PhD training in Vanderbilt’s Microbe-Host Interactions program this past spring, studying heme homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus and host stress sensing in Bacillus anthracis. While gaining experience in research and scientific methodology, she has been passionate about applying these skills to projects at the

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intersection of science and business and is excited about the opportunity to grow her business acumen and strategize how to turn an idea into a company.

“It’s an honor to have been selected for this fellowship and to have the opportunity to translate basic science into realworld solutions,” Leasure said. “I am excited to have been given this protected time as a postdoc to develop myself as a businesswoman while working to build a viable company.”

During her time as a graduate student, Leasure took advantage of numerous opportunities to expand her experiences and understanding of business and entrepreneurship. She finished the ASPIRE Program’s Management and Business Principles for Scientists module, served as president of the Graduate Student Association in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and acquired hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry by completing a three month internship in the Microbial Science division at AstraZeneca.

Leasure hit the ground running, working alongside staff at the CTTC to learn about intellectual property rights, licensing, and market research. She is also spending time with Neuert and his research team to gain familiarity with the technology they want to commercialize. This past fall, Leasure participated in the Ideator program at the Wond’ry and secured microgrant funding after pitching her business idea to a panel of judges. This accomplishment made her eligible to apply for the National Science Foundation’s

National I-CORPS program, additional entrepreneurial training, and a $50,000 non-dilutive grant to help support further commercialization of the technology. Leasure was accepted into the program and will participate both in I-CORPS and in the Wond’ry’s Builder program this spring.

Final deliverables for ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellows include creating a market research and customer discovery presentation, developing a business plan and financial model, building a pitch deck for speaking to investors and delivering it at various business pitch competitions, and submitting applications for a Launch Tennessee microgrant and a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health to secure future funding. “The ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship has been an incredible experience and opened more doors than I could have ever thought possible,” Dudek said.

“I am excited for Catherine to have a similar opportunity and can’t wait to see her be successful.”

“We all know that starting a company is a high-risk endeavor, but regardless of whether a viable company is ultimately formed, this fellowship is a win-win situation, both for the biomedical postdoctoral fellow, who gets superb entrepreneurial training, and the Vanderbilt research community, which benefits from the dedicated effort of evaluating a potentially commercially viable new technology,” Gould said. “We are grateful to Dean John Kuriyan of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences for his support in continuing this exciting initiative, as well as the CTTC, the Wond’ry, and Drs. Neuert and Ethan Lippmann, Karrie’s partner during her fellowship, for their contributions to training and mentoring of the fellows in the program.”

Catherine Leasure, PhD 2023 ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Scholar

Karrie Dudek, PhD 2021 ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Scholar

Karrie Dudek was invited to speak on a panel of leading female entrepreneurs for the School of Medicine Basic Science’s Lab-to-Table Conversation series on Biotech Entrepreneurship: Stories & Strategies.

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ASPIRE Data Science Internship Provides Mutual Benefits to Companies and Students

By Dora Obodo, Graduate Student

softens the transition.”

The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training’s Career Development ASPIRE Program has been hosting an internship program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for eight years. The internship program, an invaluable resource for trainees interested in non-academic roles in the biomedical industry, has facilitated just over 200 internships to date through partnerships with a wide range of organizations.

Like many of his biomedical scientist colleagues, Aaron May-Zhang, Fellow’20, senior bioinformatics scientist at Fluent BioSciences Inc., was interested in data science but had little experience during his postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt.

In particular, the ASPIRE data science internship with Decode Health demonstrates how students can break into growing fields. Decode Health is a health care artificial intelligence company that empowers pharmaceutical companies and their tech partners by delivering proactive health care innovations to advance precision medicine.

Decode Health co-founder and CEO Chase Spurlock, PhD’14, takes a hands-on approach to training by integrating interns throughout the company’s operations, ensuring that they develop in areas aligned with their interests.

“Interns have the opportunity to touch every aspect of the company,” said Spurlock, whose degree is in microbe-host interactions. “We’re very intentional about having people join us who are interested not only in being on the data team, but also seeing how Decode’s products and services come together.”

Since 2018, the Decode Health team has hosted nine successful interns, several of whom continued to pursue data science roles afterwards.

“Industry is a completely different work environment than academia because people think about and prioritize different things here,” said Darwin Fu, PhD’17, currently a data scientist at Bluesight, a medication intelligence and software company. “Seeing that during an internship really

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“My internship experience allowed me to be an attractive candidate to Fluent Biosciences because their day-today roles were similar to what I was experiencing in my internship,” he said. “I was able to point to specific outcomes and efforts that were highly relevant skills to the company.”

During the internship, students work on self-driven projects that can develop into pipelines to help advance customer goals. Students with highly successful projects can take on advanced responsibilities as their skills improve. Cody Heiser, PhD’23, a recent graduate from the Chemical and Physical Biology program who interned at Decode Health for a year and a half, progressed from a data analyst role into data engineering. “I got to wear a lot of different hats along the R&D spectrum in a dynamic environment where everybody has to contribute on so many different levels. The internship gave me experiences to point to and say, ‘Here are the challenges that I’ve seen in an industry space, and this is how I contributed to overcome those challenges,’” he said. Heiser is now a senior scientist at Regeneron.

For Spurlock and the Decode Health team, the ASPIRE partnership has also been incredibly rewarding. Not only do the internships provide bright, talented self- starters to the company, but they also afford trainees with necessary experiences to boost their competitiveness and foster industry- academia connections.

A Zoom meeting featuring Chase Spurlock, Jamieson Gray, and Lukasz Wylezinski on the top row, Tim Scott, Cody Heiser, and Sarah Groves on the middle row, and Verda Agan on the bottom.

Spurlock and Lukasz are both with Decode Health while others are interns.

Alumni Relations, Outcomes, and Development

The Office of Career Development continues to engage with biomedical PhD and postdoctoral trainees even after they complete their training.

Alumni volunteer their time at career exploration and professional development events, host interns, facilitate site visits at their workplace, and mentor current trainees. The alumni network helps the office better understand career outcomes, informs career programming, and shapes the trajectories to current trainees.

VU Basic Sciences Council of Visitors Lunch The Council of Visitors of the Vanderbilt Basic Sciences is a group of esteemed scientists who are accomplished in their field and advise the School with their knowledge of science efforts globally. Many members of the Council of Visitors are alumni and all have great esteem for Vanderbilt and for the trainees of the University.

When the Council meets twice annually, the lunch hour is designated for mingling, lunching, and networking with current graduate students and postdocs. Selected trainees meet global movers and shakers while sharing the common interest of scientific training at Vanderbilt.

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Alumni and current trainees mix and mingle at the St. Louis Happy Hour during the inaugural ASPIRE on the Road: St. Louis trip.

Alumni Networking: Happy Hours in St. Louis and Boston Now a tradition for ASPIRE on the Road trips, alumni gather to meet and greet the trainees visiting their city! This year’s Fall 2023 trip to St. Louis and the Spring 2024 visit to Boston created not one, but two, memorable Alumni Networking Happy Hours. Many alumni in attendance were graduates of the last decade with many participating in previous ASPIRE on the Road trips when they were trainees! Current trainees enjoyed the laid back opportunity to mingle in person with alumni, while alumni, administrators, and staff in attendance spent time recalling memories and exchanging stories.

St. Louis Happy Hour October 2023

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Right and above, alumni and current trainees enjoy time together while at the Alumni Happy Hour in St. Louis.

Boston Happy Hour May 2024

Above, former participants of the ASPIRE on the Road: Boston trip visit with ASPIRE Program’s Ashley Brady and alumnus Evan Lebois. Left, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences Dean John Kuriyan converses with Boston alumni. Top left, alumni in Boston welcome current trainees and visit with former colleagues.

Below, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences Council of Visitors member Asit Parikh chats with current trainee Perry Wasdin.

Above, current trainees participating in ASPIRE on the Road: Boston meet with alumnus Mark Bray.

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Appendix A1

PhD Career Stories

Date

Topic

Attendance Speaker Details

September 8, 2023

Research Development

17

Janice Ascano, PhD, Research Development and Support, Vanderbilt University Phil Ko, PhD, Research Development and Support, Vanderbilt University

October 6, 2023

Management Consulting

35

Courtney Copeland, PhD, Senior Consultant, Strategy and Analytics, Deloitte Consulting LLP

20

Chastity Bradley, PhD, Founder and President, BioMed Writers, LLC Emily Wooward, PhD, Director, Customer Engagement, Synchrogenix

67

Salma Cruz, PhD, Research Scientist, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Tyler Perfitt, PhD, Scientist, Atalanta Therapeutics Francis Prael, PhD, Scientist, Cheminformatics/AI/MLScientist, Cheminformatics/AI/ML, Bristol Myers Squibb

November 3, 2023

December 8, 2023

Medical Writing

Industry Postdocs

January 29, 2024

Clinical Laboratory Medicine

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Tiffany Guess, PhD, DABMGG, Director Clinical, Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. Nicole Putnam, PhD, D(ABMM), Assistant Professor of Pathology, Assistant Director of Clinical Microbiology, University of Maryland Medical Center

March 1, 2024

Patent Law

9

Aaron Chaloner, JD, PhD, Associate, Baker Donelson Seth Ogden, JD, PhD, Shareholder, Patterson Intellectual Property Law

March 6, 2024

Entrepreneur, Scientific Advisor, and Product Manager

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Amicia Elliott, Ph.D., Product Manager, Form Bio

March 19, 2024

The Evolution of Purpose: A Scientist’s Journey from Basic Research to Scientific & Regulatory Affairs to Product Design & Development at Mars, an International Food Company

13

Jacob Brown, PhD, Product Development Scientist, Mars PetCare

A2

2024 Annual Career Symposium Ballrooms

Board of Trust Room

Downstairs Classrooms 1&2

9:10am10:15am

Welcome & Opening Keynote: Critical Thinking for a Successful Career (and a Successful Life) Jean-Luc Doumont

10:25am11:20am

Medical Science Liaison Panel Keely Gilroy, PhD Henry Henderson, PhD

Government and Nonprofit Research Kristin Burnum-Johnson, PhD Meagan Quinlan, PhD

Fireside Chat: Jessica Overstreet, PhD (10:45am-11:15am)

11:30amnoon

Government, Policy, and Advoacy Amrita Banerjee, PhD

Biotech Ventures Isaac Zike, PhD

Fireside Chat: Henry Henderson, PhD (11:30-noon)

12:15pm1:15pm

Lunctime Keynote: Clinical Laboratory Medicine Karissa Culbreath, PhD

1:25pm2:25pm

Industry Science Eric Johnson, PhD Jessica Overstreet, PhD

“Networking for Researchers” Jean-Luc Doumont

Fireside Chat: Karissa Culbreath, PhD (2:00pm-2:30pm)

2:35pm3:30pm

Writing and Publishing Tony Chen, PhD Emily Turner, PhD

“Networking for Researchers” Jean-Luc Doumont

Fireside Chat: Kristin Burnum-Johnson, PhD (2:40pm-3:10pm)

3:30pm

Networking Reception

A3

Fireside Chat: Keely Gilroy, PhD (1:20pm-1:50pm)

Beyond the Lab Podcast Season 7

Date

Topic

Alumnus Guest

November 13, 2023

Industry Scientist

Dave Westover, PhD

November 21, 2023

Faculty and an Academic Spinoff

Kristi Thiel, PhD

November 28, 2023

Postdoctoral Affairs and Advocacy

Chris Smith, PhD

December 5, 2023

Entrepreneurship

Martin Moore, PhD

December 12, 2023

Co-Founding a Startup

Wyatt McDonnell, PhD

December 19, 2023

Industry Scientist

Bojana Jovanovich, PhD

January 2, 2024

BioTherapeutics Scientist

Leolene Jean Carrington, PhD

January 10, 2024

Business Development in Industry

Jeff Bylund, PhD

February 13, 2024

Product Development

Jacob Brown, PhD

February 23, 2024

Regional Medical Scientific Director

Todd Townsend, PhD

March 5, 2024

Senior Grants Officer and Consultant

Lindsay Redman Rivera, PhD

March 11, 2024

Scientific Communication

Justine Sinnaeve, PhD

April 23, 2024

Product Management and Entrepreneurship

Amicia Elliott, PhD

A4

Modules

Enhanced Career Exploration Participants

Frequency and Dates

Angela Zito and Kate Stuart, ASPIRE Program

20

Fall 2023

Joe Rando, MBA, Associate Professor of the Practice, Managerial Studies, Vanderbilt University

17

Course Title

Director

Career Architect

Management and Business Principles for Scientists

Spring 2024

Essential Skill Building The Story Behind Effective Science Communication

A5

Jennifer Shuman, PhD Candidate, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology

10

Spring 2024

Becoming a Scientist: 1st Year Presentations

Date

Topic

Presenter

Group

8/15/23

Discovering Your Strengths with CliftonStrengths (Orientation Session)

Kate Stuart

IGP & QCB

2/28/24

Finding and Applying for Funding as a Graduate Student

Kim Petrie, PhD

IGP & QCB

3/13/24

CVs and Resumes

Kim Petrie, PhD

IGP & QCB

3/27/24

Building Your Biosketch

Ashley Brady, PhD

IGP & QCB

4/10/24

CV and Biosketch Peer Review

Kim Petrie, PhD and Ashley Brady, PhD

IGP & QCB

4/17/24

Career Planning in Graduate School

Kim Petrie, PhD

IGP & QCB

A6

ASPIRE Café for Postdoctoral Fellows

Date

Topic

Presenter

Attendance

9/14/23

K Awards: Which One is Right for You?

Abigail Brown, PhD

8

11/2/23

Grant Resources

Abigail Brown, PhD

15

1/25/24

Orientation to ASPIRE Resources for Postdocs

Ashley Brady, PhD

7

4/18/24

Setting Up and Running a New Lab

Breann L. Brown, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry

12

A7

ASPIRE Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit

Date

Topic

Presenter

8/15/23

Overview of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (Orientation Session)

Kim Petrie, PhD

54

9/11/23

Writing the NSF GRFP Personal Statement and Graduate Research Plan

Kim Petrie, PhD

12

10/5/23

Efficiency of Information Transfer: How to Present a Poster for Interest Chris Wright, D. Phil. and Understanding

9

10/26/23

A Next Step: Getting a Postdoc

Ashley Brady, PhD

14

3/21/24

Preparing to Mentor

Ashley Brady, PhD

8

5/2/24

Applying for Fellowships & NRSAs

Kim Petrie, PhD

27

A8

Attendance

ASPIRE Job Search Series

Date

Topic

Presenter

Attendance

8/31/23

Resumes/Industry CVs

Kim Petrie, PhD

20

10/28/23

Cover Letters

Kate Stuart

17

11/30/23

Leveraging LinkedIn

Ashley Brady, PhD

19

1/11/24

Resumes/Industry CVs

Ashley Brady, PhD

22

2/8/24

Interviewing 101

Ashley Brady, PhD

28

2/22/24

Behavioral Interviewing

Kim Petrie, PhD

24

4/4/24

Negotiating Your First Job Offer

Ashley Brady, PhD

19

5/16/24

Informational Interviewing and Preparing for the Career Symposium

Ashley Brady, PhD

23

A9

Trainee Professional Development Additional Events

Date

Topic

August 4, August 7, 2023

Preparing for a Faculty Career and Job Search ASPIRE Workshop

Attendance Speaker

September 26, 2023 ASPIRE Job SIM: Science Communication

65

Faculty Panelists and ASPIRE Team

9

Siri Carpenter, PhD, The Open Notebook

October 6, 2023

Headshot Day for Graduate Students

34

Photographer Marcie Kindred

February 23, 2024

Headshot Day for Postdoctoral Fellows

34

Photographer Marcie Kindred

March 28, 2024

Spilling the Tea with Biopharma Recruiters

60

Jeff Caskey, Founder, Nexagen Search Eric Celidonio, Founder & Managing Partner, Sci.bio Recruiting

April 28, 2024

ASPIRE Mock Interview Day

19

Selected BRET Alumni Interviewers

A10

Employer Information Sessions

Date

Company/Event

July 23, 2023

Merck Employer Information Session and Interviewing

76

Brandon Vara, PhD, Merck-Chemistry David Westover, PhD, Sr. Scientist, Analytical Research & Development

August 31, 2023

SMDP Information Session

21

Dustielyn Savage, Program Director, International Center for Professional Development

September 7, 2023

Guidehouse Life Sciences Consulting Information Session and Interviewing

47

Chris Keller, Managing Consultant, Life Sciences, Guidehouse

May 16, 2024

Merck-Chemistry Employer Information Session

32

Brandon Vara, PhD, Merck-Chemistry

June 11, 2024

ORISE Showcase

48

Megan Morris, PhD, Project Manager, STEM Workforce Development, ORtISE

A11

Attendees

Guest

ASPIRE on the Road Trips

Date

Company/Event

Attendees

October 18-20, 2023

ASPIRE on the Road: St. Louis

12

April 29-May 1, 2024

ASPIRE on the Road: Boston

12

A12

Internships

Internship Host

Number of Trainees and Internship Roles

Belmont University

2 Teaching Interns

CSNK2A1 Foundation

1 Data Analysis and Publication Intern, 1 Research and Development Intern, 1 Science Communication Intern

Digital Medicine Society

1 Research Associate Intern

Form Bio

1 Documentation and Education Intern

Pendant Biosciences

1 Business Development Intern

Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation

1 Scientific Program Intern

VI4, PMI, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

2 Science Communication Interns

Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR)

1 Drug Repurposing and Scientific Project Management Intern

A13

Alumni Happy Hours with ASPIRE on the Road

Date

Company/Event

October 19, 2023

ASPIRE on the Road: St. Louis

27

April 30, 2024

ASPIRE on the Road: Boston

67

A14

In the Press

“Criticism builds against PhD careers firm Cheeky Scientist,” Science Careers, Kim Petrie, PhD, quoted, September 13, 2023

A15

Attendees

“‘These are not alternative careers’: More neuroscience Ph.D. programs start to facilitate industry internships The opportunities cater to students interested in careers outside the ivory tower.” Transmitter, Ashley Brady, PhD, quoted, April 29 2024

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Brown AM, Meyers LC*, Varadarajan J*, Ward NJ, Cartailler JP, Chalkley RG, Gould KL, Petrie KA. From goal to outcome: Analyzing the progression of biomedical sciences PhD careers in a longitudinal study using an expanded taxonomy. FASEB Bioadv.

2023 Oct 5;5(11):427-452. doi: 10.1096/fba.2023-00072. *Authors contributed-equally

A16 Invited National and Regional Talks and Posters

09

2023

September 29, 2023 “From goal to outcome: ​analyzing the progression of biomedical sciences PhD careers in a longitudinal study using an expanded taxonomy.”

Lightning Talk AAMC GREAT Group Annual Meeting Lindsay Meyers September 29, 2023 “From goal to outcome: ​analyzing the progression of biomedical sciences PhD careers in a longitudinal study using an expanded taxonomy.”

Poster AAMC GREAT Group Annual Meeting Kathy Gould, Lindsay Meyers

03

2024

Poster National Postdoctoral Association Annual Conference Kate Stuart March 15, 2024 “A Tradition Worth Keeping: the ASPIRE Annual Career Symposium” Lightning Talk National Postdoctoral Association Annual Conference Kate Stuart

06

2024

March 15, 2024 “From Goal to Outcome: Analyzing the Progression of Biomedical Sciences PhD Careers in a Longitudinal Study Using an Expanded Taxonomy” Poster National Postdoctoral Association Annual Conference Jan Varadarajan, PhD March 15, 2024 “Beyond the Lab Podcast: Career Exploration at Your Own Pace”

June 27, 2024 INTERNSHIP PRESENTATION Interactive Session Graduate Career Consortium National Meeting Ashley Brady, PhD June 27, 2024 “Southeast Regional Meetup” Graduate Career Consortium National Meeting Kate Stuart June 28, 2024 “Evolving Career Goals and Early Career Outcomes of VU Biomedical Sciences PhD Alumni” Member-Generated Session Presentation Graduate Career Consortium National Meeting Kim Petrie, PhD; Jan Varadarajan, PhD

A17 Professional Development Activities for ASPIRE Team Date

Conference or Meeting

Attendee

September 19, 2023

36 | 86 Entrepreneurship Festival

Ashley Brady, PhD

September 30, 2023

AAMC GREAT Group Annual Conference

Kim Petrie, PhD, Madhvi Venkatesh, D.Phil

November 9, 2023

LST-Con

Ashley Brady, PhD

February 29, 2024

Graduate Career Consortium Southeast Regional Meeting

Ashley Brady, PhD; Kim Petrie, PhD; Kate Stuart; Jan Varadarajan, PhD; Angela Zito

March 14-16, 2024

National Postdoctoral Association Annual Conference

Kate Stuart, Jan Varadarajan, PhD

May 29-31, 2024

Project Development and Evaluation Workshop, Burroughs Wellcome Fund

Jan Varadarajan, PhD

June 4, 2024

GCC Mid-Career Professionals Virtual Conference

Kim Petrie, PhD; Kate Stuart; Jan Varadarjan, PhD

June 25-28, 2024

Graduate Career Consortium National Meeting

Ashley Brady, PhD; Kim Petrie, PhD; Kate Stuart; Jan Varadarjan, PhD

A18

Invited Internal Presentations

07

July 24, 2023 “Resumes and CVs” Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy Kate Stuart

08

August 11, 2023 “Overview of BRET and its Resources” VU Basic Sciences New Faculty Orientation Kim Petrie, PhD

2023

2023

August 22, 2023 “NRSA Grant Pacing Workshop” IMSD Training Program Kim Petrie, PhD

09

2023

01

2024

January 18, 2024 “NRSAs and Fellowships to Fund Your Research Training” Neuroscience Department Kim Petrie, PhD

02

2024

September 1, 2023 “BRET Office of Career Development & ASPIRE” Simple Beginnings Friends and Family Session Kate Stuart

2023

11

2023

October 14, 2023 “BRET Career Development ASPIRE Program Resources for Postdocs and Fellows” Clinical Pharmacology Department Jan Varadarajan, PhD November 2, 2023 “BRET Career Development ASPIRE Program Resources for Postdocs and Fellows” Cancer Biology T32 Training Program Ashley Brady, PhD November 17, 2023 “Taking Flight:Assessing the Timeline for Beginningthe Job Search and Exiting your Postdoc” Vanderbilt Postdoc Association Annual Symposium Ashley Brady, PhD

12

2023

November 30, 2023 December 7, 2023 “Data and Drinks Town Hall Seminar” BRET Outcomes Research Team Abigail Brown, Lindsay Meyers, Kim Petrie, and Janani Varadarajan

February 7, 2024 “Professional Skills: Navigating Your Own Path” Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s to PhD Bridge Program Ashley Brady, PhD; Christina Keeton, PhD February 14, 2024 “Career Planning for PhD Trainees” Biostatistics Student Association Kate Stuart

September 26, 2023 “Overview of NRSAs and the Peer Review Process” Pharmacology Department Kim Petrie, PhD

10

January 12, 2024-March 3, 2024 “BRET Office of Career Development & ASPIRE” IGP/QCB On-Campus Recruiting Visits Ashley Brady, PhD; Kim Petrie, PhD; Kate Stuart

February 22, 2024 “NRSAs and Fellowships to Fund Your Research Training” Biological Sciences Department Kim Petrie, PhD

03

March 22, 2024 “Introduction to BRET ASPIRE Resources for Postdocs” VITA Scholar Symposium Ashley Brady, PhD

04

April 22, 2024 Panel: “Diverse Funding Opportunities to Support Training at Every Career Stage” Pharmacology Department Kim Petrie, PhD

05

May 29, 2024 “What Do PhDs Do?” V-Excel Program Kim Petrie, PhD

06

June 10, 2024 “Leveraging LinkedIn” Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy Ashley Brady

2024

2024

2024

2024

June 12, 2024 “CVs and Resumes” Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy Kate Stuart