Schedule: | 1:00 – 1:10 pm: Welcome and Introduction 1:10 –1:55 pm: A Wonderful Failure: Non-Human Primate Proof-of-Concept for Oral Delivery of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies Pam Hornby, PhD | Drexel University College of Medicine Oral delivery of protein therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has to surmount protein digestion and barriers to absorption from the gut. Dr. Hornby and her team characterized protease-resistant mAbs engineered for systemic uptake. A lead mAb was lyophilized for delivery in enteric-coated capsules. In a 10-week study in Non-Human Primates (NHP), detectable systemic levels of mAb demonstrated the technical feasibility, but the low % absorbed did not meet criteria for progression. This presentation will address how both the successes and setbacks of this project resulted in strategies for mAb therapeutics designed to act locally in the gut. Ultimately, the work contributed insight into NHP gastrointestinal physiology, including six full-length original research publications, despite failure to meet the initial goal. 1:55 – 2:40 pm: From Research to Impact: Reflections on a Career in Drug Metabolism Julie Lade, PhD | Amgen What does it take to build a scientific career when the path ahead is uncertain? Dr. Lade traces her journey from chemistry through graduate training at Johns Hopkins, where she studied anti-HIV drug metabolism and interned at Genentech. She’ll discuss challenges during graduate school, questions about whether having children early in her career would slow her advancement, and concerns about transitioning to a full-time remote role in 2021. Julie will share how mentors helped her navigate these decisions and advance in drug discovery and development at Amgen, working across small molecules, biologics, and siRNA. She’ll reflect on finding community through ASPET, from student presentations to leadership and editorial service. Her story offers practical perspectives on resilience, mentorship, community, and defining success on your own terms. 2:40 – 3:00 pm: Break 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm: Beyond the Bench: Navigating the Leap from Academia to Non-Academic Careers Vrushank Bhatt, PhD | Bristol Myers Squibb Company Considering a move beyond academia? Drawing on his own transition from MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics to the Senior Scientist role at Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Vrushank Bhatt shares an honest look at what that leap really involves. Navigating the unexpected is part of any scientific path, but can look different in academia vs. other sectors. This talk covers the pros and cons of non-academic careers, trading ownership and flexibility for structure, resources, and broader impact, and the key factors to weigh before applying to Pharma, Biotech, or CRO roles: timing, skills employers value, translating academic work for industry audiences, and understanding what different roles actually look like day-to-day. 3:45 – 4:30 pm: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Nancy Rawson Nancy Rawson, PhD | Monell Chemical Senses Center Moderated by R. Kyle Palmer, PhD, Co-founder, CSO, COO, Opertech Bio, Inc. Careers in science rarely follow a straight path. In this candid fireside chat, Dr. Nancy Rawson will share lessons from a career spanning academia, industry, and scientific leadership, including the unexpected challenges, pivots, and opportunities that shaped her journey. Drawing on her experiences as a scientist, faculty member, industry leader, and Executive Vice President of the Monell Center, Dr. Rawson will discuss how setbacks can provide unique chances to reassess goals, develop new skills, build relationships, and pursue new directions. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating uncertainty, identifying opportunities when plans change, and turning challenges into strategies for moving forward. 4:30 – 6:00 pm: Networking Happy Hour Expand your professional network over complementary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. |