My journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for advancing science and improving patient outcomes. It has been shaped by a series of pivotal moments that influenced my interests, transformed my perspectives, and tested my resolve. Falling out of a tree: In my early childhood, a trip to the ER and the compassionate care I received left an indelible impression. It sparked a fascination with medicine, igniting the dream of becoming a doctor.Graduating from university: My journey included a few gap years. I took on a research associate position at a Cancer Center, exposing me to virology and immunology and igniting a newfound passion for research. Driven by this passion, I pursued further studies, earning a Master's degree.Losing my mom to cancer: Witnessing her battle and the limited treatment options available fueled my determination to direct my Ph.D. studies toward cancer research. I identified druggable targets and laid the groundwork for a novel class of small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Hearing my child has cancer: Learning that my child had cancer was a life-altering moment. Although nothing could prepare us for those four words, our backgrounds empowered us to advocate for our son's care. Challenging the standard of care, we treated him based on his tumor's genetic makeup. Today, he is a survivor with no long-term side effects.Founding a nonprofit medical research organization: Frustrated by the lack of treatment options for childhood cancers, I founded an organization to address this gap. I identified barriers hindering promising academic discoveries from reaching a research and development pipeline. My MBA studies and my son's story enabled me to effectively advocate for funding, policy changes, and incentives to develop therapies for pediatric cancer and rare diseases.Starting a digital health startup: A decade after our son’s diagnosis, technological advancements allow patients to share their medical records with trusted parties, enabling the gathering of crucial information for better treatment decisions. I managed the development of a navigation platform and secured a clinical trial site.Living through COVID: Like the rest of the world, my family faced the life-changing impact of the pandemic. It tested us mentally, physically, and financially, and we witnessed its devastating effects on countless lives and livelihoods.Searching for a new role: I am seeking an opportunity to leverage my business acumen and scientific expertise to improve patient outcomes.Let's connect!