Mckenzie Manning Email & Phone Number

I am a senior at Penn State University majoring in Biobehavioral Health and pursuing the Smeal Business Certificate. My academic focus integrates biological, behavioral, and social sciences to gain a comprehensive understanding of human health and disease. This interdisciplinary approach enables me to analyze health challenges from diverse perspectives, including disease mechanisms, patient behavior, and societal impacts on clinical trials and healthcare access.The Smeal Business Certificate complements my scientific training by enhancing my business acumen in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Through coursework in finance, marketing, and management, I’ve developed skills in data-driven decision-making, project management, and leadership. This fusion of health science and business expertise allows me to tackle healthcare challenges with a multifaceted perspective, addressing both scientific complexities and strategic business considerations crucial for driving innovation in biotech and pharma.This past summer, I completed a Drug Development Internship with a Preclinical Development Project Manager where I gained valuable insights into the drug development pipeline. Key skills and experiences include:-Gaining a strong knowledge of the 5 drug development stages: Drug Discovery, Preclinical Trials, Clinical Trials (Phases 1, 2, 3), FDA Review, and Post-Market Monitoring.-Compiling and distributing meeting minutes to keep meetings on tasks and ensure follow-ups were tracked.-Creating clear and concise biweekly presentation decks effectively demonstrating my understanding of advanced drug development concepts and lessons.-Managing Gantt Charts (Smartsheets) to track project timelines and perform variance analysis on actuals vs. forecasts.-Tracking budgets and managing action/decision trackers to ensure efficient project progression.-Professional networking through colleague introductions, meeting scheduling, and virtual connections.-Exposure to venture capital and startup biotech companies, including roles in medical affairs and clinical trial project management.The combination of my B.S. in Biobehavioral Health, the Smeal Business Certificate, and the Drug Development Internship equips me to excel in biomedical and health-related fields, particularly where health science intersects with business strategy. I am passionate about leveraging this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.