🔵🔵As the Director of Scientific Strategy and Relations for the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease (PI4D), I lead interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach initiatives to drive scientific innovation and community engagement. I have held leadership positions at the Bindley Bioscience Center, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, Greater Lafayette Commerce, and United Way of Greater Lafayette. Currently, as the Director of Operations for Purdue University's component of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (Indiana CTSI), I oversee strategic program implementation and daily operations to support investigators across Indiana.🟢🟢With more than a decade of experience, I am an expert in grant making, from developing Requests for Applications (RFAs) to award creation, including arranging and managing proposal review panels and review sessions. I excel in connecting people with the right expertise to advance technology development and commercialization. My extensive background in grant development and management includes securing large, center-scale grants and guiding early-stage companies through the commercialization process with SBIR/STTR funding.🟡🟡I have taught grant writing in both English and Spanish for over ten years, helping researchers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders navigate the complexities of grant writing. My courses focus on strategic planning, persuasive writing, and effective communication, tailored to the unique needs of various funding agencies.🟣🟣I hold a PhD in Plant Physiology and Molecular Genetics from Purdue University, with a research background in protein engineering, biochemistry, and molecular biology. My passion lies in fostering collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and sectors to leverage biotechnology and life sciences for addressing global challenges and improving human health.