Join us for the next installment of the WIB-Metro New York MAPS Committee's Careers in Life Sciences Panel Series, featuring an inspiring conversation with industry scientists at various stages of their careers – from emerging leaders to seasoned innovators. We'll explore career pathways in industry science, the evolving role of scientists in drug discovery and development, and practical advice for those transitioning from academia into industry. Our panelists will share their unique career journeys, lessons learned at different professional stages, and strategies for long-term career growth. Whether you are exploring your first role in industry or thinking about long-term leadership pathways, this discussion will offer practical insights on navigating transitions, building influence, and contributing to science that moves beyond the bench to benefit patients. Raena Mina, MAPS Steering Committee Co-Chair, will moderate the conversation. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance or during the live discussion through the link provided in your registration confirmation email.

Disclaimer: This event may be recorded, and your image and/or voice may be included in that recording. If you are uncomfortable, please be sure to turn off your webcam.

Program

12:00 p.m. – 12:05 p.m.  Panelist introductions
12:05 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.  Discussion
12:40 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.  Audience questions
12:55 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Closing remarks

Speaker Bios

Ishina Balwani, MSc, Scientist at Merck

Ishina is a preclinical scientist with over a decade of experience in immunology, cell and gene therapy, and cardio-metabolic drug development. She has co-authored multiple publications in high-impact journals and holds five patents in cell and gene therapy. Beginning her career at the University of Michigan, Ishina built a strong foundation in immunology before leading in vivo efforts for multiple programs at Intellia Therapeutics, advancing one program from discovery to phase I clinical trial. Currently at Merck & Co., she is part of the in vivo pharmacology team within the cardio-metabolic space, focusing on obesity and metabolic diseases. Known for connecting biology to clinical outcomes, Ishina brings deep preclinical expertise, strong program ownership, and the ability to turn complex science into therapeutics.

Durga Kolla, PhD, Scientist at Lime Therapeutics

Before joining Lime, Dr. Durga Kolla was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the HHMI laboratory of Dr. Michael Rapé at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her PhD in molecular and cell biology. Her doctoral research uncovered novel mechanisms of protein degradation, focusing on quality control E3 ligases and their pivotal roles in transcriptional programs linked to development and disease. Prior to her PhD, Durga was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to Copenhagen, Denmark. There, she investigated the impacts of environmental and pharmaceutical compounds on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. She also holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in public health and psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she worked in Dr. Laura Vandenberg’s lab exploring the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on mammary gland development.

Sophia Varriano, PhD, Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca

Sophia Varriano is a Senior Scientist in Translational Pathology at AstraZeneca, where she focuses on advancing translational oncology research. Previously, she was an iCURE and Sallie Rosen Kaplan Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, where her research focused on identifying targetable pathways, predictive biomarkers, and resistance mechanisms across pediatric solid tumors, including neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. She earned her PhD in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the CUNY Graduate Center.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-members*: $10

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Note: The Zoom meeting link will be sent along with a confirmation email after registration has been completed.