Hosted by the SOT Postdoctoral Assembly
Are you curious about how your academic or research experience could lead to a career outside the lab—perhaps even launching your own company?
This engaging webinar is designed especially for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the SOT community who are interested in exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring scientists who have successfully used their bioscience backgrounds to start and grow their own businesses.
Our panelists—each with unique journeys from bench to business—will share how they made the leap into entrepreneurship, the skills that helped them succeed, and advice for trainees considering a similar path. The session will wrap up with an open Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical insights for your own career journey.
Whether you’re already entrepreneurial-minded or just exploring your options, this webinar will leave you inspired and informed.
This webinar is the second installment in the Exploring Entrepreneurial Paths series.
Our two panelists for this section are Dr. Michael Johnson and Dr. Laurie Haws.
Dr. Michael Johnson is the President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute and the former CEO and co-founder of Visikol, a life sciences company he grew out of his Ph.D. research and later sold to BICO Group. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Rutgers University and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for Science. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has focused on translating scientific training into entrepreneurial ventures, building teams, and driving innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and business.
Dr. Laurie Haws is a cofounder and Managing Principal Scientist with ToxStrategies and is based in Austin, Texas. She is a board-certified toxicologist with 30 years of experience in the areas of toxicology, human health risk assessment, risk communication, and scientific and regulatory policy. Dr. Haws has substantial experience evaluating potential human health risks associated with exposures to a wide variety of chemicals and metals present as additives, ingredients, or contaminants in foods, consumer products, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and environmental media (air, water, soil, and sediments). She also has extensive experience assessing potential human health risks associated with personal, occupational, and community-wide exposures to air contaminants, particularly related to chemical, petrochemical, and shale gas exploration and production activities.