At our last Leaders Connect Zoom Breakfast, we were privileged to have presentations by three women who are leading important scientific endeavors in the State of Michigan. To view the zoom video of their presentation, please click HERE.
Elke Lipka has led a turnaround of TSRL to become a leading preclinical accelerator. It focuses on advancing promising therapeutics for treating severe and mullti-drug resistant infections. They work with researchers to create translation of university research concepts into clinical drug product candidates.
Kelly Sexton is the Associate Vice President for Research – Technology Transfer and Innovation Partnerships at the University of Michigan. She works closely with the Vice President for Research, as well as other leaders across the University to provide visionary and strategic leadership of UM’s innovation and technology transfer activities, including the Office of Technology Transfer. Her office supports and encourages university-wide programs for intellectual property development, innovation, and engagement with business, venture, and government communities in the region, across the nation, and around the globe.
Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Morley is the President and Chief Operations Officer at Zomedica. Zomedica is a biopharmaceutical company targeting health and wellness solutions for the companion pet through a ground-breaking approach that focuses on the needs of the veterinarians themselves. As the Chief Operations Officer, she is charged with developing the core business structure and aligning daily operations in support of the company’s business model to effectively serve the company’s vision and mission and grow Zomedica into a credible business that both veterinarians and investors believe in and value.
The accomplishments of these three leaders is exemplary of the progress we have made in the state of Michigan through the leadership of women. We can be proud that our state is now led by three women who have been elected to top spots in state government: Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Here is a link to a featured article about Governor Whitmer from NY Times Magazine.
In addition, Britany Affolter-Caine is the Executive Director of the University Research Corridor. Teri Grieb is the Senior Director of Research at the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Ora Pescovitz is the President at Oakland University. Anne DiSante is the Associate Director, MSU Technologies at Michigan State University. Jen Baird is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Fifth Eye Inc. These are just a few of many women who hold important positions in the scientific community in the State of Michigan.
Before signing off, I would like to give a special thanks and gratitude to my wife, Dr. Patricia Carino Pasick. We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on July 4th. Stay well, keep safe, and enjoy the holiday.