This panel features PhD professionals, including Penn State alumni and former postdocs, working in a variety of career areas including AI/machine learning, business development and sales, communications and writing, computer engineering, and medical affairs. Panelists will share advice on transitioning to impactful careers in industry. Learn about different career paths, gaining related skills and experiences, and successfully navigating the job search.
Panelists:
Dr. Fatima Ali-Rahmani
External Research Lead – Medical Affairs
Taiho Oncology, Inc.
Dr. Alexis Morrissey
Data Scientist (AI/Machine Learning)
PPG
Dr. Aaron Runkle, PhD
Scientific Publications Director
Exelixis
Dr. Sayan Sarkar, PhD
Senior Analog Design Engineer
Intel Corporation
Dr. Kyle Shuler, PhD
Bioscience Sales Specialist
Nikon Microscope Solutions
About the Facilitators:
Jennifer Nicholas, Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development, oversees the university-wide Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. She leads postdoctoral policy, initiatives, and programming, and also provides career coaching in both 1:1 and small group settings. She loves supporting postdocs in articulating their strengths, stories, and pursuing diverse career pathways within and beyond academia.
Jessica Kirkwood, M.S. in Counseling, serves as the Director of Graduate Career Services at Penn State College of Medicine. She provides career and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars/fellows in the biomedical sciences and public health. Jessica offers individual career counseling/coaching and manages approximately 25–30 programs and events annually, including workshops, networking opportunities, and alumni/professional panels aligned with graduate student and postdoc needs and interests. She also manages employer relations and engagement efforts.