WEBINAR SERIES—Careers Outside of Academia

September 27, 2023
11 a.m. EDT

It’s a common misconception that people with a master’s, medical or doctoral degree in science must move into faculty positions in academia. In reality, there are many diverse career opportunities outside of academia. In this webinar, we will highlight trained scientists with diverse experiences and skills working in nonprofit organizations, government, science education, science policy, science communication and entrepreneurship. Panelists representing a variety of scientific career sectors will share their experiences and will introduce American Physiological Society (APS) career resources that can help you prepare for your career journey.

Key Learning Objectives

After participating in this webinar, attendees will:

• have a better understanding of nonacademic career options available to them;
• learn how to pursue a career path in industry, government and nonprofit organizations; and
• become familiar with APS’ Career Gateway, Career Navigator and Job Board.

Moderator

Vernon Ruffin, PhD
Associate Professor, Virginia Union University

Vernon A. Ruffin, PhD, is an African American scientist and entrepreneur. He is an associate professor at Virginia Union University and the principal investigator of the institution’s first biomedical research neuroscience laboratory. Ruffin is also the chief executive officer and principal investigator of the Ruffin NeuroLab LLC, the first independent neuroscience/physiology training program for groups typically underrepresented in the sciences. The program focuses on professional development and academic and research training for students interested in professional STEM careers. The basic science research conducted in the Ruffin NeuroLab examines the regulation of intracellular pH in the mammalian brain by the major acid/base transporter proteins. Ruffin is a member of the APS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

Speakers

Michael Feder, PhD
Program Director, Inclusive STEMM Ecosystems for Equity and Diversity, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Michael Feder, PhD, is a program director in the Inclusive STEMM Ecosystems for Equity and Diversity unit at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He manages a portfolio of programs focused on removing systemic barriers to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine education and careers. Feder has more than 15 years of experience working to increase STEMM diversity, equity and inclusion through policy, research and practice. He earned his doctorate and master’s degrees at George Mason University in Virginia and his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Regina G. Barber, PhD
Scientist in Residence, Short Wave, NPR

Regina G. Barber, PhD, completed her doctorate in physics at Washington State University with a focus in astrophysics. She taught physics, astronomy and science communication at Western Washington University, where she became the first STEM inclusion and outreach specialist. Barber describes herself as a Mexican Chinese American female. She is an ambassador for combining racial and gender equity, science and pop culture into one career. Barber transitioned from academia to science communication and loves the fast-paced, team-focused environment at NPR’s “Short Wave” podcast. She is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

Michael (Mike) Sesma, PhD
Chief, Postdoctoral Training Branch Division of Training, Workforce Development and Diversity, Program Officer: Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Michael (Mike) Sesma, PhD, is the chief of the postdoctoral training branch in the Division of Training, Workforce Development and Diversity and a program officer for the Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). He earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology and psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and his doctorate degree in psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to joining NIGMS as a scientific review administrator and program officer, Sesma was a faculty member at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Cassi Friday, PhD
Director of Research Programs and Grants, Cure Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Cassi Friday, PhD, earned her doctorate degree in physiology from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where she studied a genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects cellular immunometabolism. She volunteered with Cure Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) for close to a decade, offering support to the organization on behalf of her husband and two of their three children who have HHT. Friday is now Cure Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia's director of research programs and grants. She has also worked in science policy over the past five years and is an APS Early-career Advocacy Fellow.