Washington State University undergraduate students had the opportunity to network with professionals working across the biotechnology industry during the EschLEAD program’s first ever Industry Science Symposium.
Held only hours before WSU’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA), the seminar brought together students and professionals representing biotech fields like drug development, regulatory affairs, lab operations and scientific sales. The event was designed to help students better understand career opportunities available to those graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science.
“One of the biggest challenges for science students is understanding what they can do with a bachelor’s degree,” said Heather Koehler, an EschLEAD professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences. “This symposium was designed to show them real jobs they can pursue and what it actually looks like to work in those roles.”
EschLEAD (Learn, Experience, Apply, Deliver), established in the fall of 2024 thanks to a donation from Robert (BS ’75, MS ’78) and Katherine Esch, is designed to open the doors of research labs to undergraduates from any major. The program emphasizes skill development, mentorship, and meaningful research experiences that prepare students for careers in science and beyond.
The Industry Science Symposium featured four speakers representing a range of biotechnology career paths. Presenters included Ashley Brightman, a lab operations development associate at Lundbeck and recent WSU alum; Trena Repp, senior principal regulatory specialist in global regulatory affairs, safety and pharmacovigilance at ALK; Katherine Albert, senior director of clinical development at Immunovant; and Angela Young, senior sales representative at Thermo Fisher.
In addition to outlining their career paths, speakers discussed the skills they use most in their roles and offered practical advice for students interested in entering the biotech workforce. Students were encouraged to ask questions, connect directly with speakers and explore how their academic experiences could translate to industry settings.
The symposium, which was attended by roughly 20-30 undergraduates, was intentionally scheduled alongside SURCA to help students connect undergraduate research with potential industry applications. Several speakers remained on campus throughout the day to continue conversations with students and participate in judging poster presentations.
During SURCA, EschLEAD sponsored five industry impact awards recognizing presenters whose research demonstrated relevance to biotechnology and innovation, with an emphasis on real-world and industry applications.
In total, 27 EschLEAD-affiliated students presented posters at SURCA this year, with several earning both program-sponsored and general SURCA awards across disciplines.
Among the EschLEAD Scholar Award recipients were neuroscience major Khadija Khawaja, genetics and cell biology majors Gabriella “GiGi” Searle and Danika Dalvi, biomedical engineering major Chantelle Awendo, and bioengineering major Sneha Shankar.
Looking ahead, Koehler said the program plans to expand the Industry Science Symposium next year, including additional speakers and more opportunities for industry engagement.
“As the program continues to grow, we’re excited to keep finding ways to support students and showcase their work,” Koehler said. “Connecting research, professional development and industry opportunities is a big part of that.”