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The WIB Research Triangle Park Chapter
RTP@womeninbio.org
The WIB-RTP Chapter was inaugurated on March 18, 2010, at the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Research Triangle Park (RTP) is one of the oldest and largest high-technology research and development centers in North America. It is part of North Carolina's overall biotechnology initiative and a primary economic driver for the region. Its 7,000 acres house more than 170 companies employing over 42,000 full-time and approximately 10,000 contract employees. Businesses range from Fortune 100 multinational research and development companies, to U.S. federal agencies, to university spin-outs and start-ups.
North Carolina’s RTP is where numerous winners of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Presidential Awards, and National Science Foundation Awards carry out their efforts. It has served as a model for innovation, education, and economic development worldwide. Many women have and continue to embark on careers in the life science.
The expansion of Women In Bio to include the RTP Chapter was officially announced at 2009 BIO International Convention. RTP is an ideal region for expansion of Women In Bio because North Carolina ranks biotechnology as one of the top three industries in the state and RTP has been ranked one of the top areas in biotechnology development in the U.S. RTP is home to major biotech and pharmaceutical companies, a rich venture capital community, and top research institutions and universities. The RTP area consists of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and is home to the respected Duke University, University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State.
WIB Committee Leadership
Women In Bio committees support the professional and personal growth of WIB members and the organization as a whole.
Chapter Chair: Shobha Parthasarathi, Ph.D., Technology Development Director at North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Communications
Chair: Sharmilee Patel, B.S., Manager Sales Development at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Volunteer: Helga Leftwich, J.D., Partner at Hutchison Law Group
Funding Committee
Chair: Arlene Diosegy, Esq., Partner at William Mullen
Vice Chair: Sandy Mitofsky, MBA, Associate Director Commercial Operations at Quintiles
Membership
Chair: Heather Wood, B.A., National Manager GPO and Acute Care Myco Medical
Vice Chair: Demet Sag, Ph.D., Scientific Advisory of Bioexplore in India; Visitor Scientist at Duke University Fitzpatrick Institute and Applachian State University; Faculty/Lecturer at Applachian State University
Program (Events) Committee
Chair: Ginger Rothrock, Ph.D., Program Manager Emerging Technologies at RTI International
Vice Chair: Vicki Gunto, Ph.D., Director Regulatory Affairs King Pharma- a division of Pfizer
Volunteer: Amy Fix, Ph.D, J.D., Sr. Director Legal Affairs and Intellectual Property at Targacept
Volunteer: Lisa Crose, Ph.D, Postdoctoral Fellow Duke University
Volunteer: Joan Packenham, Director, NIEHS Office of Human Research Compliance and IRB Vice-Chair
Young Women In Bio (YWIB)
Chair: Lisa Richman, M.S., Director Mobile Launch Pad at Bionetwork Capstone Center
Vice Chair: Ayoola Cole, Ph.D., Regulatory Affairs Associate UNC Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center
WIB-RTP News
Young Women In Bio Program Continues Its’ Successful Partnership with Biogen Idec
Thirty young women from area middle schools (6-8th grade) arrived at the RTP location of Biogen Idec on the afternoon of February 28, 2012. After meeting each other and company scientists, they were split into groups and the young women took tours of the facilities, learning about the manufacturing of bio-pharmaceuticals along the way. During the conversations that took place along the tour, the young women asked thoughtful questions of the scientists about the types of products Biogen Idec manufactures, the patients that they help, and the process by which their products are manufactured.
Once the tour concluded, the visitors broke up into smaller groups and participated in a variety of activities such as using pipettes in the lab or learning about the importance of documentation at every stage of a product, which protects the patients that take it.
At each stage of the evening, the young women were paired with strong women role models, many in management and leadership positions at Biogen. Each of these women had chances to talk to small groups and answer questions about their jobs and their interest in science.
The evening ended with everyone sharing pizza courtesy of Biogen Idec and talking about their respective schools and what they had learned from this event. Women In Bio is looking for other companies to join in similar partnerships as Biogen to educate more young women about careers in the life sciences industry.
Biogen Idec Hosts Second YWIB Event for Young Women
On Thursday, May 26, 2011, Biogen Idec graciously opened its doors to 30 curious middle school girls as it hosted the second Young Women In Bio (YWIB) event in Research Triangle Park (RTP). In conjunction with WIB-RTP, Biogen Idec sponsored and planned an educational and fun-filled program designed to provide the students with first-hand knowledge of the biotechnology and life sciences industry.
WIB Chair of the RTP Chapter Christine Warrington shared her appreciation for Biogen Idec’s collaboration on the project, stating, “It is great to see such a strong leader in the community support our key objectives of encouraging girls to consider careers in the life sciences.”
Sabra Stipe, Dr. Ayoola Cole and Lisa Richman, who conducted tours of the facility later in the evening, opened the event with a warm welcome and introductions. The three women, all WIB members, supported the Biogen Idec team as the girls learned how science impacts our daily lives.
After the introductory remarks, the girls were divided into two groups. While one group toured Biogen Idec's manufacturing facility, the other rolled up their sleeves and conducted hands-on experiments to demonstrate concepts related to product purification. The groups then traded places, allowing the girls to participate in both activities.
Finally, Biogen Idec female scientists took small groups back to their individual work areas for a shadowing activity, during which the scientists explained their roles, shared how they became interested in science, demonstrated a variety of lab equipment, and answered challenging questions from the inquisitive young ladies.
Following the program, the girls and some of the parents enjoyed time discussing the events of the evening with the scientists and WIB members.
Additionally, click here to view a full summary of the past YWIB events at the Biogen Idec facilities at the WIB-RTP and WIB-Greater Boston chapters.
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