Category: Feature Profile


The Secrets of a Successful PhD Entrepreneur

Posted on by Yanni Wang

You have successfully finished your PhD program, and you want to start your own company because you think you have a great idea that can be transformed into a business. What do you do?

Just do it!

That’s what Steve Issacman would recommend. And that’s what he did himself.

Inspired by his uncle, Issacman started his own company right after he finished his PhD program in 2008. With a few creative ideas, some careful planning, and an incredible drive and determination, his company was profitable the first year. Today, the company is thriving with multimillion-dollar funding from the NIH and other places, and a few of his products are in clinical development stage.

How did he do it?

Here is Issacman’s story, and advices.

The Entrepreneurial PhD Who Is Set to Address Unmet Medical Needs


When Choosing a Career Path, Let Curiosity Be Your Guide

Posted on by Yanni Wang

Einstein once said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Many scientists share such a trait of curiosity, and Margaret Chu-Moyer is one of them.

From studying tooth paste as a teenager to making life-saving medicines as a chemist, curiosity has led Chu-Moyer to a fascinating career path.

Margaret Chu-Moyer: A Curious Mind


So You Think You Want to Be a Consultant — Tips and Tricks from a Veteran Consultant

Posted on by Yanni Wang

Perhaps it’s because you are an expert in your field, and it makes no sense not to share your knowledge and expertise. Perhaps it’s because you have been told by trusted mentors or colleagues that your talent and personality would make you a great consultant. Or perhaps you really don’t know much about the consulting business, but the title of “consultant” sounds cool and you simply want to give it a try.

No matter what your reason is, it helps to find out more about the consulting business before you dive deeply into it.

I recently had a chance to speak with Tony Noce, a seasoned environmental engineering consultant with close to 30 years of consulting experience.

He described to me the nature of the consulting business, the pros and cons of working for an established consulting firm, and how to find out if you are a good fit for the business.

And he shared tips for getting foot in the door, tricks for handling the stress, and strategies for thriving in the business.

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