Date/Time
Date(s) - 21/07/2022
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom link available from gsamcgss@mcmaster.ca or chemrad@mcmaster.ca

Holly attended Wilfrid Laurier University from 2010-2014, where she obtained
her BSc in Chemistry. She then attended McMaster University from 2014-
2019, where she earned her PhD in Chemical Biology, focusing on the
development of novel radiopharmaceuticals. She was an NSERC doctoral
award winner, and has delivered award winning presentations at several
national and international conferences during her PhD. Currently, she is a
research manager at the Centre for Probe Development and
Commercialization (CPDC), where she manages several R&D programs related
to the development and clinical translation of diagnostic and therapeutic
radiopharmaceuticals. She is an avid yogi who is passionate about improving
women’s healthcare within Canada and addressing gender disparities within
the field.

Transitioning from academia to industry in the
radiopharmaceutical space

In the past decade, the field of radiopharmaceuticals has seen tremendous
growth in Canada and worldwide. In 2021, the nuclear medicine industry
was valued at $4.9 billion (USD), and is expected to grow to $11.8 billion
(USD) by 2028. What drew me to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for my
PhD was the unique mix of radiochemistry, biology-related research, and
the close proximity to the healthcare field. Since then I have enjoyed
growing within this space, seeing the incredible impact these drugs are
having on patients’ lives. As a Research Manager at CPDC, I have had the
opportunity to manage multiple exciting R&D programs, working on
translation of these programs to the clinic. I work with an interdisciplinary
team of researchers, medical doctors, and business professionals. It is a
fast-paced, exciting environment, with new radiopharmaceuticals constantly
arising and changing the way we treat patients for a variety of diseases.
In this talk, I will discuss my transition from graduate school to industry. I
will also be discussing my role at CPDC, the current state of the
radiopharmaceutical industry, and career opportunities in Canada
(specifically in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area).