Inspiring the next generation of innovators
The 2025 Science Careers Conference (SCC), held September 9–10, brought together more than 50 students and alumni from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for two days of exploration, networking and professional growth. The annual event is designed to help trainees and early-career scientists chart meaningful career paths and connect with leaders who have transformed their scientific training into diverse and impactful professions.
The program opened with an inspiring keynote presentation by Keri Schadler, Ph.D., from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who encouraged attendees to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. Drawing from her own journey in academic research, Dr. Schadler shared strategies for finding purpose and balance in a competitive field, reminding students that persistence and curiosity often lead to the most rewarding discoveries.
Lindsey Cauthen, Ph.D., from Baylor’s Career Development Center, followed with an engaging career-mapping workshop that helped participants identify their core strengths and align them with potential career trajectories. Her session set the tone for the afternoon’s “My North Star” alumni lightning talks, a conference favorite that showcases how Baylor graduates have taken unique paths to success.
This year’s “My North Star” speakers—Shinya Yamamoto, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’12; Kimberly Weiderhold, Ph.D. ’12, MBA; Guo Hu, Ph.D. ’24; Ashley Monahan, Ph.D. ’24; Ricardo Nuila, M.D. ’06; and Joefrey Kibuule, M.D. ’14—offered candid insights into the progressions of their professional journeys. Each alumnus spoke about how their Baylor experience shaped their resilience, creativity and commitment to innovation.
Day two shifted the focus toward the evolving landscape of science and technology careers. A recruiter panel gave attendees practical advice on job searching, interviewing and navigating today’s competitive hiring environment. Later, a MedTech and Baylor Innovation Institute discussion spotlighted opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation, highlighting how scientific discovery can translate into real-world impact through collaboration between academia and industry.
The conference concluded with a thought-provoking keynote address by Patrick Turley, J.D., Ph.D., who explored the dynamic intersections of science, law and innovation.
A lively networking reception closed the two-day event, giving students, alumni and speakers a chance to connect more personally. Conversations filled the room as attendees exchanged ideas, forged new mentorships and reflected on the shared mission of advancing science for the benefit of humanity.
