Meet Dr. Kristin

Communicator by nature.

I have a natural aptitude for storytelling and translating complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. I’ve done this through presenting to cross-functional teams, writing research papers, and facilitating conversations between scientists and decision-makers. I’m in my element when reading, writing, and speaking to diverse audiences, always striving to make ideas land with clarity and impact.

Scientist by training.

As a life science expert holding a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, I developed strong analytical skills while conducting interdisciplinary research in biology, chemistry, and physics. My research projects on DNA sequencing, cancer therapeutics, viral diagnostics, and wetland biogeochemistry resulted in eight publications, three funded grant proposals, and a patent.

After nearly a decade at the bench, I stepped out of the lab because I realized being a scientist wasn’t just about experiments — science was about learning how to think, lead, and solve unanswered questions. I’ve redirected the scientific method toward shaping strategy, optimizing systems, and solving real‑world challenges in healthcare and life sciences.

Technology Enthusiast by design.

I’m fascinated by how emerging technologies can drive positive impact. My doctoral dissertation reflects this: I’ve explored nanotechnology for real-time DNA sequencing, advanced bioconjugation methods to improve drug development, and prognostic tools to predict COVID-19 severity. As a protein engineer, I’ve witnessed first hand how machine learning and biological foundation models can bridge data gaps, reveal patterns, unlock protein structure–function, and accelerate discovery. Today, I stay plugged into artificial intelligence (AI) trends that enhance decision-making and shape the future of healthcare and life sciences.

Business Strategist by trade.

I pivoted into the business side of healthcare and life sciences. I’ve worn multiple hats across startups and global enterprises — as a customer success manager, scientific business analyst, scientific AI product analyst, and Generative AI go‑to‑market specialist. Across these roles, I’ve shape business strategy by collaborating with technical and business stakeholders to align priorities, translate ideas into impact, and guide solutions from concept to execution.

Notes from my Career Journey

My Story & Voice

I share my story to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of STEM leaders to navigate their journeys with curiosity, confidence, and clarity.

Connect on LinkedIn for conversations about scientific AI, follow along on Instagram for everyday moments working in science and tech, and explore the blog for advice and resources on professional development.

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Link

*All views expressed across my social media platforms are my own and do not reflect those of my employer. My content is shared to educate and empower the STEM community through personal perspective.

Beyond the Career

In my free time, I’m drawn to the great outdoors and driving positive change for our planet. I enjoy hiking mountains and volunteering for environmental causes. My interests include:

FAQs

Where’s your home base?

I’m based in California – I’ve lived and worked in the Bay Area and Orange County, with professional ties extending from San Diego to Boston. My experience spans research labs, startups, and global tech companies. California is a dynamic place to be at the crossroads of science, innovation, and impact.

Did you always know you wanted to get a PhD?

As a first-generation college student, I was trying to figure out how to survive college and graduate school wasn’t even on my radar until the end of my second year. I followed my curiosity and growing love for research, and over time, I realized I wanted to dive deeper into science and open more doors for impact. Conversations with my undergraduate research advisors were the turning point — they saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply straight into a PhD program. Learning that a PhD came with a stipend (and no student debt) made getting an advanced degree feel more possible. I’m so glad I did!

What was the hardest part of your career journey?

The pivots. Moving from academia to industry was tough. In graduate school, I was clueless about all the different career possibilities beyond the lab. To close the gap, I conducted lots of informational interviews (basically, asking people about their jobs) to learn what was out there. I realized networking and mentorship were essential, so I co-founded a Young Professionals Committee with a local medical device organization to bring in industry experts and help students like me explore real-world opportunities. Once in industry, I had to rewire my brain from semesters to fiscal quarters, essays to slide decks, and lab work to cross-functional business meetings. I evolved from student to professional, but will always be a life-long learner (e.g. I continue to learn through courses, textbooks and primary literature, and conferences).

How can I stay in touch?

Connect with me on LinkedIn. Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes reflections. Check out my blog for insights. I’m here to empower the next wave of STEM leaders — curious, creative, and ready to chart their own course.