Define Your Own Path
Meet Our Guest:
Angelika Fretzen, Ph.D., M.B.A. is the Wyss Institute’s Technology Translation Director and COO. She earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and gained postdoctoral experience in the laboratory of Professor Gregory Verdine at Harvard University. Following her academic training, Dr. Fretzen pursued her M.B.A. at Suffolk University, Boston, and subsequently held leadership positions at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, and at Catabasis Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA, where she was Senior Vice President of Product Development.
Key Insights:
Dr. Fretzen discusses her experience of being a woman in STEM and how she encourages younger generations to join the STEM community.
● From Germany to Harvard. Dr. Fretzen was young when she took interest in STEM. She quickly realized this was seen as an unorthodox path growing up in Germany, but nevertheless prevailed and made it to her current position at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.
● A Career In Chemistry. Going from industry to academia, she enjoyed this career turn. Her industry experience enabled her to gain a deep understanding of the processes involved in developing and de-risking therapeutic products from pre-clinical stages to the clinical market.
● The Only Woman in The Room. Dr. Fretzen’s impressive and innovative career has sometimes caused her to be the only woman in the room. Even if this was sometimes a difficult path to forge, she believes that no matter what you do, be sure to follow your passion.
This episode is hosted by Sandra Fenwick, Former CEO, Boston Children’s Hospital.
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