Amplified Scientific Curiosity + More Comfortable Life

Name: Kelsey Moore (she/her)

PhD: Biomedical Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 2021

What was your main area of research?

The purpose of my research was to uncover the consequences of mutations in heart valve disease. We identified specific mutations in a large population of diseased patients and used mice to model the disease.

With various techniques to study the tissue architecture, cellular, and protein features resulting from mutated genes, we identified new protein interactions and cell behaviors that contribute to disease phenotypes and progression. This work challenges the dogma that heart valve disease is a result of lifestyle rather than genetic / developmental mechanisms.

What is your current job?

I am the Director of Market Development at Applikate Technologies, Inc. in Fairfield, Connecticut.

As part of a small team, my role manages our marketing channels, enables sales activities, and assists with raising funds. My activities change daily and revolve around preparing for events and meetings, analytical and strategic efforts on various business and R&D projects, and managing communications and relationships.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love getting to meet hundreds of passionate individuals across different fields and working with them to advance human health.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

The ability to persuade via communicating complex ideas to various audiences.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

The best way to learn soft skills is by talking to people and immersing yourself where you want to end up. There's no didactic training that will teach you - sales skills, digital tools, writing, presentations, and how to socialize.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

I met one of the founders at a conference, loved what I learned about their technology, and kept in touch for 2 years until they had funding to recruit me.

PhD graduate ➡️ Business Development Executive ➡️ Regional Sales Manager ➡️ Director of Market Development

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

1. Be introspective and take inventory of what you're good at and what you like to do.

2. Be open-minded to different opportunities by letting your scientific passion guide you while selling your innate skills and what you learned in PhD.

3. View your grad school experience as work experience.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

The decision to not pursue academia came easily. While I had been funded by an NIH F31 and had the passion to continue pursuing it, I knew that it would require doubling down on the work and lifestyle. I couldn't imagine myself in a lab everyday anymore - I was always finding my way through extracurriculars and being social. I'm so glad I followed that.

My roles, while not performing science hands-on, have more than amplified my scientific curiosity while being able to live a more comfortable life.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Stop thinking of your path as linear, be open-minded to pursuing your passions and going with the flow.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I've been told several times that I have a unique ability to be incredibly social while also analytical and scientific, which lands me in more of a utility player / generalist / swiss army knife role. This characteristic is challenging as it may prevent you from being viewed as an expert in anything, but it will land you in rooms that you may not have imagined.