Networking for Introverts: How to Effectively Connect

More about the panelists

Jahna Soomer James is Senior Associate Scientist at Mersana Therapeutics. I developed a deep passion for Science at a young age to interpret and feel connected to the world around me. In kindergarten we learned arithmetic using spent popsicle sticks and bottle caps then progressed through middle school to studying everything from the waxing and waning of the moon to its effect on the tides. I felt Science all around me growing up on the island of St. Lucia, nestled between the pristine skies and oceans that were kept in perfect balance by Science. To me, the connections in Science were obvious but along the way I was challenged by understanding the bonds we form with each other. As I learned more about the Science happening daily, hourly, by the minute inside us all, and more profoundly the ripple effect of the loss experienced when there is an upset to that perfect internal balance, I had an overwhelming desire to learn and do more. In the years that followed I’ve cultivated a limitless way of thinking about Science and fascination with the connections we make with each other. I’ve found great joy in sharing my passion with younger scholars and this fuels pride in my everyday work as an Immuno-Oncology researcher. Spending much time in deep thought can sometimes be exhausting so I’m happy to share my introvert experience and highlight how I preserve my energy, while also sharing my life force with others in order to have the greatest impact.

Rashmi Kshirsagar has relevant industrial experience in pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) development based on more than 20 years of CMC development responsibilities in biologics, focused on proteins and cell therapy. Rashmi Kshirsagar joined Be Biopharma as Senior Vice President and will be part of the Operations Leadership Team. Previously, Rashmi was the VP for Technical Development and CMC Strategy at Rubius Therapeutics. Before that, she was Senior Director for Protein Development in Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology at Biogen. She joined Biogen with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of Minnesota where she worked with Professor Wei-Shou Hu and prior experience in Technical Development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Her graduate work involved application of genomic and proteomic approaches to mammalian process development. Rashmi has been active for more than 25 years in the scientific community by presenting at conferences, publishing scientific papers and book chapters, planning conferences, conference sessions and workshops and participating in industrial forums and consortia. Full Bio 

Pallavi Srivastava's diverse 18+ years of career journey includes closely collaborating with executives in multifaceted roles. In her present role as CEO of the The Wellbeing Ways LLC and an Executive Coach, Pallavi partners with leaders, scientists and start-up founders on topics like leadership effectiveness, vision to strategy, resilience, conflict management, problem solving, emotional intelligence, etc. As an executive coach, Pallavi has guided leaders towards their highest potential and sustainable high performance. Pallavi has coached leaders across the world and industries for over 1000 coaching hours and with results that have earned consistent re-engagement of her services. Pallavi is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and is certified by the Co-Active Training Institute as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and holds an MBA degree. Her forthcoming book, 'Relationship with Self,' poised for release in early 2024, underscores her commitment to self-leadership and to inspire others on their own transformative journeys. Full Bio.