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At Open Avenues Foundation, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, inform, and connect. Our Coffee Chat Series spotlights professionals from diverse industries who are making a real impact in their fields—sharing the journeys, lessons, and values that shaped their paths.
In this edition, we’re diving into the world of biotechnology and cutting-edge medical innovation. From the labs of academia to the fast-paced environment of industry, the field of Cell Therapy is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern medicine—and the people leading that charge have fascinating stories to tell.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce Marie Goulard. Marie is a passionate leader in Cell Therapy, currently serving as an Open Avenues Build Fellow and Director of Research and Development at a biotech company, where she blends scientific expertise with strategic vision to drive innovation in medicine. With a Ph.D. in Oncology and Hematology from the University of Paris Diderot, Marie is dedicated to turning groundbreaking research into real-world therapies.
We sat down with Marie to explore her journey across academia and industry—discussing how she navigated the transition, the challenges she faced, and the milestones that marked her path from research to real-world impact.
A: When it comes to pursuing a career in biology, one of the many important decisions a student faces are whether to follow a path in academia or industry. While both environments are rooted in scientific research, they differ significantly in focus, structure, and day-to-day experience.
When I began my journey in biology, I was captivated by the discovery, the idea that a single question could open the door to something entirely new. At the time, academia felt like the perfect fit. Academic research tends to be driven by curiosity and the pursuit of fundamental knowledge. It often focuses on long-term questions and foundational science, typically conducted in universities or research institutes. It’s a great fit for those who value intellectual independence and enjoy mentoring and contributing to education. However, it can also come with challenges such as uncertain funding, competitive and slow career progression, and limited resources.
Industry research, on the other hand, is typically more mission-focused and helps move innovative treatments and therapies from concept to clinic. The environment is usually more fast-paced (especially in start-ups) with collaborative energy, and specific role structure, with defined goals, and strict timelines. One advantage is the access to greater resources to pursue the work. For many students and researchers, the appeal in industry lies in the opportunity to see scientific discoveries translated into real-world impact.
Choosing between academia and industry ultimately comes down to your personal values, goals, and preferred work style.
A: Transitioning from academia to industry can feel challenging at first, but with the right support and a few practical steps, the shift becomes much more accessible. One of the most effective ways to begin is by gaining exposure to the industry work environment early on. I encourage everybody interested in this, who are uncertain about their future, to seek internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in industry settings alongside their academic research. These experiences not only help clarify which environment aligns best with their goals but also build transferable skills that are highly valued across sectors. Fortunately, many career paths in science are flexible, and moving between academia and industry is entirely possible over time. Staying open-minded, proactive, and curious about your evolving interests is key.
Support systems play a crucial role in this journey. Programs like Open Avenues are excellent resources for students looking to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering access to mentorship, hands-on experience, and valuable professional connections. I also recommend attending conferences, participating in networking events, and engaging with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to build meaningful relationships and stay informed about opportunities. Personally, realizing that I wanted to apply science in a more direct, solution-oriented way led me to transition into industry, where I’ve discovered a renewed sense of purpose. For students considering this path, it’s important to understand that transitioning to industry doesn’t mean leaving research behind, it means focusing it on real-world impactful projects.
A: A graduate degree, whether it’s a Master’s (MS) or a Ph.D., can make a true difference when it comes to building and advancing a career in industry-based research. These degrees enhance your technical expertise but also reflect your ability to think critically, manage complex projects, and contribute to scientific innovation.
A master's degree can be a great path for those who want advanced training and a quicker entry into the workforce. It often leads to roles in product development, lab operations, or data analysis at the beginning of a career.
A Ph.D., on the other hand, is extremely valuable if you're aiming for leadership positions and want to be involved in research design and innovation. In many companies, a Ph.D. is considered the standard for positions that require independent thinking and scientific decision making. That said, even with an undergraduate degree, it is possible to land a starting role in industry and begin building a meaningful career, especially if you’re eager to learn and gain hands-on experience.
Personally, earning my Ph.D. was a turning point. It not only gave me the technical depth and research experience I needed, but it also opened doors that might have otherwise stayed closed or taken much longer to walk through. It helped me progress faster in my career, take on leadership responsibilities, and have a stronger voice in shaping scientific directions. For students considering this path, I would say that if you have a passion for discovery and the patience for long-term growth, a Ph.D. can be a powerful investment.
A: If you’re a student thinking about a future in industry-based biological research, one of the best things you can do early on is build a strong foundation in technical skills. Techniques like cell culture, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, and basic data analysis are widely used across many companies, so the more comfortable you are with those, the better. It’s also critical to get familiar with industry standards like Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and how to properly document work in regulated environments. Try to take advantage of internships, research assistant roles, or even short training courses whenever you can to progress on these points. Those experiences will not only build your skillset but also help you figure out which part of science interests you the most.
But the technical skills are just one part of the picture. In industry, soft skills are just as important, sometimes even more. Being able to clearly communicate your ideas (with reports and presentations), work well with cross-functional teams, and stay flexible when projects shift direction are key. I’ve found that people who ask questions, take initiative, and show a willingness to learn tend to stand out. It is important to focus on your time management, critical thinking, and teamwork but don’t worry about having it all figured out right away; no one does! Focus on growing, finding mentors (in and outside of your workplace), and staying curious. The industry world moves fast, but it’s full of opportunity, especially for students who bring both skills and passion to the table.
A: In a previous article about my career, I wrote: “Follow your curiosity and embrace all the challenges. The path you're about to take won't always be easy, but every step and setback will teach you something new. Be open to opportunities, like taking a postdoctoral position overseas, because each experience will shape your growth in ways you can’t imagine. Most importantly, stay focused, stay resilient, and trust in your ability to learn and adapt.”
In addition to this, I’d also remind myself not to wait to explore different paths. Try out academia, industry, startups, or even government-based jobs early on, each space has something unique to offer and figuring out where you feel the most at your place takes time and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you’re not supposed to know everything. Seek mentors, stay curious, and treat every experience as a chance to grow. And keep track of your work and experience. You’ll thank yourself later when prepping for job applications, grants writing, resume, or interviews. Remember that your degree doesn’t define your path and a degree in Biology can take you to the lab, to business, to communication, to policy, so stay open and let your curiosity lead the way.
As Marie highlights, making an impact in the life sciences goes beyond lab work, it’s about embracing curiosity, translating research into real-world solutions, and staying committed to lifelong learning. Her journey from academic discovery to leading biotech innovation is a powerful reminder that combining technical excellence with adaptability, collaboration, and purpose is key to building a meaningful and impactful career.
Danila Blanco Travnicek is the Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation at The Build Fellowship where she leads the education programming and its initiatives. She is a social entrepreneur who has been working tirelessly for over 10 years in the nonprofit sector to ensure more people have access to quality education. Danila holds a B.A in Business Management and a master's degree in Teaching and Nonprofit Management. She is a Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, an international speaker and facilitator and has managed and led programs with social impact in Latin America, U.S., Europe and Asia. She also received scholarships to study abroad in Finland, China and the United States.
Tanashya is the program coordinator for Open Avenues Foundation. Tanashya supports Open Avenues' marketing efforts and works on program strategy and evaluation. Tanashya holds a master's in marketing has previously worked multiple marketing strategy and content marketing roles in diverse fields including corporate wellness, financial services marketing, and fintech marketing.
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