Laura Rowley graduated from UNC in 2014 with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology. She was interviewed by Jen Kernan in August 2019 when she was the Director of Life Science Economic Development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
What is your current job? Please provide a brief description.
Laura Rowley is the current Director of Life Science Economic Development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. In this role, she partners closely with North Carolina’s economic development community, various universities, and community colleges to support life science companies seeking to expand their operations or even relocate to NC.
What do you like about your current job?
What she most appreciates in her current role is the abundant opportunities to collaborate with her NC Biotech colleagues and NC’s life sciences community.
How did the GBCC help you launch your career outside academia?
As the former co-founder and vice president for GBCC (then the Graduate Consulting Club), this group provided Laura with early experience in project management and organization that she still utilizes today. Through peer mentorship and invited guest speakers, GBCC also expanded her exposure to resources and opportunities that she then leveraged as she pursued her career options beyond the bench.
What is one piece of advice you would share with students pursuing a career outside of academia?
“Make time to get off campus! While your research should be a top priority, take advantage of every opportunity you can – including networking events, informational interviews, internships, volunteering – to gain exposure and experience beyond academia.”
Thanks to Laura for spending time with us to learn more about her experiences! If you’re interested in following her footsteps, you can visit the website of the GBCC as well as the Biotech Center. You can also find her on LinkedIn.