5 Questions with Lois Tolvinski, Senior Manager, Laboratory Operations, Vivodyne
From childhood aspirations of being a doctor to a pivotal role in lab operations, Lois Tolvinski’s journey highlights the unexpected paths and meaningful impact one can have in the science community.
August 1, 2024
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
I had significant exposure to a hospital environment as a child, after my mother was diagnosed with cancer. This experience sparked a desire to become a doctor – but after volunteering at my local hospital on Saturday mornings throughout high school, I knew I didn’t want direct interaction with patients. After a minor detour into a political science degree and a stint as a dog walker, I made my way to the Wistar Institute for a Biomedical Technician certificate. It was an insightful journey in learning how I could have an impact on patients’ lives from the laboratory side. At Wistar, I worked on a translational drug discovery program while also completing my M.S. at Drexel University in Biomedicine and Law. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work on a number of impactful programs at Janssen and then at Chimeron Bio, an RNA therapeutics startup. More recently, I have joined the team at Vivodyne and am really excited about the incredible technology advancements happening here.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
There are so many impactful workforce development programs being developed in Philadelphia right now, specifically engaging residents in education and training for careers in science. I helped to bring trainees from Wistar’s Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program to Chimeron Bio for two summers (and a third, since I’ve left!). It gives these students the opportunity to network with and train side-by-side with industry scientists, giving them valuable experiences to lean on when they begin their job search after completion of the program. I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a workforce development program, and enjoyed seeing my career sort of come full circle since my own scientific training began with BTT. I hope to keep making connections for BTT to bring students to other companies as well as supporting these types of programs as a member of Wistar’s Workforce Advisory Council.
I’ve also been heavily involved at LabOps Unite, a community of lab operations professionals who join forces to trade ideas, offer counsel, and discuss relevant developments in the industry. I am co-chair of the Research Committee and co-lead of the Philadelphia Chapter. Recently, we just held our very first chapter day, bringing together Philly area lab operations professionals for a day of information sharing, workshops, and networking. Here’s my pitch for readers to join LabOps Unite and/or stop by for our next quarterly happy hour in September!
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
- Buzzing about this newest step in my career as I am settling into my role as manager of lab operations at Vivodyne, with a great team and challenging projects to work on.
- I am stepping into a more formal professional mentorship role for the first time and it is both intimidating and exciting. I have so much energy and knowledge to share with the next generation of scientists and lab operations professionals, and I’m eager to see what they have to teach me!
- Recently I have been dedicating quite a bit of my free time to my hobby with wheel thrown ceramics, honing my skills and finding my own aesthetic. I’m buzzing about hand-making my Christmas gifts this year!
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
Make a list of superpowers, and flaunt them!
I spent so much time worrying about how I compared to others, or embarrassed that I was older than my peers since I took a weird wander-y route to science. But really, all of the things I did before this helped me to build a great network and develop a set of transferrable skills that have helped me be successful where I am today.
5. FUN question. What’s the best kept secret in Philly?
I love how easy it is to escape to nature while still being in the city. I’m going to cheat a little and list two of my favorite “secrets” here: Bartram’s Garden and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge! Bartram’s has one of my favorite gardens to wander in with some lovely walking paths, and John Heinz is so peaceful with incredible biodiversity, especially for being right next to the airport!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
BioBuzz is a community led, experience focused, biotech and life sciences media and events company. BioBuzz highlights regional breaking news, industry professionals, jobs, events, and resources for business and career growth. Their weekly newsletter is subscribed to by thousands in the BioHealth Capital Region and Greater Philadelphia as the go-to for industry updates.
