5 Questions With Celeste L. Amadei, Ph.D., M.S., Product Manager, PAK BioSolutions
October 5, 2023
| 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?
This is going to be a long and winding story! I originally wanted to be a psychiatrist, so I studied psychology and pre-med undergrad at Berkeley. As I learned more about the lack of available treatments for psychiatric diseases and immersed myself in the research culture, I saw that research is essential for creating new medications. I would not be satisfied telling patients, “there is nothing more I can do.” I went on to study pharmacology and medicine and ended up doing a doctorate in biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational science.
Multiple times over multiple years, a good friend kept trying to introduce me to the CEO of a biotech company. I had already accepted another position when I finally met Joanna Pezzini, the co-founder of PAK BioSolutions. I had never really considered the manufacturing aspect of pharmaceuticals other than noting drug shortages and drug pricing were problems for patients. I learned about the revolutionary technology PAK has for making biologics faster, cheaper, and more efficiently. Frankly, I was amazed. This was an entire section of the “translational” path that I had overlooked, and the technology existed to make a difference right away. Needless to say, I never started at that other company.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
We have been getting involved with the community at several levels. PAK BioSolutions offers summer internships to undergraduates, participates in STEM2VA, and was named a Top Employer for Interns in VA. I have also been invited to sit on the NOVA Biotechnology Program Board to help inform what courses and experiences will make students into strong job candidates. All of the employees at PAK BioSolutions look forward to volunteering our time with the NSF NOBLE project for minority, veteran, and dual-enrollment students.
It would be nice to see more events and more initiatives local to the DC-area. Having an eclectic background myself, I see a lot of value in bringing together people from different specialties, disciplines, and institutions to advance science together.
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
I’ve written two children’s books that I’m starting to illustrate. One is about biochemistry lab and one is about Otter-841 in Santa Cruz. I have also been making videos for PAK to help explain the science behind how the PAK automated purification system works. These endeavors may sound completely disjointed, but really they are all about science communication using art.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
Start shadowing people right away! There is no clearer picture than experiencing a day (or better yet a week) in the life of someone whose career you admire.
5. FUN question. What do you want to be remembered for?
When I was younger, I definitely wanted something in science named after me, like a species or a molecule. Now, however, I like being remembered for breaking stereotypes. This is the plotline for an award-winning play an old classmate wrote about me, but I won’t tell you which one. Throw those preconceived notions out the window.
