Dr. Mia Edgerton-Fulton: Building Influence in Biotech and The NeuroPlex Blueprint for Empowering Scholars - 036

Dr. Mia Edgerton-Fulton, a biomedical scientist, educator, and entrepreneur, joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to discuss her multifaceted career. Dr. Mia shares how she bridges the gap between complex research and real-world impact through her biotech venture, NeuroPlex, and her mentorship initiative, Scholarly Scouts.Who is this for?For women in STEM, aspiring biotech founders, graduate students, and educators wanting to expand their impact. Valuable for those interested in entrepreneurship, science communication, and mentorship.Memorable Quotes with Timestamps:[01:15] "It's going to be a lot of people that are going to say no starting out, but just because it's rejection doesn't mean it's over. Sometimes rejection is protection."[06:09] "This is where the real work happens when you truly help shape the trajectory of students because they're at a point where they're finding themselves."[12:59] "Sometimes everybody isn't going to give you 500 likes and that's okay. Regardless, someone sees it and it resonates with someone."[21:45] "I never saw a scientist, let alone one that looks like me. So I think right now, even more, it's empowering for people to see that science doesn't look like one broad thing."[28:35] "Always be willing to be open-minded and don't think that just because someone is not in your particular area or your space that they can't bring value to what you're trying to do."[39:20] "I say the way to do that is think big picture wise... connect with people in a way where they can resonate with the experience."[46:31] "Life is dynamic. It always changes. And it's all about us adjusting to what's going on in our lives."[47:48] "Authenticity leads the way. As long as you're authentic and you're genuine, the right opportunities will come to you."Key Takeaways:Expanding Beyond the Lab. Dr. Mia emphasizes that a career in science doesn't have to be confined to the laboratory. Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, she ventured into entrepreneurship and education. She realized her background could translate into creating natural medicinal solutions, founding NeuroPlex.The Power of Mentorship. Recognizing the lack of resources in her small-town upbringing, Dr. Mia founded Scholarly Scouts to guide students through the graduate school application process. She highlights mentorship in helping students craft CVs, write statements, and prepare for interviews.Building a Brand Authentically. Dr. Mia discusses the importance of visibility for women in STEM. She encourages professionals to share their journeys—both successes and failed experiments—to inspire others. She stresses that building a brand isn't about going viral; it's about authentic storytelling.Navigating the Biotech Space. Entering the biotech industry requires thick skin and resilience. Dr. Mia shares her experience of facing rejection, winning pitch competitions, and securing support from the National Science Foundation. She underscores seeking mentorship outside one's field for fresh perspectives.Mastering Science Communication. One of the most critical skills for a STEM founder is the ability to translate complex science for a lay audience or investors. Dr. Mia advises focusing on the "big picture" and the human impact. By connecting her research to relatable experiences, she communicates its value.Leaving a Legacy of Empowerment. Dr. Mia's goal is to foster safe environments where people feel valued and capable of growth. She wants her legacy to be one of hope, showing others that life is dynamic, pivots are possible, and authenticity attracts opportunities.Connect with Dr. Mia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-edgerton-fulton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_miaedgertonfulton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.edgerton/Website: www.scholarlyscouts.org