LabMates: Beyond the Bench Podcast
by Maddie White
Science doesn’t end at the bench — and neither do research careers. LabMates: Beyond the Bench dives into the journeys of scientists building impact, startups, collaborations, and careers that go beyond the traditional academic path. If you’re curious about what’s next in science, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 13: Suse Reynolds, Angel Investor
Dive into the world of angel investing and startup ecosystems with Suse, a KiwiNet Commercialisation Icon Award winner, as she shares her journey from diplomacy to economic development. In this episode, Suse discusses the importance of empathy, connection, and the unique role New Zealand plays in...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 12: Dr Matt Webber, Director R&D tax incentive MBIE
In this episode of "LabMates Beyond the Bench," join Maddie as she sits down with Matt, a former chemist turned director at MBIE. Discover Matt's fascinating journey from academia to industry and now into government, exploring the transferable skills that have shaped his career. Learn how his...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 11: Valentine Chan, Chief Scientific Officer
In this episode of "LabMates Beyond the Bench," host Maddie sits down with Valentine Chan to explore his fascinating career journey from a chemistry student to a Chief Scientific Officer. Valentine shares insights into his academic background, the pivotal internships that shaped his path, and the...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 10: Dr Lee Booty, Venture Principal Scientist
In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Maddie interviews Lee Booty about his journey from academia to industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in drug discovery and commercialisation. Lee shares insights on bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications,...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 9: Dr Giovanni Pedone, Commercialisation and Innovation Specialist
Gio shares his journey from academia to commercialisation and innovation specialist working in technology transfer. He talks about the skills he gained during his PhD and how they apply to his current work. He highlights the challenges faced in academia and the transition to a career in research...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 8: Dr Sankalita Ray Das, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
In this conversation, Sankalita shares her inspiring journey from India to New Zealand, detailing her academic path and the challenges she faced in pursuing a PhD. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the balance between research and personal life, and her aspirations to bridge the gap...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 7: Jess Chiang, Applied PhD & CSO at BioFab
After recently submitting her PhD thesis, Jess shares her career story from Bachelors to Honours to Master's to an applied PhD with the startup BioFab, while also working as their Chief Scientific Officer. Jess shares her unique journey through academia, highlighting her transition from a…
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 6: Dr Sheryl Tan, Venture Capital
Dr. Sheryl Tan's journey into venture capital is a testament to the power of adaptability and leveraging transferable skills. After completing her postdoc, she navigated the challenges of transitioning from neuroscience to venture capital, emphasising the importance of building networks and…
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 5: Dr Rebeka Fekete, Translational Scientist
Keywords: neuroscience, long COVID, job market, personal branding, networking, mentorship, LinkedIn, career growth, AI in research, industry insights Summary: In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Maddie interviews Rebeka Fekete, a neuroscientist and translational strategy expert. They...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 4: Dr Kathleen Lucere, Venture Capital
Keywords: science, research, venture capital, startups, academic career, commercialization, storytelling, PhD, medical school, entrepreneurship In this episode of LabMates Beyond the Bench, Dr. Kathleen Lucere shares her journey from aspiring medical student to PhD in biochemistry and her…
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 3. Dr Anupama Gulur Srinivas, Industry Chemist
Keywords: Academia, Industry, Mindset, Sustainability, Scaling, PhD, Innovation, Marketability, Transition The conversation explores the significant differences between academic and industry mindsets, particularly in the context of innovation, scalability, and marketability. Anu shares her...
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 2. Dr Thomas Grant, Investment Manager
In this episode of LabMates, we interview Dr. Thomas Grant, who shares his journey from academia to a role in commercialisation at Uni Services. He discusses the skills and mindset shifts required for success in the business world, the importance of networking during a PhD, and debunks common…
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Beyond the Bench: Episode 1. Dr Emily Mason, Commercialisation Manager
Today we are chatting with Emily about her career journey from doing a PhD in Chemistry at the Ferrier Institute and on to her role as Commercialisation Manager at Wellington Univentures, and the steps and lessons along the way. Follow Emily on LinkedIn here:...
About this show
Science doesn’t end at the bench — and neither do research careers. LabMates: Beyond the Bench dives into the journeys of scientists building impact, startups, collaborations, and careers that go beyond the traditional academic path. If you’re curious about what’s next in science, you’re in the right place.
Hosted by
Maddie White