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In 2018, Lauren Walsh was working for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (a biochemistry pharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, N.Y.) when she got the itch to go back to school. With a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry under her belt, the Hofstra graduate says she knew she would need an advanced degree in order to achieve a more senior role. “I was googling advanced degrees in science when I found New York Medical College’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, and I knew it was perfect for me,” she explains, “I love working in the field of biochemistry, but I don’t necessarily want to be ‘on the bench’. This degree will give me that big-picture, broader background to set me up to expand my options and get me access to varying departments that support the research in biotech companies.”
Here, Ms. Walsh describes what makes this program so unique and what’s next for her in the realm of biotechnology:
The Professional Science Masters (PSM) is a relatively new program. Why did you choose to peruse this degree?
I was drawn to the flexibility this degree provides me. You can choose a concentration in any of the basic sciences offered at NYMC and can take elective profesional skills courses in the School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP) Public Health curriculum. Since my background is in biochemistry, I chose a biochemistry and molecular concentration. It is geared toward people with a passion for science but who would prefer to support research outside of running experiments. This can range anywhere from lab management, quality assurance, project operations and technical report writing.
You mentioned this degree will open up doors in numerous departments in the biochemical firm where you work. What are your future plans?
I love my job with Regeneron and plan to continue growing my career there. What I’ve learned so far is currently helping me to develop as a lab assistant in the Formulation Development group. What I continue to gain in knowledge will help me grow into a more senior role in the future. I’m not 100 percent certain where my career will take me, but I do know that this degree will give me a broad education that is applicable and marketable for any path I choose.
What is your favorite memory of NYMC?
My favorite memories involve the faculty here at NYMC. When I schedule meetings to talk about my projects and assignments, it always feels like a collaborative conversation—an exchange of ideas about my work and projects. That is what makes the PSM student experience so special.
I love the relaxed, flexible environment and culture. A perfect example of this is that all PSM students are required to complete an internship, but I already work full-time. This is where the flexibility comes in. My advisor helped me to carve-out an internship within my current place of employment wherein I can delve into an area that could be done in a better way— to find a gap within the department and implement a new initiative.