Stephanie Wiessner
Weston,USA
Summary
Results-driven scientific professional with a Master's in Genetics and Developmental Biology and over 14 years of experience in biomedical research and project leadership within pharmaceutical and academic environments. Expertise in organizing impactful events and fostering collaborations among diverse stakeholders. Proficient in data analysis, experimental design, and research publication, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Strong communication and teamwork skills enhance problem-solving capabilities in scientific settings. I would love to bring my passion for science to the students of Beacon High School and share the fascination, joy, and deep gratification science can offer with them.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist II, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
Cambridge, MA
01.2012 - 05.2017
- Executed independent research projects aligned with lab focus, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Conducted comprehensive research involving multiple technologies and departmental integration.
Delivered department-wide presentations to share findings and promote knowledge exchange.
Scientist I, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
Cambridge, MA
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Executed independent research projects aligned with lab focus, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Conducted comprehensive research involving multiple technologies and departmental integration.
Delivered department-wide presentations to share findings and promote knowledge exchange.
Research Associate II, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
Cambridge, MA
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Conducted guided research projects aligned with lab objectives, incorporating various technologies and departmental collaboration.
Presented findings group-wide to collect feedback and enhance project outcomes.
Research Associate I, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
Cambridge, MA
11.2003 - 01.2005
- Planned and executed independent research projects focusing on genetics, developmental biology, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) using the zebrafish model.
- Analyzed, summarized, and presented complex scientific data in group meetings and departmental seminars.
- Routinely trained and mentored junior lab members in advanced research methodologies and laboratory best practices.
- Scientific expertise encompassed animal handling, drug administration, microinjections, organ preparations, histology (manual and automated sectioning and staining), advanced microscopy (including confocal microscopy and corresponding software), and a wide range of RNA, DNA, and protein-based molecular biology techniques.
- Key Engagement & Leadership Initiatives at Novartis:
- Founder and Lead, Cross Functional Associate Exchange (CFAE), Cambridge (2012 – May 2017)
- Conceptualized, founded, and led this key associate engagement initiative aimed at enhancing inter-departmental collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking.
- Successfully expanded CFAE's reach by forging a collaboration with a similar associate group in Novartis Basel (2013).
- Organized and hosted numerous speaker events, inviting renowned external experts (e.g., Eric Lander, Broad Institute) and internal leaders.
- Launched the 'Patients First' subcommittee (2017), focusing on diseases and therapeutic approaches.
- Co-Organizer and Host, Associate Development Fair (ADFair) (2014 – May 2017)
- Designed, created, organized, and hosted the inaugural ADFair, promoting associate development and engagement in collaboration with the Cambridge Women's Research Group (CWRG).
- The ADFair became a highly successful annual flagship event, subsequently adopted by the Novartis Basel site.
- Organizer, DMP Associate Advance (2014)
- Spearheaded the planning and execution of a department-wide retreat and professional development event.
- Co-Planner, NIBR Block Party (2017)
- Internship, Talent Development and Program Office (2016)
- Gained experience in talent management, conflict resolution, team leadership, and workshop design/facilitation.
- Certified Workshop Facilitator (2016)
- Member, Cambridge Women's Research Group (CWRG) (2011 – May 2017)
- Active member, participating in mentorship programs as both mentor and mentee.
- Served as Hub Advocate, Lab Safety Representative, and Institutional BioSafety Committee point person.
Research Associate, Systems Biology, Laboratory of Prof. Iain Drummond
Massachusetts General Hospital
Cambridge, MA
03.2002 - 11.2003
- Conducted research in systems biology, contributing to studies on kidney development and disease using the zebrafish model.
Research Assistant, Laboratory of Dr. Ferenc Mueller, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
, Germany
01.2000 - 02.2002
- Company Overview: (Formerly Karlsruhe Research Institute)
- Contributed to research in genetics and developmental biology.
- Played a role in establishing and managing the zebrafish facility.
Education
Master's Degree - Genetics and Developmental Biology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Germany01.2002
Vordiplom - Developmental Biology and Genetics
University of Karlsruhe (now part of KIT)
Germany01.1998
Abitur - University Entrance Qualification
Bertha-von-Suttner Schule
Ettlingen, Germany06.1994
Skills
- Science education initiatives
- Event planning and execution
Workshop and conference management
Speaker series coordination - Scientific reporting and presentation, stakeholder engagement (academic, industry, community)
- Outreach strategies
Scientific initiatives
Media proficiency - STEM education advocacy and STEM teaching within the Weston PTO framework for six years
- Eighth-grade robotics team mentor last year
- I have been a science mentor to Cambridge MS students for several years while working at Novartis
- Bilateral cooperation and networking
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with academic, research, and community partners
- Connecting individuals, resources, and organizations, fostering international collaboration (eg, CFAE Cambridge-Basel)
- Project and event management
- End-to-end planning, organization, and execution of complex projects and high-impact events (eg, ADFair, DMP Advance, PTO STEM nights, Weston astronomy night, Weston Covid symposium)
- Budget management and grant application, logistics coordination, vendor and partner liaison
- Event advertisement and communication
- Leadership and teamwork
- Leading and motivating cross-functional teams and volunteer groups without direct authority, such as CFAE Founder and Lead, and PTO STEM Council Co-Lead
- Effective mentoring, fostering open and inclusive collaboration, workshop design and facilitation, conflict resolution, and achieving your objectives in a matrixed organization
- Analytical and conceptual skills
- Data analysis and interpretation, problem-solving, program development, and strategic planning
- Identifying and developing new cooperation potentials
- Languages
- German (Native/C2)
- English (fluent/C2)
- Technical proficiencies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Various imaging software, laboratory information management systems, and data analysis programs
- Enhancing your presentation skills workshop
- Therapeutic experiences
- Mom of two neurodiverse kids, 18 and 14
- CBT therapy experience
- DBT therapy experience
- Multiple online workshops
- My teen with ADHD lacks all motivation, webinar; Helping lonely teenagers with ADHD, webinar; ADHD is a whole life, whole body experience, webinar; When ADHD triggers emotional outbursts, webinar; ADHD irritability vs DMDD vs Bipolar Disorder, webinar; ADHD medication options and benefits for children, webinar
Languages
German (Native/C2), English (Fluent/C2)
Awards
1x D+I Award, Novartis (March 2013) - For creating and leading the Cross Functional Associate Exchange (CFAE)., 1x Fusion Team Award, Novartis (September 2014) - For planning the DMP Associate Advance., 5x Spotlight Award, Novartis (2012 – 2017), 6x NIBR Star Awards, Novartis (2012 – 2017)
Volunteer Experience
2021, 2022
Community Service
- Weston Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), Co-Lead, Weston PTO STEM Council, Weston, MA, 2020, 2025-06, Recruit, coordinate, and host speakers for STEM-focused community events., Develop and disseminate communications to teachers, parents, and students., Co-organize and execute annual STEM Nights (e.g., coding, AI, climate change)., Manage allocated budgets and successfully apply for grants., Conceived and organized a COVID-19 symposium featuring local physicians and scientists., PTO Ambassador (2023 – Present), Welcome and provide guidance to new families in the Weston school district., Active Member (2019 – 2020)
- Organizer, Annual Block Parties, Weston, MA, 2022, Present, Volunteer, Neighborhood Gardening and Pollinator Preservation Initiative (2022– Present), Volunteer at Local Landsake farm 2021, Volunteer at “ stray cats of Needham shelter” 2021
Publications
- Huang SM, Mishina YM, Liu S, Cheung A, Stegmeier F, Michaud GA, Charlat O, Wiellette E, Zhang Y, Wiessner S, et al. (2009). Tankyrase inhibition stabilizes axin and antagonizes Wnt signaling. Nature, 461, 614-620.
- Obara T, Mangos S, Liu Y, Zhao J, Wiessner S, Kramer-Zucker AG, Olale F, Schier AF, Drummond IA. (2006). Polycystin-2 Immunolocalization and Function in Zebrafish. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 17(10):2706-2718.
- Kramer-Zucker AG, Wiessner S, Jensen AM, Drummond IA. (2005). Organization of the pronephric filtration apparatus in zebrafish requires Nephrin, Podocin and the FERM domain protein Mosaic eyes. Developmental Biology, 285(2):316-329.
Co-Mentor, Weston Middle School Robotics Team
Provide guidance and mentorship to middle school students in competitive robotics.
Timeline
Scientist II, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
01.2012 - 05.2017
Scientist I, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
01.2008 - 01.2012
Research Associate II, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
01.2005 - 01.2008
Research Associate I, DMP Zebrafish
Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
11.2003 - 01.2005
Research Associate, Systems Biology, Laboratory of Prof. Iain Drummond
Massachusetts General Hospital
03.2002 - 11.2003
Research Assistant, Laboratory of Dr. Ferenc Mueller, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
01.2000 - 02.2002
Master's Degree - Genetics and Developmental Biology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Vordiplom - Developmental Biology and Genetics
University of Karlsruhe (now part of KIT)
Abitur - University Entrance Qualification
Bertha-von-Suttner Schule
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