Name: Stella Belonwu (she/her)
PhD: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California - San Francisco, 2021
What was your main area of research?
My project was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's Disease (AD), focusing on the genetic risk factor APOE ε4 and sex differences. I analyzed large-scale gene expression data from human brain samples to understand how these factors contribute to AD progression. By comparing gene expression in people with different APOE genotypes and across sexes, I discovered distinct patterns of neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that both APOE genotype and sex play critical roles in AD and should be considered in future research to develop more precise treatments.
What is your current job?
I am a Science Communications Consultant at Genentech. I work remotely and in South San Francisco. I also founded a company Ebele Media LLC for my freelance science communication work.
At Genentech, I manage audiovisual and written communications strategies to promote scientific research, coordinate social media campaigns, and lead projects like podcast production and editorials.
In my freelance/consulting role, I lead storytelling, course development, and project management initiatives. This has included creating and managing content for mobile health apps, podcasts, and citizen science games, ensuring they are both engaging and educational. I also conduct user experience research to improve website strategies for clients, making sure content connects with the right audiences.
I love the flexibility, variety of deliverables, and that my positions allow me to be creative.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this position through networking.
PhD graduate ➡️ Intern ➡️ Freelancer/Consultant
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
I did not want to stay in academia. It wasn’t a hard decision to leave academia because I never intended to be a PI.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Take advantage of career resources your school offers
Network! and do several informational interviews with people in different fields to learn about their trajectory, see if their career fits your skills, interests, and values, and also to get advice
Try to get experience (internships, extracurricular clubs, courses) and in the "alt" career that you decide to pursue before leaving your PhD. Sometimes there are opportunities in your current institution to do so. It's good to show that you took initiative, have a portfolio so to speak, and are committed to it when you apply for positions.