Welcome to the first episode, hosted by Dr. Parul Kulshreshtha, a biotechnologist and biosafety expert with hands-on experience working in BSL-3 laboratories on high-risk pathogens to develop cutting-edge vaccines and immunotherapies. Drawing from her deep experience at the frontlines of biosafety, Dr. Parul brings together a panel of seasoned biosecurity professionals to share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and practical career advice. Together, they explore what it takes to build a meaningful career in biosafety and biosecurity, and how the field is rapidly transforming in the era of AI-driven science.
Dr. Parul Kulshreshtha is an International Student Advisor for scholarship programs at the International student Initiatives office at UBC, she leads the implementation of the programming for the International Scholars Program and the International Major Entrance Scholarship for Karen McKellin International Leader of tomorrow award(KMILOT), the International Impact Award(IIA), the Donald Wehrung International Student Award (DWISA) and the Vantage One Excellence Award for International undergraduate students. She joined UBC in November 2021 as an Academic and Career Advisor in the Academic and Career Development Office on the Okanagan campus. In addition to course advising, Dr. Parul worked with various campus partners including the Disability Resource Centre, Admissions, the Learning Hub, Co-op, GEO, the Ombuds office and Health & Wellness to support student retention and success. Parul supported students in crisis making appropriate referrals, evaluating requests for academic concessions and consulting with Associate Deans, faculty and staff on student case files. Dr.Parul also created asynchronous Career Advising Training Tools, advised students on work integrated learning opportunities as well as skill building to enhance career readiness. Prior to joining UBC, Parul was an Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi in India. In this role, Dr.Parul organized and executed student orientation and outreach programs, workshops and webinars for the Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and the Prime Minister’s Office in India.
Guest profiles:
Dr. Jaishree Garhyan, an accomplished Director of BSL3 multi-user facility at Stanford University, where she wears four hats, as a scientific director, operations lead, safety director and trainer, and business operations. With a PhD in Biotechnology and Infectious Diseases, Jaishree has led biosafety and operations programs that have supported more than $200 million in grant-funded research, She is passionate about advancing the vision of “Biosafety in Action”—ensuring compliance and innovation go hand in hand and volunteers to the distance learning committee of ABSA on the side. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaishreegarhyan/
Adejare (Jay) Atanda is a senior policy researcher at the Meselson Center, within the RAND Global and Emerging Risk Division. His research examines development of new technological tools, the potential to misuse them and their convergence with traditional threats with a primary focus on AI security, Biosecurity and AIxBio policy. Before coming to RAND, Atanda managed a policy and research portfolio at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. Atanda is co-chair of the Data and Information Technology workgroup of the Maryland Commission of Public Health, serves on the epidemiology section of the American Public Health Association, the scientific program committee of the Global Health Security Conference and the editorial board of several journals. He earned a DMD from University of Ibadan, an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, a DrPH from Morgan State University and completed his residency training at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at NIH. Please find his profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jay-atanda-2020a/
Dr. Antony Schwartz is the Director of Biological Safety at Duke University, where he oversees institutional biosafety, biosecurity, and dual-use research compliance. He also serves as the Responsible Official for Duke’s Select Agent Program and holds a faculty appointment at the Duke School of Medicine. His team supports high-containment research across diverse lab and clinical environments, including the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory. Prior to Duke, Dr. Schwartz led the NIH Select Agent Program. Just before that, he completed a highly competitive NIH fellowship in biosafety and biocontainment, designed to prepare professionals for work in high-containment laboratories. A Ph.D. microbiologist and Certified Biological Safety Professional, he has held multiple leadership roles with ABSA International and remains deeply engaged in advancing biosafety through teaching, mentorship, and policy development https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonyschwartz/
