2026 SMDP Biotech Training Session

June 20, 2026 - June 25, 2026

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The Scholar Mentoring & Development Program (SMDP) is a one year career mentoring program pairs students (Baccalaureate, Master or PhD) and early career researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds with industry mentors who work at companies in the biotechnology, medical technology and consumer healthcare industries. The 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and Mentors will attend an in-person SMDP Biotech training session in San Diego, June 20th through 25th. Details for participation is sent to each attendee prior to the event.

The time is listed as Pacific Standard Time.

Schedule

The pre-conference session is for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars only

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

SMDP Primer Session (Virtual): How to Develop & High Impact Resume & Cover Letter

Career Development

This practical career development session is designed to help the SMDP Biotech Scholars create compelling resumes and cover letters that effectively communicate their skills, experiences, and professi ...

Lauren Celano

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

SMDP Primer Session (Virtual): The Power of Personal Brand

Career Development

In today’s competitive professional environment, technical skills alone are not enough. This session explores how SMDP Scholars can develop a strong professional brand and effectively communicate th ...

Charreah Jackson

3:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Hotel Check-In for SMDP Scholars

SMDP Scholars should plan to arrive in San Diego by late afternoon on Saturday, June 20, to allow ample time to check in to the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. S ...

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Casual Dinner for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and Mentors

Community & Networking

The SMDP Training Session begins with informal evening dinner bringing together the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and their mentors. Joined by SMDP alumni and members of the SMDP Alumni Steering Committe ...

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

SMDP Scholars Breakfast (For Scholars Only)

Community & Networking

The SMDP Biotech Scholars begin the day with breakfast at the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Breakfast is included with each scholar’s hotel stay and provides ...

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Arrival & Informal Networking

Community & Networking

Participants are encouraged to arrive early to check in and enjoy informal networking with fellow scholars, mentors, alumni and representatives from industry. Hosted by Scott May, this period provide ...

8:15 AM - 10:15 AM

SMDP Scholar & Mentor Introductions

Mentorship & Professional Growth

This interactive session provides the first formal opportunity for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and mentors to introduce themselves. The session ensures that everyone knows who is in the room and se ...

Elisabeth Valerio

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Networking Break & Group Photos

Community & Networking

This mid-morning break provides an opportunity for participants to refresh, continue conversations, and strengthen connections. During this time, all we will also arrange to take the official a group ...

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

"The Business of Biotech & Consumer Healthcare" Industry Panel

Industry Insights

This engaging panel discussion brings together industry leaders from the biotechnology and consumer healthcare sectors to share insights into the products and innovations shaping the future of healthc ...

William Heath, PhD

Jacqueline Kinyamu-Akunda, PhD, DVM

JiSook Lee, PhD

Lashon Pringle, PhD

Vladimir Yurukov, Pharm D

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Introduction to Personalized Mentoring

Mentorship & Professional Growth

This session introduces scholars and mentors to the personalized mentoring component of the SMDP experience. Participants will learn how the mentor-mentee relationship is structured, what to expect fr ...

Elisabeth Valerio

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

SMDP Scholar & Mentor Lunch (1:1 Mentoring Session)

Mentorship & Professional Growth

This dedicated lunch provides scholars and mentors with their first extended one-on-one mentoring session. Over a shared meal, each scholar will have the opportunity to get to know their mentor in a m ...

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Mentoring Skill Development & Personalized Mentoring

Mentorship & Professional Growth

This interactive session takes a deeper look at the mentoring experience and equips both scholars and mentors with practical guidance for building a strong and productive relationship. Participants wi ...

Elisabeth Valerio

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

"Navigating Careers in Biotech & Consumer Healthcare" Discussion

Career Development

This engaging panel discussion features accomplished professionals from a diverse of career tracks in the biotechnology and consumer healthcare industries. They will share candid insights into the car ...

Audrey Mosley

Reema Chopra, PharmD, MBA

Bill Kelleher, MBA

Lynn Theprungsirikul, PhD

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Networking Break

Community & Networking

This afternoon break offers participants an opportunity to recharge and continue building relationships with fellow scholars, mentors, alumni and industry representatives. Whether reconnecting with ne ...

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Personalized Mentoring & Wrap Up

Mentorship & Professional Growth

In this concluding session, scholars and mentors will have additional time for their one-on-one discussions and to reflect on the day’s key insights. Participants will be encouraged to identify next ...

Scott May, MBA

Elisabeth Valerio

5:15 PM - 8:30 PM

Annual Celebration of SMDP Biotech

Community & Networking

The SMDP community will cruise along San Diego Bay for an unforgettable evening aboard the Admiral Hornblower Yacht as we celebrate the 2026 SMDP Biotech program. This annual reception brings together ...

6:15 AM - 7:00 AM

SMDP Scholars Breakfast (For Scholars Only)

Community & Networking

The 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars begin Day 2 of the training session with breakfast at the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Included with each scholar’s hotel sta ...

7:00 AM - 7:15 AM

Arrival & Informal Networking

Community & Networking

7:15 AM - 7:45 AM

SMDP Mentoring Portal Orientation

Scott May, MBA

Elisabeth Valerio

7:45 AM - 8:30 AM

Career Networking at Industry Events: Intro to the BIO International Convention

Career Development

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

"Getting Hired": Navigating the Job Search and Securing Opportunities

Career Development

Securing an internship or full-time position in the biotechnology and consumer healthcare industries requires more than strong academic credentials. In this interactive panel discussion, recruiters, h ...