Keynote
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | North GP Atrium, Club Level
Keynote Session: Shaping the Future of Life Sciences
Our keynote program opens with a special recognition of the first-ever Dan Rufo Scholars Award winner, Era Kalaja. A B.S./M.S. student in Computer Science and Data Science
at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Era is a trailblazer in applied AI. From patent disclosures at Dell Technologies to groundbreaking research in deep learning for respiratory disease detection, Era is driving innovation at the intersection of technology and healthcare. Her leadership in advancing STEM access and her commitment to applying AI for drug discovery exemplify the spirit of the Rufo Scholars program.
We’ll then hear from Eric Felz, President of the ISPE Boston Area Chapter Scholarship Foundation, and Lindsey Daniel, President of the ISPE Boston Area Chapter and leader at Takeda, as they share the chapter’s vision for advancing education, innovation, and collaboration across the life sciences community.
The program culminates with our keynote speaker, Kirk Taylor, MD, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Recently appointed by
Governor Maura Healey to lead the state’s 10-year life sciences growth strategy, Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of global pharmaceutical leadership experience. With expertise spanning drug development in CNS, oncology, and rare diseases, he has served in executive roles driving strategy, transformation, and innovation. He has guided biotech companies through IPOs and growth stages while maintaining a people-first approach. Recognized as a PharmaVoice 100 Executive, Dr. Taylor now steers the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center in advancing public-private partnerships, fostering economic growth, and championing the next era of medical innovation.
This session celebrates emerging leaders, honors the power of community, and spotlights a visionary keynote on where life sciences is headed next.
