From Innovation to Industry: Scholars Connect with STEM Professionals

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the 2025 class of Governor’s STEM Scholars gathered at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) for the STEM in Industry Conference to learn from a diverse group of industry professionals about careers in the private sector.

The conference provided Scholars with a strong foundation in STEM opportunities across New Jersey's private industry. With New Jersey boasting the highest number of scientists and engineers per square mile in the world, it remains a premier destination for pursuing a STEM career. "I really enjoy how each conference explores a different aspect of the NJ STEM economy, and has opened my eyes to so many new opportunities and fields of study available to me!" one Scholar shared, emphasizing how the event broadened their perspective on career possibilities.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from NJIT Provost John Pelesko, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Exploring STEM Entrepreneurship The morning session focused on STEM entrepreneurship, where Scholars gained insights into transforming innovative ideas into successful ventures.

• Mukund Iyengar, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Education and iSTEM at Stevens Institute of Technology, provided an overview of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Matthew Purri, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Octozi and a 2015 Governor’s STEM Scholar, shared his journey from being a Scholar to leading a tech company.

• Jeff Frommer, Founder of a stealth startup, discussed the realities of launching a company and navigating the startup landscape.

The panel concluded with a Q&A session, allowing Scholars to engage directly with the speakers and gain personalized advice on STEM innovation and commercialization. Keynote Address: Industry Insights from Merck & Co.

Following lunch, Rubi Burlage, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Sterile Product and Device Development at Merck & Co., Inc., delivered the keynote address. Dr. Burlage shared insights into the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing innovation in product development and the role of STEM professionals in driving technological advancements.

STEM Speed Networking and NJIT Makerspace Tour

The afternoon featured the highly anticipated STEM Speed Networking session, where Scholars had the opportunity to engage with professionals across various STEM industries. Representatives included experts from Amazon, Nokia Bell Labs, BASF, Siemens, Novo Nordisk, PSEG, Stryker, and more.

Some of the distinguished professionals in attendance were:

• Ashima Agarwal – Software Development Engineer, Amazon (2017 Governor’s STEM Scholar)

• Yves Baeyens, Ph.D. – Principal Scientist, Nokia Bell Labs

• Christina Cirasuolo – Senior Manager, Marketing - Microbiome, Ferring Pharmaceuticals

• Darlene Del Rosario – Director, Station Operations Center - EWR, United Airlines

• Shantel Johnson – Analytical Chemist II, BASF

• Zanele Nkomo – Operations Lead - E2E Supply Chain, Kenvue

• Matthew Purri, Ph.D. – Chief Technology Officer, Octozi (2015 Governor’s STEM Scholar)

• Abhishek Ramchandran – Senior Key Expert - Critical Infrastructure Testing, Siemens

• Sujal Shah, Pharm.D., RPh – Medical Science Liaison - Diabetes NY Metro, Novo Nordisk

• Jeffrey Stokes – Senior Director - Renewables Engineering & Technical Support, PSEG

• Ken Trimmer – Sr. Director - Packaging and Engineering Standards, Stryker

• Daya Verma, Ph.D. – Director, Portfolio Management in Technical Research and Development, Novartis

• Kelly Wang, Ph.D. – Research Scientist, Nokia Bell Labs

• Chang Yaramothu, Ph.D. – Chief Technology Officer, OculoMotor Technologies

Scholars concluded the conference with a tour of NJIT’s Makerspace, the largest in New Jersey, where they explored cutting-edge industrial technology and its applications in real-world engineering and manufacturing.

A Scholar shared their key takeaway: "There are many different possibilities and careers within the STEM field. Be open to not necessarily following the track you intended on. You never know the experiences you might be missing out on."

The 2025 STEM in Industry Conference successfully provided Scholars with direct exposure to STEM careers, networking opportunities, and industry insights, equipping them with the knowledge and connections to excel in the private sector.