BIOGRAPHY: Nandita is an investment analyst for a life science venture capital fund in Montreal, a transition she made after completing her immunology-oncology PhD research at the University of Montreal. As a part of her role, Nandita stays updated on the latest clinical trends, ongoing trials, and conducts scientific due diligence on investment opportunities. Nandita has over 8 years of research experience and specializes in conducting literature reviews, big data analyses, and competitive analyses. As an active learner, she consistently enrolls in various programs and courses to improve her knowledge and skills. These experiences have enriched her understanding of drug development, clinical trials, approval processes, and reimbursement pathways. Additionally, she has gained insights into the entrepreneurial and business landscape, all contributing to her continuous professional growth.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Nandita enjoys her involvement in the Women in Bio organization for the Montreal chapter, where she functions as the Chair of the Mentorship, Advisor, Peers, and Sponsorship committee. She is passionate about supporting women in the bio sector and has spearheaded many new initiatives to champion this endeavor.

Why do you think clinical trials are important?
• Clinical trials are crucial in evaluating the safety and efficacy of new and emerging treatments. It allows for testing in an ethical and controlled manner and helps improvements in the scientific field.

What is your personal philosophy about clinical trial training specifically or mentorship in general?
• I strongly believe that clinical trial training is essential for trainees interested in pursuing careers in the life science and healthcare sector. It provides a broader perspective, bridging the gap between lab research and the journey to deliver new interventions to patients.

I am a strong advocate for mentoring and mentorship programs. To me, a mentorship relationship serves as a channel to gather insights about various career paths, get advice and guidance to help you build your own path. An open and honest relationship lays the foundation for achieving best results. Having benefitted myself, I look for opportunities to pay it forward!

FUN FACT: I enjoy dancing and was part of a flashmob dance in Montreal!