Career Catalyst: Rethinking Careers – How Systems Thinking and AI Are Changing the Game

​Scientists are trained to think in systems, yet careers are often described as ladders. In this session, Dr. Michael Nestor reframes the career journey as a connected network–a system of experiences that together reveal purpose, adaptability, and innovation. Drawing from his own path spanning neuroscience research, federal policy, venture advising, and biotech entrepreneurship, he will explore how AI is reshaping the value of expertise–shifting it from siloed specialization to integrative synthesis across domains.

Participants will learn how to identify the underlying structure of their own careers and apply systems thinking to navigate an evolving scientific landscape. The session will introduce a practical tool–a “career journal”–to help participants visualize how their diverse experiences connect into a cohesive narrative, and how AI can enhance that process of discovery and connection.

​​About Career Catalyst

​​Interested in getting hands-on insights and help from subject matter and career experts within the industry?! Well, look no further than our weekly virtual Career Catalyst Community Office Hours.

​​BioBuzz is thrilled to welcome a different expert every week exclusively for our talent community. LIMITED SPOTS are available to ensure an intimate setting and face time for all participants.

​​What is the goal of Career Catalyst?

• ​​To directly connect talent with industry and subject matter experts

• ​​Provide hands-on insights and best practices to level up in a particular area of expertise

• ​​Review and answer burning questions submitted by YOU

​​Who can attend these sessions?

​​Anyone! While this event is part of our BioBuzz Talent Lab, it is open to all. Interested in more resources like this? Register for free today: https://app.biobuzz.io/

​About Michael Nestor

​Dr. Michael W. Nestor is Board Director of the Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable (GUIPRR) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. A recognized leader in scientific innovation and translational strategy, he has worked across research, industry, and policy to strengthen the nation’s innovation ecosystem. As Scientific Engagement Lead at Johnson & Johnson Innovation, he helped launch the Washington, DC JLABS site and supported early-stage biotechnology companies advancing breakthrough health technologies. Earlier, as Director of Neural Stem Cell Research at the Hussman Institute for Autism, his laboratory pioneered brain organoid and CRISPR-based platforms for autism research, work that led to two biotechnology spinouts, Synapstem and Autica Bio, where he now serves as Chief Scientific Officer.

​Dr. Nestor has advised on science and venture strategy as a venture partner with the University of Maryland Momentum Fund and served as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy. He is the author of Anticipatory Ethics and The Use of CRISPR in Humans (Springer/Nature), an honorary member of the National Academy of Inventors, and recipient of multiple awards for leadership in translational science and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health, Rutgers University, and the New York Stem Cell Foundation.

​​Sponsored by Bio-Trac

​​Over 17,000 Scientists Trained • 300 Scientist Instructors

​​Bio-Trac® workshops, open to the scientific community, are designed by active researchers to equip bench and research scientists with the latest lab techniques. With over 30 years of expertise, Bio-Trac offers training on cutting-edge biotechnology advancements to a global audience across all biotech sectors. Learn more: https://biotrac.com/

​​Disclaimer: Career Catalyst Sessions are intended to provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals navigating their careers. These sessions are not a platform for selling services, recruitment pitches, or business solicitations. They are designed for job seekers and those looking to make connections and build community. Please be respectful and help ensure this remains a valuable resource for all participants.