"Like science, the learning never stops in marketing."
Posted on: August 14, 2020
University of South Carolina alumna Pamela Quizon (2019) graduated with a Ph.D. from the College of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences. Her fluency in the biomedical sciences has proved invaluable while designing a unique career path for herself in biotechnology marketing.
Tell us about what you do:
I am the Product Marketing Leader for Integrated Micro-Chromatography Systems (IMCS) Inc., a small biotech company in Irmo, S.C. As a technical liaison, I help guide product positioning and branding and translate the science coming out of R&D for our Sales and Marketing teams. There’s a lot of content creation on my end, from application notes and slide decks to video advertisements and science blog posts. It’s a great combination of science and marketing. I started with IMCS in June 2019 as a research scientist after I defended my dissertation in May.
Why did you choose the University of South Carolina?
I was very impressed by the University of South Carolina’s research program during my graduate school interview. I was interviewed by seven faculty members from various departments, where I learned all about the amazing top-notch research happening at UofSC.
How did you originally get interested in your field?
I have always been interested in science, but I have never considered the possibility of science marketing as a career until I joined my company last year. I have built websites, managed social media pages, and have written for blogs as a hobby, but I did not realize that I would be able to combine my science expertise with my passion for digital media. Like science, the learning never stops in marketing. Combined with the fast-paced environment in small biotech, my Ph.D. from UofSC has prepared me by training me to become a resilient, resourceful, and creative professional who can roll with the punches.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I originally wanted to be a doctor—a physician like my grandfather. I promised him that I would be a doctor like him someday. I kind of became one, but a different kind of doctor, I suppose.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You can have the most detailed plans for your life, but sometimes life has other plans in store for you. No one knows what the future holds, so the best way to go about life in general is to be prepared for anything and to be flexible. Resilience is key and we need to learn how to be resourceful and adapt if the need arises.
Who has been a mentor to you?
Dr. Jun Zhu is my research advisor and my mentor who patiently guided me throughout my time at UofSC and provided me the opportunity to pursue research work through his NIH-funded grants. My graduate directors, Dr. Lorne Hofseth, Dr. Doug Pittman and Dr. Larry Reagan (at the School of Medicine) supported and believed in me throughout the ups and downs of grad school.
What is your advice for current students / future pharmacy professionals?
Networking is crucial. Start early. It’s as simple as showing kindness to your classmates. For Ph.D. students, make sure you dedicate some time for activities outside the lab.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My picks would be Anthony Bourdain, Nikola Tesla, Neil Gaiman, Henrietta Lacks, and Hedy Lamarr.
What is your favorite memory from Pharmacy School at the University of South Carolina?
I had so many great memories at DDBS. If I were to choose only one, it would be the time when a few of my classmates and I drove up to Washington, D.C. in 2017 to participate in the March for Science. This was my first science advocacy experience and it was eye-opening. We met a lot of amazing scientists from all walks of life who were fighting for the same cause.
What would your superpower be?
To ability to manipulate matter—to be able to rearrange atoms and create things "out of thin air.”
Would you like to be featured in the next Q & A with? Email us at alumni@cop.sc.edu.