Marcia Ong , MS, is currently Manager, IOL Material Characterization at Alcon, a Novartis Division that develops intraocular devices such as intraocular lenses (IOLs). In this role, Marcia leads evaluation of current and new IOL material candidates for in vivo capsular biocompatibility/positioning stability, in vitro UV/VIS light transmission, refractive index, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and IOL cosmetic clarity characteristics (microvacuole, subsurface nanoglistenings, haze). Marcia began her career with Alcon in October 2001 as a junior scientist in the IOL Research group, gaining extensive experience developing in vitro and in vivo models for evaluating efficacy and biocompatibility of intraocular lenses and ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). She developed technical and managerial skills in project planning and coordinating cross-functional teams for execution of project activities and has experience in collaborating and building professional relationships with key external medical consultants for various projects. Marcia obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University in Biomedical Sciences and her Masters in Cell and Structural Biology from UNT Health Science Center.
Dr. Christin Morrow, Ph.D., is an Organizational Project Manager in Alcon R&D. Within that role, she leads the R&D Internship Program, where she supports the talent development and professional networking needs of the interns and partners with University Relations to focus on academic programs that align with Alcon’s R&D talent needs. She also is active in Alcon’s employee resource groups (ERGs) to propel the careers of women, working parents, and LGBTQ associates. Before coming to Alcon, she was a researcher and professor of chemistry. She completed her bachelor degree at Marist College (NY) and her master and doctoral degrees at Penn State University.
Shannon Spock, MPH, is currently Head Surgical Trial Management Operations group at Alcon. Her group leads the execution of all Alcon surgical clinical trials (pre and post market). Shannon joined Alcon in 2001 working within the surgical organization for 5 years as a CRA and Lead CRA. Shannon continued her career at Eli Lilly and Company for 2.5 years working in oncology as a CRA and Oncology Network Liaison. Shannon returned to Alcon in 2008 as a Lead CRA transitioning to a new Clinical Site Development role in 2010. As Clinical Site Developer, Shannon identified and conducted evaluations of new investigators, provided GCP training to new investigators and their staff, strategic planning for site and country allocation, site selection and provided site feasibility on protocol designs. Shannon also lead the Lead Clinical Site Management (LCSM) organization for 2.5 years that provided support to all three franchises. Shannon holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics with a concentration in Clinical Research from University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Laura Wade, MS currently on the CDMA (Clinical Development and Medical Affairs) Leadership team supporting CDMA Processes, Operational Effectiveness and Metrics. Laura also serves as Chair of the Clinical Procedure Review Committee, and in the past was a team leader in several special assignment projects such as Communications Lead for Project C.A.R.E. (Clinical and Regulatory Excellence) and Training & Communications Lead on a Clinical Trial Management System implementation, which earned an Alcon R&D Excellence Award in 2014. Since joining Alcon in 2007, Laura served as Global Training Manager for the Trial Management group and a Lead Monitor for several trials that resulted in the approval of key Alcon products like Pazeo® 0.7%, AIR OPTIX® COLORS, DAILIES® Aqua Comfort Plus® Toric and ILEVRO® 0.3%. Prior to joining Alcon, Laura held positions as a trial assistant, monitor and monitoring group lead on cardiology medical device trials at a local CRO, MedTrials, Inc. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Management from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
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