The Scientific Process in the Real World
Join the second of the Our Future Is Science 2022 Community Talk Series, on the scientific process in the real world. This series is part of the Mentorship and Scholars programs of Our Future Is Science and is open to members of the public as well.
This Community Talk is an experiential event to provide real-world examples of how the scientific process is used. Dr. Adrian Land, Senior Regulatory Manager at Procter & Gamble, is our keynote speaker. This will be followed by a tour of the 3M Innovation Center led by Michelle Woodward, Innovation Center Manager. We will conclude with a Q&A.
Dr. Adrian Land began his scientific career as a forensic microbiologist with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as a forensic microbiologist. This was a research-based position where he used his microbiology background but acquired competency in regulatory policy. It was a very unique role, as there were only three of them in this field at the FDA at that time. Currently he is senior regulatory affairs manager at Procter & Gamble, where he supports global business operations at the interface of research and development and the external regulatory environment. Dr. Land’s early career achievements have garnered recognition in multiple scientific journals, including profiles in American Society for Microbiology Magazine and Science magazine and was recently named among the most “Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Press. He is passionate about broadening access to STEM careers for students of color and finds that his greatest successes today are in helping others as he’s had great role models and mentors and wants to do the same for others. Dr. Land serves on the Biology Department Advisory Board for Alcorn State University, where he received a B.S. degree in Biology degree followed by a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Indiana University in Bloomington and postdoctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis.
Michelle Woodard is the Senior Manager of the 3M Office and the Innovation Center in Washington, D.C. In this role, she is responsible for day-to-day operations and increasing awareness of 3M solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues. Before moving to the DC area in 2017, Michelle spent three years as Communications Manager at the 3M Innovation Center located at the 3M corporate headquarters in Maplewood, MN. From 2011 to 2013, Michelle was a Business Development Manager in the Automotive Aftermarket Division. In the role, she led a cross-functional team to develop and execute the strategy that grew the retail business in Latin America 36%. From 2003-2011, Michelle managed the Scotch® Packaging Tape, Scotch® Magic® Tape and other portfolios in the Stationery Products Division. Under her leadership, the portfolios grew more than $30 Million. Prior to joining 3M, she was a Process and Industrial Engineer a Procter and Gamble Pampers® and LUVS® manufacturing plant. She led the division through the design of experiment and testing to eliminate $4M in raw material loss on an annual basis. Michelle holds a Master of Business Administration from The Kellogg School of Management, a Master of Engineering Management from the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences both from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Michelle has been an active member in 3M’s Women’s Leadership Forum, African American Network and New Employee Orientation Employee Resource Networks.
The Community Talk Series is a platform to expose individuals to diverse careers, as well as information, insights and perspectives on the intersections of STEAM disciplines and social justice issues.
This event is organized by Our Future Is Science, an initiative of the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program.
