Exploring Equity in Research and Therapeutic Access: Biopharma’s Unspoken Accountability in Healthcare Research

Date: March 29, 2023

Speaker:  Tere Williams

Description: In the presentation, Williams explores the business of healthcare: costs that drive clinical research decisions, drugs priced to cover those costs, and why research and drug availability should be equitable. We also highlight the ‘costs’ associated with inequitable research and access to life-saving therapies in underserved communities.

Speaker's Bio:  Tere Williams, a Virginia Tech alumni and former Hokie women’s basketball player, has a long history of entrepreneurship.  Following a significant professional basketball career, Williams worked as a professional singer--also serving as the band’s manager and PR agent, as well as the director of marketing for album design, all prior to returning to science full time.  Now, with a PhD in Immunology pending defense, Williams is working along-side Dr. Bernstein in her academic laboratory and successfully consults for life science and healthcare companies through her start-up, SIMON|PETRk Consulting (SPk Consulting/SPk).  SPk supports clients with projects from equity research to product/development and market entry strategies.  This enterprise grossed her 6 figures in sales within its first year.  Overall, Dr. Williams has >15 years of experience initiating and leading programs and small business ventures addressing needs within the community and a strong track record of leadership at each stage of her professional career, which now includes biomedical research.  Williams has worked on projects ranging from risk assessment, equity research, indication prioritization and competitive intelligence for companies with Immuno-Oncology, Allergy/ Autoimmune, and Rare-disease next generation therapeutics. She has also participated in training programs such as  SUNY S4, Regional I-Corps, SMDP program, BIO International, and has been invited to speak for Central New York BioAccelerator (CNY BAC) and other organizations on subjects ranging from opportunities in innovation to the importance of mentorship for diversifying STEM research.