International Day of Women and Girls in Science

 

"Go for it!"

Tremel Faison

Director of Regulatory and Quality Affairs

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

How long have you been in science and technology?
Almost 35 years, over ten years at ASPR. I majored in Biology and started my career as a Cytotechnologist, from there I became a Scientific Reviewer at the FDA and I came to BARDA as a Regulatory Specialist.

Do you have a specialty or focus area?
Prior to becoming a Division Director at BARDA, I specialized in medical device regulation, especially In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (IVDs).  Through the years I have specialized in Cytopathology, Digital Pathology, Biodosimetry and Immunohistochemistry IVDs.

What motivated you to take this career path?
Truly, I think this career path chose me.  My aunt is a Physical Chemist, and my father is a Pharmacist, so I think science is in my blood.  I also had an awesome Coastal Biology teacher my senior year in high school – he made science fun!

What specialty training or education prepared you for this career path?
While I was at FDA, I was accepted into a Science and Leadership Education Program.  The program was a collaboration with Georgetown University and Virginia Tech where the professors came on the FDA campus to teach the cohort, and we received credits towards a master’s degree.  The Program ended when I was halfway through, but I opted to finish classes on campus and received a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Research and Development, which is the foundation for my career in Regulatory Affairs.

What would you say to a woman who is considering a career in science and /technology?
Go for it!

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