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

This conversation briefly 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. The costs associated with inequitable research and access to life-saving therapies in underserved communities will also be highlighted.

Speaker

Tere Williams

Tere Williams, a Virginia Tech alumna 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 Ph.D. in Immunology pending defense, Williams is working along-side Audrey M. Bernstein, a tenured Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences with secondary appointments in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology at Upstate Medical University, in her academic laboratory.  Tere 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, Williams has over 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 participated in training programs such as SUNY S4, Regional I-Corps, Summer Medical and Dental Education program (SMDEP), 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.