Career Launchpad: Inspiring Futures in Science and Art
We are thrilled to announce Career Launchpad, a dynamic roundtable discussion designed to inspire and guide young minds. Based on suggestions from students, this event brings together prominent personalities from diverse fields of science and art to share their insights and experiences.
💡 What to expect:
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Motivation and guidance: Learn what drives success in various fields, from setting goals to overcoming challenges, and discover strategies to navigate your career journey.
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Expert panel: Gain inspiration from four distinguished experts in arts and sciences, joining us from the US and Europe to share their personal stories and professional advice.
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Student-led interaction: Two talented young moderators will kick off the session with a brief presentation on Romania’s educational system before leading a thought-provoking discussion with our panelists.
This is your chance to explore diverse career paths, connect with experienced professionals, and gain practical advice tailored to your aspirations.
📅 Stay tuned for more details about this exciting event. Let’s launch your career together!
Meet the Experts
22 March 2025, 14:00 GMT, 16:00 EET
Format: Online (Zoom)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t9rn0eOVS5Wh-36iy4RJ_A
Laura Diosan, PhD is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of computer science, currently serving as a professor within the Computer Science Department at Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Her academic journey began with a degree in Computer Science from UBB in 2004, followed by a Ph.D. at INSA, Rouen, France, in 2008. Upon completing doctoral studies, she embarked on a progressive academic career at UBB, first as a lecturer in 2009, then as an associate professor in 2013, and ultimately achieving the rank of professor in March 2017. With extensive experience in academia, she has been actively involved in research, teaching, and mentorship, shaping the next generation of computer scientists.
Allia Neamț - Allia Neamț is pursuing a master's degree in Science Business and Policy Computing Science at the University of Groningen. Previously, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computing Science at the aforementioned university.
Eliza Maria Olariu is a dedicated Machine Learning Engineer with a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and software development. She earned a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision from the Faculty of Automation and Computers at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in 2022. With a professional career at National Instruments in Cluj-Napoca since 2019, Eliza Maria Olariu initially worked as a Software Engineer before transitioning into the AI/ML domain in 2023 as a Machine Learning Engineer.
Ciprian Stremțan, PhD - Ciprian Stremțan is the product manager for the laser ablation product line at Teledyne Photon Machines, the largest manufacturer of laser ablation systems in the world. He holds a degree in geology engineering and a PhD in geochemistry. Throughout his career in the academia and the private sector, Ciprian has worked extensively to develop science-driven software and hardware solutions to help solve complex analytical problems.
Moderators
Eric Daniel Blendea - Eric is a junior in high school at Emil Racovita National College in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with aspirations in computer science. Passionate about guiding peers, he is dedicated to helping fellow students navigate and define their career paths.
Alex Bujor - Alex is a high school student at Emil Racoviță National College in Cluj-Napoca, România, with a passion for computer science and cybersecurity. He is keen to develop both CS project and a career path for his peers.
Event organized by
Eric Daniel Blendea, Alex Bujor and
Nectarie Pașca - Nectarie is a high school student at Emil Racovita National College in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with a passion for astronomy. Eager to inspire others, Nectarie is committed to helping peers explore their interests and reach for the stars in their career journeys.
Andreea Inceu, MD - Andreea is a fourth-year cardiology fellow and a PhD student at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She chose a career in academic medicine and became assistant professor of medicine in 2024.
Madalina Moldovan, MD is a fourth-year cardiology fellow and a PhD student at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She is highly regarded by both her mentors and peers for her exceptional natural ability to teach and inspire students and residents. She, too, is assistant professor of medicine.
Csilla Andrea Apetrei, MD - Csilla is a fifth-year cardiology fellow and a PhD student at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She embarked on a career in academic medicine and became assistant professor of medicine in 2024.
Dan Blendea, MD PhD, Professor of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, founder of Cluj Cardiology International Workshop.
Program Agenda
1. Opening Remarks (5 minutes)
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Welcome and Introductions:
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Greetings by moderators
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Brief overview of the session's objectives.
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Purpose of the Event:
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Inspire students to explore and pursue rewarding careers in life sciences.
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Highlight the significance of resilience, innovation, and adaptability in the field.
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2. Romania's Educational Pathway in Life Sciences (5 minutes)
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Presentation Highlights:
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Overview of Romania's educational system and its structure for life sciences.
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Challenges and opportunities students may encounter.
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3. Expert Panel Discussion (45 minutes)
a. Moderator-Led Q&A (15 minutes)
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Thought-provoking questions posed by moderators to the panel.
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Topics include:
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Career motivations and inspirations.
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Growth areas in life sciences.
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b. Panelist Narratives and Advice (20 minutes)
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Expert Narratives:
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Each of the four panelists shares their unique journey in life sciences, addressing:
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Their initial inspiration and motivation to join the field.
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Obstacles encountered and strategies for overcoming them.
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Lessons learned throughout their career.
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Practical Guidance for Students:
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Panelists offer actionable advice tailored to students at the beginning of their career journey.
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c. Interactive Student Q&A (10 minutes)
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Student-Driven Questions:
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Questions submitted in advance or during the session (via Zoom chat).
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Moderators will select and pose relevant queries to the panel.
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4. Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways (5 minutes)
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Summary of Key Points:
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Recap of the most impactful insights shared by the panel.
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Emphasis on perseverance and adaptability as essential traits in life sciences.
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