Biorasi Spotlight: Mari Heghinian, PhD – Manager of Program Development

For this week’s Biorasi Spotlight, meet Mari Heghinian, PhD, Manager of Program Development at Biorasi, LLC.

1. How did you get into clinical research?

After graduating with my PhD, I joined the pre-clinical group in a small Pharma company. The company conducted bi-weekly calls to update on the progress of different projects and these calls were my first exposure to clinical research. I wanted to learn more about the clinical side of pharmaceutical research and made the transition to Biorasi.

2. What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of my current job is the ongoing opportunity to learning something new. Every new study that comes across my desk may or may not be in a field that I am familiar with and the disease, study design, or countries the study will be run in can always present the ability to acquire a new skill. There is always something to research and learn, which keeps it interesting.

3. What are your biggest challenges on the job?

The biggest challenge on my job is also tied to my favorite part. We are expected to be experts in a given field and sometimes this field is not something that you feel like you are an expert in at all. During my PhD and pre-clinical work, I had a lot of time to master my field, so this rush of knowledge and expertise can be stressful, however it is also what keeps it fun and exciting.

4. What are the keys to success in your job?

The keys to success in my job are having an open mind and a supportive work environment. There is always more than one way to tackle a question or problem and if you keep an open mind, you will be surprised with the ways in which you can solve anything that comes your way. Top that off with a team environment that supports you every step of the way and there is nothing you can’t accomplish.

5. Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I am an avid volleyball player. I will take any excuse to be on the beach or in the park playing and try to play at least twice a week. Volleyball is one of the few activities I can do where my mind focuses completely on the game and shuts off everything else. It is my favorite form of stress relief and exercise.