Integrated Pharma Services Company's President Named Business Leader of the Year
Mina Izadjoo, PhD and her team grow more than
cells in her lab at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) on
Metropolitan Court. She helps nurture the next generation of scientists. Dr.
Izadjoo is President and Chief Science Officer of Integrated Pharma Services
(IPS). She is the President-Elect of the Washington Academy of Sciences and
holds professorship at Department of Medicine at Uniformed Services University
of the Health Sciences (USUHS). IPS is a Contract Research Organization
providing ‘open source’ technology evaluation and development, specializing in
preclinical and clinical research, such as antimicrobial efficacy evaluation of
therapeutics and devices.
Dr. Izadjoo shepherded eight interns through
their first professional lab experience during her tenure at FITCI. These
interns were from state of Maryland colleges, Universities and non-profits
including three students from Frederick Community College (FCC). Over the
upcoming Summer and Fall semesters IPS will host two more interns, one from
George Washington University and the other from the University of
Maryland.
Dr. Izadjoo is committed to helping these budding professionals get a foothold
in the industry through practical, real-world experience. She says, “I remember
how excited I was to graduate and start my career. At the same time, there’s
always a vicious cycle where you need experience to get that first ‘real’ job,
but you need a job to get experience…I’ve had a very fulfilling and exciting
career in this industry, working on novel, ground-breaking technologies. I am
committed to give back by holding the door open for the next generation of
scientists.” She notes an essential affinity between industry and academia,
especially in the field of science. “In the long-run, helping students get the
most out of their education helps us all as a society. It has a positive impact
on the community and ensures a quality workforce in the future.”
FCC recently honored Dr. Izadjoo’s efforts, naming her “Business Leader of the
Year” for her work with Bioprocessing Technology Program students. Nomination
for the College’s annual Business Appreciation Award came as a surprise to Dr.
Izadjoo.
According to FCC’s statement, “She has served as a mentor to students, ensuring
young scientists have the skills and support to succeed in the biotech
workforce.”
FITCI CEO Kathie Callahan Brady shares words of praise, too. “FITCI has a
distinct vibe, thanks to people like Dr. Izadjoo who are willing to share their
knowledge and passion for innovation. We move forward when we help each other.”
Dr. Izadjoo received the award at a breakfast
banquet on May 7th at FCC’s Student Center.
Written By:
Kathie Callahan Brady and MINA IZADJOO, PHD
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 51 “BUILD TO SCALE” GRANTS TOTALING $47 MILLIONTO FUEL INNOVATION AND TECH-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
October 5, 2022
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding 51 “Build to Scale” grants – totaling $47 million – to organizations that support technology entrepreneurs, catalyze innovation and fuel economic growth.
EDA’s “Build to Scale” program provides annual grants that aim to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and startup capital. The 2022 awardees will leverage an additional $48 million in matching funds from a variety of private and public sector sources. These EDA investments support advanced manufacturing, bioscience, clean energy and blue economy clusters in regions throughout the United States.
"Strengthening technology ecosystems are a critical key to the Biden Administration's efforts to build a stronger America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Innovation and entrepreneurship have long been keys to American success and will continue to strengthen our collective economic and national security, as well as individual prosperity and well-being.”
"EDA is proud to partner with this year's 'Build to Scale' grantees as they invest in entrepreneurs and create equitable access to capital in their communities," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. "These projects will give the next generation of industry-leading companies a seminal boost that will result in job creation and private investment – potentially transforming a regional economy and creating economic opportunity beyond what we can foresee.”
The 2022 Build to Scale program was comprised of two competitions––the Venture Challenge and the Capital Challenge. The Venture Challenge supports programs that enable high-growth technology entrepreneurship and foster inclusive access to proven entrepreneurship support models. The Capital Challenge increases access to capital in communities where risk capital is in short supply by providing operational support for early-stage investment funds, networks, and training programs that focus on both traditional and hybrid equity-based financing.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
