Ernesto Chanona, PhD is Senior Manager in the Office of BioHealth and Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, which fosters growth of life sciences business in the state of Maryland through a host of initiatives. Ernesto helps connect various institutions (NIH, biotech/pharma companies, etc.), individuals (inventors, entrepreneurs, etc.), and investors to facilitate economic development. Given that he’s a ‘professional connector’ of sorts, our discussion largely centers around how academic researchers (PhDs, postdocs, etc.) can effectively network to unlock career opportunities, which Ernesto beautifully illustrates by sharing his own journey from NIH postdoc to his current position in the Office of BioHealth and Life Sciences. We also talk about how life sciences businesses of all sizes can collaborate with the local, domestic, or international business communities on their path to developing & commercializing products. Hosted by Roshan Chikarmane and Jenna Glatzer.