VVF Education: Beyond the Science

Vanessa’s natural inclination toward problem-solving, mathematics, process-based methodologies, and data analytics called her to study the life sciences. While pursuing her degrees in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Vanessa discovered another life-directing passion—supporting educational and mentorship opportunities for women in life sciences.

Committed to working and living with authenticity – as a scientist, woman, and mother – Vanessa actively promotes diversity and inclusivity, for women in science, younger executives, and people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Recognition at SUNY New Paltz

Top 40 Under Forty Honoree – In 2017, Vanessa was tapped to join the university’s inaugural class of Top 40 Under Forty at SUNY New Paltz.

Women’s Leadership Summit – Vanessa received the honor of serving as a distinguished STEM panelist at the 2016 Women’s Leadership Summit at SUNY New Paltz.

2009 - Master of Arts,
Molecular Biology & Microbiology,
San Jose State University

2005 - Bachelor of Science, Cell
Molecular Biology/Biotechnology,
SUNY at New Paltz

Recognition at SUNY New Paltz

Top 40 Under Forty Honoree – In 2017, Vanessa was tapped to join the university’s inaugural class of Top 40 Under Forty at SUNY New Paltz.

Women’s Leadership Summit – Vanessa received the honor of serving as a distinguished STEM panelist at the 2016 Women’s Leadership Summit at SUNY New Paltz.

Patty Parish | Principal Microbiologist | Abbott Vascular

Patty Parish | Principal Microbiologist | Abbott Vascular

Vanessa is a hard working, detail-oriented individual who believes in giving her all to any project. She has learned many processes during her time at Abbott, and worked to improve those that affected the department. She is always willing to learn more and grow as a worker, and an individual. She has done a terrific job at maintaining her daily workload while working on her master’s degree. Vanessa has created a robust network of diverse individuals who can help in various departmental duties. She works hard to maintain relationships both inside and outside the department. She is a friendly and approachable individual willing to help out anyone in need. She learns quickly, is extremely intelligent and would be an asset to any company.

Barbara Caldwell | Director, Alumni Engagement | SUNY New Paltz

Barbara Caldwell | Director, Alumni Engagement | SUNY New Paltz

Vanessa’s commitment to excellence is a hallmark of her approach to her life. I’ve witnessed it in the quality of the relationships she maintains with her mentors and professors, in the mentoring she has brought to SUNY New Paltz students who she has engaged with on campus, and in the commitment she has made to our School of Science and Engineering. The projects that she has touched are enhanced. Our latest collaboration, the Microbial Scientists of Tomorrow Scholarship will guide Biology students into the field of Pharma through support of scholarship and research. It is a terrific enhancement of our Biology/Bio Chemistry majors.

Joshua Mackie | Professor, Researcher | San Jose State University

Joshua Mackie | Professor, Researcher | San Jose State University

Vanessa clearly demonstrated she is a bright student, highly diligent, and gifted in communicating and thinking across fields – for example medicine and ecology. I highly recommend her as a valuable colleague.

Patty Parish | Principal Microbiologist | Abbott Vascular

Patty Parish | Principal Microbiologist | Abbott Vascular

Vanessa is a hard working, detail-oriented individual who believes in giving her all to any project. She has learned many processes during her time at Abbott, and worked to improve those that affected the department. She is always willing to learn more and grow as a worker, and an individual. She has done a terrific job at maintaining her daily workload while working on her master’s degree. Vanessa has created a robust network of diverse individuals who can help in various departmental duties. She works hard to maintain relationships both inside and outside the department. She is a friendly and approachable individual willing to help out anyone in need. She learns quickly, is extremely intelligent and would be an asset to any company.

Barbara Caldwell | Director, Alumni Engagement | SUNY New Paltz

Barbara Caldwell | Director, Alumni Engagement | SUNY New Paltz

Vanessa’s commitment to excellence is a hallmark of her approach to her life. I’ve witnessed it in the quality of the relationships she maintains with her mentors and professors, in the mentoring she has brought to SUNY New Paltz students who she has engaged with on campus, and in the commitment she has made to our School of Science and Engineering. The projects that she has touched are enhanced. Our latest collaboration, the Microbial Scientists of Tomorrow Scholarship will guide Biology students into the field of Pharma through support of scholarship and research. It is a terrific enhancement of our Biology/Bio Chemistry majors.

Joshua Mackie | Professor, Researcher | San Jose State University

Joshua Mackie | Professor, Researcher | San Jose State University

Vanessa clearly demonstrated she is a bright student, highly diligent, and gifted in communicating and thinking across fields – for example medicine and ecology. I highly recommend her as a valuable colleague.