InHER Circle MAR '23 Speaker Series Panelist Bios
Barbara Kirklauskas '60 InHER Circle Speaker Series
Lab Coats & Leadership: NDA Women Empowering Science & Technology
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 | 6:30 PM
Cuvilly Auditorium | Notre Dame Academy
Margaret Emmons ’71, Moderator
Margaret is an Assistant Professor at UMASS Medical Schools Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. Prior to this she worked as a nurse practitioner in the cardiology clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where her areas of focus were Cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology. As a nurse practitioner in the cardiology clinic, she enjoyed partnering with patients to provide kind, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Margaret additionally serves on the Board of Trustees at Saint Anselm College.
Jessica Snow ’11, Panelist
With over nine years of experience in talent acquisition, Jessica is passionate about finding and attracting the best talent for life science companies. Jessica has a strong background in full life cycle recruitment, DE&I recruitment strategies, talent management, best interview practices, behavioral based interviewing, and culture development. Jessica is currently a Talent Acquisition Strategy & Search Consultant, supporting three life science companies in the Greater Boston Area.
In her previous role as an Associate Director, Talent Business Partner at Albireo Pharma, she was responsible for leading and executing the talent strategy for the company, which was acquired by Ipsen in March 2023. She managed the recruitment process for all functions, including scientific, clinical, commercial, and corporate roles. She also partnered with senior leaders and HR to develop and implement talent management initiatives, such as succession planning, employee training, performance management, and employee engagement. Additionally, she leveraged my expertise in cloud computing to support Valo, an early-stage technology company that uses cloud computing and human data to create novel drug discovery and development processes. She helped Valo build a diverse and talented team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals, using the latest tools and techniques to source, screen, and hire candidates.
Dr. Kara Mancini Morton ’97, Panelist
After 17 years at the Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA, as a math and science teacher, Kara (Mancini) Morton '97 made the move to higher education on a full-time basis in 2022. Dr. Morton was recently appointed to Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at Salem State University in the McKeown School of Education. She works with both undergraduate and graduate students in math, science and pedagogical coursework, supervises graduate students in their job placements, and serves on a variety of committees from DE&I to STEM initiatives. Dr. Morton is a graduate of American University (B.S. Finance), Lesley University (M.Ed, Elementary Education) and Northeastern University (Ed.D in Educational Leadership). Among University-wide committee appointments, she also sits on a variety of task forces seeking equity and inclusion in elementary classrooms, is a consultant for DESE on numerous curriculum and pilot studies related to teacher preparation, and is a fierce advocate for children’s rights and safety through partnerships with HRE (Human Rights in Education).
Dr. Morton and her husband, Dr. Matthew Morton, have two children, Henry (10) and William (6) who happily attend the Catholic elementary school in their hometown of Lynnfield.
Micaela Lavoie ’16, Panelist
Micaela Lavoie is a 2016 Notre Dame Academy graduate. During her time at NDA, Micaela was a true “STEM enthusiast” in every sense of the word - ultimately inspired to enter the PA profession her junior year while enrolled in Mrs. Ducharme’s Anatomy and Physiology class. Time not spent in the library was spent in Cuvilly auditorium with the legendary Mrs. Byrne, sharing their passion for the arts. Micaela was accepted to Springfield College PA program as a high school senior, a 6 year program in its entirety. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Physician Assistant Studies in 2020, and graduated with her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2022. Micaela accepted her first job as a PA in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford, CT, where she continues to practice. Outside of her formal work in the emergency room, Micaela is a member of the Advanced Practicing Provider Council at Connecticut Children’s, an advocacy group of providers who work to advance the PA and APRN profession within the institution. She is also a member of the Springfield College Physician Assistant Advisory Committee and works as a guest lecturer, teaching multiple topics to PA students at her Alma Mater. Micaela credits her years at Notre Dame Academy for fostering her curiosity for learning and passion for helping others.
Elizabeth Nompleggi ’21, Panelist
Elizabeth “Libby” graduated from NDA in 2021, and is currently a chemistry major on the pre-med track at the College of the Holy Cross. She will graduate from the Pre-Med program in 2025. She fell in love with science in middle school, and has since oriented her academic career in STEM, with a focus on natural sciences. She loves being in the laboratory and seeing science in action, or in the lecture halls soaking up knowledge. When she is not in school or working in the research lab, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her poodle, reading a good book, or playing tennis. Libby credits NDA with "creating a community that fosters individuality, independence, and growth, while providing girls with a stellar education that helps them prepare for college and beyond."