Cara Weismann

Dr. Cara M. Weismann, a highly accomplished PhD scientist, possesses a diverse background spanning professional, academic, business, and governmental roles in areas like basic science, therapeutic development, and science policy. Her educational journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Neurology & Gene Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She has also delved into Green Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Boston and completed her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry (ACS Approved Program) with a Minor in Mathematics at Framingham State University. Dr. Weismann's career has seen her hold key positions such as Director of the Program of Excellence in MPS Diseases at the Gene Therapy Program within the Orphan Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

With rich professional experience, she has served as the former Director of Operations at the Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT), M2D2 at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Weismann has also been an Entrepreneur Trainee as part of the Spring Cohort at Fed Tech and an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Health Scientist, and Special Assistant to the Division Director at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Her academic roles include being an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a Postdoctoral Associate in the Ryder Lab, and a PhD Candidate in both the Sena-Esteves Lab and Doxsey Lab at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, all within the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Furthermore, Dr. Weismann has prior experience as a Manager of Business Development at Bio-Concept Laboratories, Inc., a Chemist II in Analytical R & D at MacroChem Corporation, and a Research Assistant at the University at Albany, SUNY. Her early career includes roles such as a Lab Assistant, Teachers Assistant/Tutor at Framingham State University, and service industry experience as a Bartender & Waitress at Vinny T’s of Boston. Passionate about science education, policy, communication, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Weismann is known for her exceptional communication, presentation, organization, and leadership skills.