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# SMC science lecture series to feature biotech executive, USC scientist
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/smc-science-lecture-series-to-feature-biotech-executive-usc-scientist/
- Published: 2026-10-15T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T18:58:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Education, Santa Monica College

Santa Monica College’s Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series will feature a biotech executive and a USC scientist this fall. Their talks will cover building a U.S. biotech subsidiary and advances in precision medicine.

The free talks are designed for the general public and begin at 11:20 a.m. in Science 140 of the Life & Physical Sciences Complex on SMC’s main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. Each includes an audience Q&A, and seating is first come, first served.

The series launched more than 25 years ago and is sponsored by the SMC Associates (smc.edu/associates) and the SMC Life Sciences Department.

On Oct. 20, Carissa Jones, CCO of Capitainer AB and founder and CEO of Ventus LLC, will present “Science Meets Scale: My Journey to Building a Trusted Biotech Brand.” She will discuss how social capital and scientific know-how combined to build a successful U.S. biotech subsidiary from the ground up. Jones is a business development and operations leader with experience driving revenue growth and market expansion in pharmaceutical research and diagnostics.

“Her talk traces a journey many of our students can relate to, from a modest beginning to multiple executive roles at high-growth diagnostics startups,” said Tom Chen, a Life Sciences faculty member.

On Nov. 19, Peter Yingxiao Wang, chair of USC’s Biomedical Engineering Department, will present “Ultrasound Control of Genetics and Epigenetics for Disease Treatment.” He will explore emerging technologies for targeting gene and cell therapies against solid tumors and the aging process. Wang holds the Dwight C. and Hildagarde E. Baum endowed professorship at USC and is a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. He is a pioneer in ultrasound-activated CAR T-cell therapy.

“He will share how his team engineered a new frontier: using guided ultrasound to remotely activate programmed immune cells to destroy solid tumors,” Chen said.

More information is available from the SMC Office of Public Programs at 310-434-4100\. Presentations are subject to change or cancellation.

Edited by SMDP Staff