CUFSAA’s Professional Development Seminar Series is an extension of the association’s Member Services Program, designed to strengthen the academic, professional, and career advancement of students and alumni. Grounded in CUFSAA’s mission to support graduates through mentoring, career guidance, and community-building, the seminar series offers practical, interactive sessions that help participants navigate key transitions in their professional journeys.
Each seminar focuses on high‑impact themes such as career planning, networking, mentorship, resume development, interview readiness, industry insights, and graduate school pathways. Sessions often feature accomplished alumni who share real-world experiences, actionable strategies, and personalized guidance. Activities like network‑mapping, outreach message crafting, and skill-building exercises ensure participants leave with tools they can immediately apply to their academic or career growth.
Overall, the series serves as a supportive, knowledge-rich space where CUFSAA members can learn, connect, and build confidence—advancing both individual success and the strength of the alumni community.
Current or Upcoming Talks
Talk 02 : Science Was Always the Plan: Discover, Mentor, Inspire
Date & Time: October 21, 2026 – 9:00pm EST
Presenter: Irosha Navarathne, PhD (Professor of Chemistry and Director of Undergraduate Research at Lyon College)
Facilitator: TBA
Concluded Talks
Date & Time: June 03, 2026 – 9:00pm EST
Panelists: Randara Pulukkody (Senior R&D Leader within the Dow Industrial Solutions), Harshica Fernando (Associate Professor of Chemistry at Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX), Chryshanie Fernandopulle (Executive Director at Morgan Stanley in New York), and Kushan Gunawardena (Associate Director of Translational Medicine at Mineralys Therapeutics)
Facilitator: Binodh DeSilva (Senior Vice President of Bioanalytical and Biomarker Development at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical)