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Career Catalyst | Rethinking the Research Model: Utilizing Real-World Perspectives to Create Better Preclinical Science
Preclinical research questions surrounding substance use disorders often simplify drug-seeking into very simple models in which animals are made dependent and then experimental manipulations on the research subject. Real life is rarely that simple, in humans our social context influences nearly every decision we make.
Dr. Lis's experiences in life, both inside academia and personal, has taught him that to better understand the world we live in we have to share it with others. This will help us better understand the fundamental questions we seek to answer as often we are looking at symptoms as opposed to underlying cause.
Key Takeaways:
Complex problems require thoughtful models: Preclinical science can sometimes oversimplify complex biological and behavioral questions.
Real-world perspectives matter: Engaging with individuals and communities affected by the conditions being studied can reveal insights that improve research design.
Strong science starts with strong foundations: Meaningful discoveries often begin with carefully measuring basic variables and allowing research to evolve over time.
Who Should Attend
Graduate students and postdocs
Early-career researchers
Lab leaders and PIs
Industry scientists
Anyone interested in improving how preclinical research connects to real human outcomes
About the Host
Gautam Kumar
Gautam Kumar was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Business from the University of Southern California, followed by an MSc in the Psychology of Individual Differences from the University of Edinburgh, an MPH from Columbia University Medical Center, and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He will begin a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH/NIDA in March.
Gautam’s research focuses on uncovering the pathological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders through integrative, systems-level approaches. His work combines computational biology and translational neuroscience to identify predictive biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets, with the goal of improving diagnostic precision and treatment strategies.
About the Speaker
Dr. Cody Allen Lis
Dr. Cody Allen Lis was born and raised in Illinois spending the majority of his childhood in and out of Chicago. He received his bachelor's degree in Biochemistry/Molecular biology from Illinois State University. Following his bachelor's degree, he earned a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland-Baltimore where he focused on developing novel rodent operant models of social behavior in the laboratory of Dr. Marco Venniro. In August of 2025, he started as a post-doctoral researcher working with Dr. Giuseppe Giannotti at Washington State University’s department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience. Cody’s current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that allow for changes in choice behavior in the context of mutually exclusive decision-making, particularly in the context of choosing social engagement or opioid use. He combines combinations of reverse translational preclinical animal models with pharmacology and in vivo fiber photometric recordings of neurotransmitters with the goal of better elucidating the decision-making process that leads to opioid use etiology.
About the Program
Career Catalyst
Career Catalyst is BioBuzz’s flagship weekly virtual series connecting life sciences professionals with experts and actionable insights. The program runs every Tuesday @ 12 PM EST for approximately 45 minutes:
20-minute expert presentation
25-minute live, open Q&A
Sessions rotate through four thematic tracks with new experts each week, ensuring content stays relevant for life sciences professionals at every career stage. Each track is community-led and hosted by our Career Community Ambassadors.
Tracks include:
➡️ Career Navigation — Networking, skill-building, and strategies to advance your career across all life sciences disciplines. Hosted by Crystal Richards, Principal & Owner, MindsparQ.
➡️ Research — Deep dives on research and opportunities shaping the life sciences ecosystem and their relevance to your professional growth. Hosted by Gautam Kumar, Postdoctoral Candidate, NIH, NIDA
➡️ Biomanufacturing — Insights into the backbone of biotech success, shaping the industry and your career. Hosted by Paris McKenzie, Manufacturing Technician, Longeviti Neuro Solutions.
➡️ CQV & Validation — Insights into compliance, quality systems, and operational standards that underpin high-performing life sciences organizations and support your professional growth. Hosted by Kayla Britt, Founder & Principal Consultant, Britt Biocomputing.
Sponsors
Bio-Trac
With over 40 years of expertise, Bio-Trac® workshops have trained more than 19,500 scientists and engaged 300 scientist instructors. Designed by active researchers and open to the scientific community, these workshops equip bench and research scientists with the latest lab techniques and provide training on cutting-edge biotechnology advancements to a global audience across all biotech sectors.
Workforce Genetics
Workforce Genetics (WGx) is a premier recruiting firm serving the life sciences, MedTech, and healthcare sectors, supporting companies from startup to commercial. The firm delivers transformative talent strategies through retained and executive search, contingent search, and outsourced talent acquisition.
Important Information
BioBuzz's Career Catalyst sessions are intended to provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals navigating their careers. These sessions are not a platform for selling services, recruitment pitches, or business solicitations. They are designed for job seekers and those looking to make connections and build community.
Please be respectful of fellow participants and help ensure this remains a valuable, trusted resource for all.
Participants who engage in solicitation, promotional activity, or behavior that disrupts the intent of the session will be asked to leave.
Repeated or serious violations may result in removal from the session and exclusion from future Career Catalyst events.
Want to be an expert guest?
If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge with the BioBuzz community, get in touch via hello [@] biobuzz.io.