Jessica Brillant reflects on career highlights and being part of the first company to commercialize a SARS-CoV-2 test in the U.S.
Livermore, CA: November 23, 2020 — Quest Science Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting everyone to the value of science, launched Career Snapshots featuring research scientist and Director of Integrated Marketing Communications for Roche Molecular Solutions, Jessica Brillant. Through Career Snapshots, Quest aims to show the range of job and career possibilities in science and technology, inspire the next generation, and highlight the exciting and innovative companies in the Tri-Valley.
“At Roche, we’re thrilled to support the Quest Science Center on their mission to make science digestible and accessible to students, teachers and to the general public. Thanks for inviting Jessica Brillant to share her incredible career journey, where we get to hear first-hand, her passion for addressing global health disparities,” said Darlene Buhrow, Philanthropy and Community Relations Leader, Roche Molecular Solutions.
Jessica’s curiosity about nature and her early experiments with tadpoles inspired her to consider medical school and get a degree in molecular biology. In the early 2000s she pursued her Masters in Molecular Biology and an MBA, and in 2007 she transitioned into marketing communications. Today she serves as Director of Integrated Marketing Communications for Roche Molecular Solutions, a role that gave her a front row seat to the herculean efforts that enabled Roche to be the first company to commercialize a PCR test that detects SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
“From the laboratory to marketing, Jessica’s career journey shows how studying science can open many doors and bring a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment from helping others,” said Monya Lane, Quest CEO. “Her story is sure to inspire listeners of all ages—and especially students and aspiring scientists and engineers.”
The evolution of her career has enabled Jessica to apply her skills to help Roche communicate with customers and patients. “Having the science background that I have, I can translate technical information into messages for the external environment so potential customers know all the wonderful ways they can benefit from the products that we develop,” Brillant said.
Watch an excerpt of the interview.
Watch the entire interview.
Special Live-Stream Event to Inspire the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers
On December 1, 2020 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM PDT, Quest is hosting Paving the Way: A Virtual Conversation. They will welcome an impressive panel of women who will be inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers: A former White House advisor, an innovator with 70 patents, an award-winning educator and a STEM and drug safety advocate. The event is free for students, $15 for adults.
Get more information and register here.
About Quest Science Center
Quest Science Center is a nonprofit organization based in downtown Livermore that serves the Tri-Valley region and beyond. Quest creates learning experiences that connect everyone to the value of science. With its dedicated volunteers, Quest champions everyday exploration and lifelong science engagement with science and technology to help build a skilled workforce and inspire future innovators.
Quest is dedicated to helping everyone see how science and technology impact the way we learn, work, and live in our ever-changing world. Quest encourages learning with online resources and through in-person events and virtual programs. Quest’s permanent science center plans to open its doors in 2024, in downtown Livermore’s Stockmen’s Park.
For more information, visit: https://quest-science.org