By Claire Swadling ‘26
Through both casework and internal programming, CBE has always been committed to the life sciences. A substantial portion of our research each semester engages biology-inclined students with relevant sector-based experience. Additionally, we’ve held an annual MCAT book giveaway for students preparing to apply to medical school.
Last semester, we debuted a new board role to specifically support our cases and members inclined towards the pillar. The Life Sciences Director is responsible for managing our company’s life sciences related cases, leading LS training, spearheading LS think tanks, facilitating community service events, and organizing pre-professional opportunities for LS-interested students.
“The position itself has tremendous potential, and I am honored to have played a role in shaping life science experiences and opportunities for CBE’s broad membership,” said Stephanie Wang '26, who was the inaugural LS Director this past spring.
At the beginning of the semester, Stephanie led the organization through our first LS training, a bootcamp for CBE members on LS cases. An MD-MBA candidate guest speaker walked analysts, associates, and case team leaders through the interface of life sciences and business, with topics such as the pharmaceutical approval pipeline.
Stephanie also organized LS think tanks, an opportunity for groups of students to dive into biology industry trends outside of traditional casework. Topics included trends in drug access inequality and how shared-decision making could affect HIV health literacy.
Overall, she enjoyed helping CBE members learn more about the intersection of biology and consulting during her term.
“It was an incredible experience to support members in delving deeply into important topics within the life sciences,” said Stephanie, “I got to see the students grow their research, writing, and teamwork skills over the course of a semester that went hand in hand with their casework success.”
This Fall
Our current LS Director, Alex Chou '26, seeks to continue the momentum built over Stephanie’s term. Specifically, he’s interested in making LS more institutionalized as a pillar by solidifying the engagement opportunities available for LS-interested students.
Accordingly, he’s continuing CBE’s traditions while building new ones. LS think tanks continue with a new focus on generative AI in medicine and sustainability in hospital systems.
Alex also led CBE on their first Jimmy Fund Walk in support of the Jimmy Fund this October, a Boston-based nonprofit affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer center that raises money for cancer research and care. Members enjoyed getting their steps in while raising money for an important cause.
“Thus far, serving as Director of Life Sciences has been immensely gratifying, and I am thankful to have been able to contribute to several new and old traditions,” said Alex. “Whether organizing the annual MCAT/LSAT prep book giveaway, participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk alongside peer CBE members, or researching healthcare industry challenges in our think tank teams, I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to both share with others my passion for the biosciences and also promote meaningful projects in the Harvard community and greater Boston area.”
Looking Forward
Through initiatives that improve relevant sector knowledge for members while providing bonding opportunities for members, CBE is committed to making the life sciences an integral part of our casework and beyond.
“My hopes are that these efforts substantiate and institutionalize CBE’s involvement with and investment in the life sciences,” reflects Alex. “Moving forward, I am excited to see future leaders of the organization enhance the expansiveness of our industry casework and community initiatives in the healthcare realm.”