Heather Smith
| Name: | Heather Smith |  |
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| Current Job: | Alcon Laboratories, Inc | |
| Biography: | Heather graduated with a Masters of Science in Public Policy from Georgia Tech, in 2011. Her concentration was in Science and Technology Policy, with a strong interest in biomedical technology and medical policy. Currently, she works in Global Regulatory Affairs at Alcon Laboratories, Inc., an ophthalmologic device company. In this role, she creates medical device submissions for review by the FDA; reviews submission-related documents; and coordinates the creation of submissions to other international health authorities. Even further, she is responsible for keeping abreast of changes to medical device regulations, standards, and guidances across national and international markets. Prior to her current position, Heather spent several years working in various roles relating to clinical research at Emory University, including IRB review staff and Clinical Trial Regulatory Specialist. Many of these roles involved the evaluation and careful application of requirements and regulations established by various federal organizations involved in overseeing clinical trials. Heather credits the analytical and critical thinking skills, writing proficiency, and policy background honed during her Public Policy Masters, as well as her science degree from Georgia Tech’s Biology program, for her ability to excel in her current role. Graduate research experiences, as well as the writing requirements of many public policy courses, allowed her to develop many of the skills outlined above, and prepared her for where she is today. Getting a Georgia Tech MSPP has allowed her fulfill a specialized niche in the pharmaceutical and medical device development environment. | |