Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Olivia Goethals is an accomplished professional with a Master’s Degree in microbiology from the University of Virginia. Currently, Olivia is a principal researcher in microbiology at Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV, located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Olivia received her Bachelor and Masters degree in microbiology from the University of Leuven, specializing in applied biology. Her areas of expertise include virus-based infections such as herpes, Epstein-Barr and even Candida. Olivia has additionally pursued work in virology, neuroscience, pharmacology, animal husbandry and cellular and tissue engineering. In addition to her current position as principal investigator, she is currently the Executive Vice-President of Janssen Research LLC, a biotechnology company that focuses on the development of medical and pharmaceutical products for the global marketplace.
After completing her education, Olivia decided to pursue a doctorate degree at the University of Virginia, specializing in microbiology. Despite her best efforts, however, she was unable to obtain a professorship due to lack of funding. The experience she gained during her time as a post-graduate student helped her gain the skills and knowledge required to pursue a medical career in the pharmaceutical industry. This enabled her to obtain her current position as a molecular biologist with a senior position in the Janssen Research facility. It was while working there that she realized the importance of nationality when it came to being successful in her chosen profession.
“Being a nationalities physician has its own advantages,” Olivia states. “First, you are able to focus on research because you are not limited to specific countries or genetics. Also, being a nationalities physician allows for a free-flowing creativity that is necessary in a high-flying, fast-paced setting. Lastly, being a nationalities physician gives you a way to provide for your family. That is truly what being a nationalities physician is all about.”