Title: Chief Research Compliance Officer
Company: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY United States

Being hired by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory was a high point in Diane Esposito’s career, as the institution has shaped biomedical research and education with programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. She is proud of her tenure and continued growth within the company; she started out as a cancer and genetics research investigator, and has since transitioned to her current role as the chief research compliance officer. In this capacity, Dr. Esposito ensures the provision of comprehensive regulatory guidance to the research community and has developed a research compliance program that includes changes in regulation, as well as the distribution of written policies, procedures and standards of conduct that promote adherence to applicable federal and state laws and institutional policies. She says that there is still inequality between the genders, both in pay and in opportunities, but her organization, persistence, communication and listening skills have aided her in her professional journey.

As lifelong learner, Dr. Esposito has loved science ever since she was a kid. She took her first biology class when she was in eighth grade, and when the class began learning about cells, she found her passion. When Dr. Esposito was deciding on a career path, she knew she didn’t want to be a physician, however, which is what most biology majors do. Instead, she pursued her interest in research, cells and genetics. Dr. Esposito continued on to earn a Ph.D. in genetics and cell biology, and both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in biology from Fordham University. She continues to take classes to stay abreast of the constantly changing federal and state guidelines in her field.

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