Life & Work with Brianna Hawkins of Germantown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Hawkins.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I have been raised my entire life in Montgomery, Alabama, but I was born in Nashville while my parents attended college at Tennessee State University. I moved to Nashville in 2009 upon graduating high school to attend Vanderbilt University, where I was a Pre-Med student, double majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society and Psychology. During college, I held dual presidencies for student organizations. I pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upon graduation from Vanderbilt University in 2013. I decided that the medical school route didn’t fit the goals and vision I had for myself. I instead went on to attend Washington University in St. Louis for a post-baccalaureate program, giving me time to find my passion in research and development.

After completing the program, I moved back to Nashville to leverage my network and join the impetus that Nashville has for young professionals, especially those who thrive in the healthcare field. I began my career in clinical research in 2014, returning to the Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, a hematology research team that I initially worked with during my undergraduate career at Vanderbilt. Cancer has consistently affected my maternal family throughout my entire life. Many of my grandmother’s siblings and their children have suffered colon, liver, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancer, along with other malignancies. After contemplating the impact of cancer on my family tree, I stepped out on faith to pursue a career in solid tumor oncology research. In 2015, I went on to find my niche in oncology clinical research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, serving in roles such as Senior Clinical Trials Specialist and Clinical Research Associate, monitoring studies across the U.S. & Canada. My efforts over nearly 5 years as part of Sarah Cannon Research Institute’s multi-disciplinary Drug Development Unit centered around early phase drug discovery, high-level data monitoring, and patient advocacy. My family members have been patients at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, so my time spent there meant the absolute world to me, and my colleagues there is my forever family.

In 2019, I returned to the classroom as a dual degree Doctor of Pharmacy/Master’s of Business Administration, University of Tennessee Health Science Center/ University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business) student to further my commitment to scientific knowledge and the business behind it. I received my Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021 as a milestone accomplishment within the PharmD curriculum and have consistently earned Dean’s List honors for my excellent classroom performance. I am now a 4th year (Class of 2023) Doctor of Pharmacy/Masters of Business Administration student with aspirations of bringing my research site experience, insights, and eagerness to learn to the pharmaceutical industry. In 2021 & 2022, I have been selected as a Janssen (Johnson &Johnson) Oncology Clinical Scientist Intern, focusing my efforts on drug development for the multiple myeloma and lymphoma teams. In 2022, I also served as a Janssen Oncology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Op, a first-of-its-kind position to support Janssen Oncology’s commitment to improving representation and building diverse, inclusive teams and environments. Outside of class, I regularly volunteer at health clinics for underserved patients, such as The Shade Tree Clinic in South Nashville. I work as a Graduate Intern for the Vanderbilt Transplant Pharmacy and serve as the UTHSC College of Pharmacy Class of 2023 Class President and the Student National Pharmaceutical Association President on the Nashville campus. I am also currently Co-Chair of the American Public Health Association’s Pharmacy Section Student Chapter, helping facilitate the advancement of pharmacy students across the country.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
– When I decided not to attend medical school, many people, including some of my family, didn’t support the decision, but I had to follow my intuition and the vision I had for myself. I had to trust God, step out on faith, and trust in my abilities to grind to get to where I wanted to be. I took the non-traditional, more difficult route to become a cancer scientist, but I don’t regret a single part of this journey

– Leaving my hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, was hard at first. I’m an only child and extremely close to my family, so being away from them for the past 13 years as I chase my dreams has been challenging but has made me stronger and highly independent. I am almost always my go-to, reminding me that I have my back before anyone else.

– Being a Black woman, a double minority, often makes us feel like we have to prove ourselves and work harder than our counterparts. I had to get to know myself and truly learn to stand tall in my worth. It was vital for me to internalize that my confidence and value were fueled by me and not the validation of other people. This is also why diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the center of everything I do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on? What do you do?
I am a cancer/oncology clinical research & drug development professional, a 4th year (Class of 2023) Doctor of Pharmacy/MBA student, and an aspiring Clinical Scientist upon graduation.

What do you specialize in?
While science is my passion, oncology is indeed my language. I specialize in early development oncology research and development, focusing on hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. I also have a strong passion for networking and connecting people. I coach students and professionals of all ages and levels on bridging the gaps by increasing their visibility, taking a personable approach to rubbing elbows, and forming lifelong partnerships.

What are you known for, etc.?
I am known for my networking ability and my passion for building relationships. I am known for the added value I bring to the table and for teaching others how to do the same! While my degrees may have gotten me into the building, my love for people and the impact we can have when we collaborate and work together has gotten me into the room.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family. They have been so strong despite the significant impact that cancer has had on our lives. They inspire me every day to keep going, to be an advocate for patients worldwide, and give back through my purpose to eradicate cancer.

What sets you apart from others?
My tenacity and adaptability set me apart from others. When I hear no, my brain translates it to “not right now” or “there is something bigger/better coming.” I never stop going after my goals with full force. No matter what happens in my life, I always pivot and choose not to panic. I have to be ready at all times to adjust to whatever life throws my way and do so with a positive outlook.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
I never feel like it is too late to start. The years will pass by anyway. You might as well spend that time chasing your purpose and doing what you love. In the end, you’ll be grateful you did. Only commit to things that move you and light a fire in you. This allows you to remain true to yourself and focus only on opportunities and experiences that wake up your best self. Above all else, choose you.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawkinsbrianna

Image Credits
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