Harriot College Alumni Profile: Justin Perry
ECU 2023 “40 Under Forty” Leadership Recipient
Dr. Justin Perry (B.S. Biology ’11; M.S. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology ’15), who lives in Boston, MA, is one of ECU’s 2023 “40 Under Forty” Leadership Awardees and a Harriot College alumnus.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected as one of this year’s 40 Under Forty. There are so many deserving ECU alumni who are all leaders in their own rights,” Perry said. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity and am very appreciative of all of the faculty, staff and peers who helped shape my journey at ECU.”
Perry’s #HarriotCollegeMajor is helping him #MakeAMajorDifference in the public’s understanding of complex scientific research as an account executive for LifeSci Communications.
In his role, Perry helps emerging biotech companies refine complex programs into strategic communications strategies and messaging across a range of therapeutic indications.
“I really enjoy being able to help companies tell their scientific story,” he said. “I am fortunate that this role allows me to combine my scientific expertise and previous career experience to help these emerging companies succeed. Being able to dive into the latest therapeutic developments stimulates my scientific curiosity and allows me to help these companies create compelling narratives to reach their intended audiences.”
As a student, Perry said his education provided the foundation for continued curiosity in expanding his scientific knowledge and his drive to give back.
“My time at ECU was a truly formative experience and instilled in me a love of science, intellectual curiosity and leadership skills that I carry with me to this day,” he said. “My training in the Department of Biology taught me foundational life science skills and cemented my passion for scientific exploration. They provided an environment that supported growth and connection to resources that fostered my desire to continue learning and pursue additional educational opportunities.”
“The student organizations and clubs with which I was involved provided a unique opportunity to lead and further instilled in me the value of giving back to the community,” Perry said.
In addition to learning leadership skills at ECU, few people know that Perry may also have honed some of those skills as an Eagle Scout.
ECU’s 40 Under Forty awards will transition to a biennial celebration, with the next iteration honoring the recipients of 2025.