Get to know your new coworker through her answers to fun and goofy questions!
Jessica ‘Jess’ Furnier
Director, Operations/Translational Science
How did you get into the industry? I studied Biology fully intending to go medical school. However, after shadowing and volunteer work, I recognized that I really didn’t want to be a doctor. Now what?
After graduation, I worked as a lab tech at Children’s Hospital and had a part-time gig at the Gap. After two years, I was so bored in the lab. Once you meet me, you’ll realize that sitting alone in a room for 8 hours playing with DNA isn’t a good fit for me. So, I quit my
lab job and moved to Philadelphia. I transferred to a new store with Gap, Inc. where I became Assistant Manager and I LOVED the job. That’s how I figured out what I wanted to do! I wanted to run the business side of healthcare. I moved back to Pittsburgh and obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Pitt. Dr. Shapiro hired me into the Chief Medical and Scientific Office and I’ve worked with him until joining Enterprises.
Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere? Semi-local. I grew up in California, PA – a small town about 30 miles south of the city. I came to the “big city” to attend Duquesne University and, except for that year in Philly, I’ve been here ever since. I currently live in Bloomfield.
What’s your least favorite word? Can’t
What’s in your perfect meal? Noodles. A meal cannot be perfect without noodles. Everything else is negotiable.
Which is better: board games or video games? Board games (and puzzles!)
Loves: Traveling; craft beer; Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
Dislikes: Celery; waiting in line; Mt. Rushmore
