Jessica LeClair Volpe ’17: Charting a Fast Track from Emmanuel to Pfizer

From her early high school years, Jessica LeClair Volpe '17 knew she wanted to pursue a career in science, though she was uncertain about the exact path. It wasn't until her freshman year at Emmanuel College that she realized she had a natural affinity for statistics—a discovery that would eventually lead her to a role as a biostatistician at Pfizer.

"The moment I stepped into my first statistics class, I felt an instant connection to the subject. It was the support and encouragement of the professor, Dr. Yulia Dementieva [Professor of Mathematics], that led me to pursue biostatistics as a major," she said. Inspired by Dr. Dementieva, Volpe decided to double major in biostatistics and biology. Building upon her solid academic foundation, Volpe, a first-generation college student, successfully completed her PhD in biostatistics at Boston University (BU) in 2022.

Dr. Dementieva’s mentorship extended beyond the classroom. She introduced Volpe to transformative opportunities such as the Summer Institute in Biostatistics, a government-funded program aimed at increasing the number of biostatisticians in the industry, and a Research Experience for Undergraduates in statistical genetics. These experiences, coupled with Emmanuel's rigorous academic environment, ensured that Volpe was well-prepared for the challenges of graduate school.

“The Math Department at Emmanuel was excellent at promoting these programs, and I believe my application for graduate school was significantly stronger because of those opportunities,” Volpe said. “I felt exceptionally prepared for the intensity of PhD coursework.”

Volpe's experience as a tutor at Emmanuel further developed her ability to communicate complex concepts, a skill that proved valuable during her teaching assistantships at BU. “When you know something well enough to explain it to someone else, that’s when you truly understand it,” she noted.

Volpe's interest in clinical trials deepened as a PhD student. “During my time at BU, I developed a strong passion for clinical trials and tailored my experience to focus on that.” Her dissertation centered on developing novel methodology for clinical trials—a project that, along with her practical applied experience, positioned her perfectly for her current role at Pfizer. Her dissertation was published in the journal Statistics in Medicine.

Today, as a biostatistician, Volpe plays a key role in designing and analyzing clinical trials at Pfizer. She collaborates cross-functionally with a diverse team of professionals, providing statistical leadership from initial concept through execution. "Emmanuel and BU were instrumental in preparing me for my career at Pfizer," she said. "Each step along the way contributed to my success."

Volpe's journey is an example of the power of mentorship, hands-on experience, and a supportive academic community in shaping a successful career.