Aspirations:
Shwen aspires to combine his background in academia (science), agency (med comm), and industry (pharma) together with his interest, experience, and passion for emerging technologies and new/social media, in order to drive innovation in science and medicine.

Employment:
Shwen is currently VP of Digital Health within the Health Practice at Edelman’s NYC office.

Most recently, Shwen led Digital Strategy and Social Media within the Marketing department at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where he focused on New and Social Media, Web 2.0, and Health 2.0. He led the development of a comprehensive digital strategy for launch/commercialization — including (internal and external) new/social media strategies — and establishes/maintains key relationships with the new media and health 2.0 communities.

Prior to Vertex, Shwen managed the respiratory franchise Speakers Bureau and oversaw KOL-related meetings and events (e.g. advisory boards, speaker training, etc.), as part of the Marketing Communications department at Sepracor, where he was also heavily involved in various Web 2.0 and new media activities. During his tenure at Sepracor, he contributed to the launch of two brands in the respiratory franchise. And before Sepracor, Shwen was a Web Producer and Scientific Editor at the Neuroscience Education Institute — a medical communications agency that develops continuing medical education (CME) programs in Psychopharmacology.

Academics:
Shwen obtained a BS (suma cum laude) in behavioral neuroscience from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Subsequently, he completed his doctoral research in behavioral pharmacology at the University of Cambridge (England, UK), where he also earned a certificate in entrepreneurship.

Professional Activities:
Shwen speaks regularly at industry events on New/Social Media and advises various industry-related organizations on their social media strategies. For 2009, he served as advisor and chairman of the 3rd annual Digital Pharma conference, sat on the (new media) advisory board for IAmBiotech.org, and served as a new media advisor to AIDS.gov.

Fun:
When Shwen is not online and immersed in social media, he can be found playing tennis, BBQing, taking pictures, fishing, traveling, scuba diving, or dining on great food/wine/beer (among a myriad of other interests).

List of Upcoming and Recent Professional Engagements:

2011

2010

2009