Type Of Business:
Nonprofit organization comprised of university and corporate members
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Nonprofit management
Major Product/SVS:
Funding for research projects selected through a highly competitive process that includes industrial evaluation of concepts to ensure market relevance and peer review to ensure scientific excellence; Support for biotechnology research that has practical applications; Advancement of technological innovations based on new understandings and uses of plants and other organisms; Multidisciplinary training and research opportunities for a new generation of scientists and engineers; Creation of connections between industry needs and university and industry suppliers
Hobbies/Sports:
Swimming; Walking; Riding her bike; Managing her own real estate properties; Spending time with her family; Writing; Working on a book project
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in French Literature, University of Pittsburgh (1971)
Affiliations Awards:
Washington Club; The Williams Club of New York
Industry:
Nonprofit Operations Management
Date of Distinction:
11/22/2011
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
She takes advantage of all opportunities to build the organization she's working with and to grow with it.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Her greatest career achievement is starting the consortium, then building, growing and keeping it thriving.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
She'd like to be remembered as a wonderful woman who was a real inspiration.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
She'd like to eliminate global warming.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a strong woman who made a difference. She came from an aristocratic background, but she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.
Charity:
MK Community Foundation
Number Of Years In Profession:
38
Number Of Years In Current Position:
22
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her intellect, self-discipline, experience working with faculty members of all departments, and understanding of the relationships between university and federal funding. She also credits her commitment, drive, ambition, and belief in helping the country, environment and world.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after receiving a Ph.D. and working at a university. She first managed a federally funded project and then moved into sponsored research administration. She then worked in the technology transfer area and university-industry relations, which led to her current work with the consortium.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Schumacher was born in Manhattan. She was educated in private and public schools in the United States and Switzerland and earned a Ph.D. in French literature. The French government named her a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques for her contributions to French culture. She lives on an island off the coast of Georgia and is currently chairman and chief executive officer of an international biotechnology research consortium. The organization is dedicated to speeding the transfer of plant biotechnologies from the research laboratory to the marketplace and enhancing economic opportunities through university research and global networking. Dr. Schumacher has written a reference book for academics seeking research funding, and is currently working on a very different type of project: a tell-all book about the fascinating life and groundbreaking film career of her grandmother, Helen Gardner. Dr. Schumacher has a son, a daughter and two granddaughters.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Running and funding research projects; Overseeing the organization, including all aspects of management and competitions; Obtaining funding; Reporting to federal agencies
Awards/Honors:
Chevalier Award, French Government (1992); Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh (1970)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Schumacher will work on the biography of silent movie star Helen Gardner, which will include marketing presentations and discussions of her achievements. Ms. Schumacher has no plans of retiring; she enjoys her job and finds the work gratifying.