Monday, April 14, 2008

The Mover

Acton ready to write next chapter at WEST

By Amber Gay

Although she can remember contemplating a journalism career when she was younger, her love for animals directed Gwen Acton to a career in biology. And it is her commitment to science that has led to her to be named president of Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology.

Acton, who joined the organization in 2001, was once a speaker and volunteer for WEST. Now she is in charge of leading the volunteer organization and managing membership and educational events. She became involved in the organization because she saw a real need for women to bridge the gap between the science and technology world and the business world, she said.

"I want to see this organization grow and flourish," Acton said. "I hope to tap into the amazing potential of the women in science and technology."

WEST is focused on women who are looking to enhance their careers and become leaders in the science and technology professions. The organization is composed of both men and women from various fields within those industries. The organization allows men as members and speakers because of the professional relationship in science and technology they have with women.

"The primary constituent of the organization is the women in the middle of their science or technology career," she said. "It is fantastic to be deeply involved with this incredible group of people. There is such an amazing set of women in the Boston area."

Acton is the CEO and founder of Concord-based Vivo Group, a consulting firm focused on improving innovation for scientists and tech professionals. She is also a member of the board of trustees at the Forsyth Institute in Boston.

Her previous experience includes working as the director of scientific development at the Cambridge-based Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and running the operations of the Functional Genomics Program at the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research for five years.

But the writing bug never left Acton. She is looking to show off her writing skills in a book called "Bluffers Guide to Genetics" due out this year, she said. The book is part of a series published by London-based Oval Books. Previous writing experience include freelance reporting for the Associated Press while attending the University of Pennsylvania and writing industry reports for the Cambridge Healthtech Institute.

"I think my whole career has built on itself and interweaves within itself," she said. "Two things I am really proud of, though, are my Ph.D. and my book."