Meet the Toxicologist Who’s Forging a Career Path with Molecular AI

Abigaëlle Coly is mastering molecular AI at Neovarsity to leverage her decade-long industry experience in toxicology and reshape drug safety assessment through AI.

4 min read

August 29th, 2023

Meet the Toxicologist Who’s Forging a Career Path with Molecular AI

Meet Abigaëlle

Abigaëlle Coly's professional journey exemplifies the skill of seizing opportunities and strategically shaping one's career trajectory.

Born in the charming neighborhood of Ste-Foy in Québec City, Canada, Abigaëlle spent her formative years soaking up the rich culture and vibrant landscapes of Dakar, Sénegal, her parents' homeland. She later thrived in her academic journey at the esteemed University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor's degree in Toxicology.

She is currently building her specialized skills in molecular artificial intelligence at Neovarsity, harnessing her biopharma industry experience in toxicology to revolutionize drug safety assessment using AI.

Reflecting on her time at the University of Toronto, Abigaëlle reminisced:

"During my final year at the University of Toronto, I undertook an independent research project with the goal of creating a novel lymphocyte toxicity assay (LTA) for the evaluation of drug hypersensitivity syndromes. With the guidance of my Principal Investigator, I dedicated countless hours within the laboratory, marked by a series of trials, errors, and ultimately, breakthroughs. The project encompassed more than just academic achievement; it imparted essential skills such as proficient data analysis, effective problem-solving, and the art of experimental methodology. To me, it served as a tangible lesson in persistence, adaptability, and the intricate scientific process. Consequently, that experience solidified my commitment to research and steered my aspirations toward a future in drug discovery”.


A decade-long industry career

Following her bachelor's degree, Abigaëlle adeptly utilized her academic foundation to embark on a journey in the biopharma industry. Throughout her extensive decade-long career in the field, she focused on toxicology and pharmacovigilance, showcasing a range of competencies spanning from biomedical research and project management to proficiency in drug development processes.

Her professional journey showcased impressive tenures with industry giants such as Janssen Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson company), as well as pivotal roles at Certus PV (a Veristat company), Yoh Scientific Inc/Merck Vaccines and Biologics, and McKesson Canada.


Starting a new journey with Neovarsity

In recent years, Abigaëlle's attention was captured by emerging advancements in the biopharma sector, especially in the realm of data-driven drug discovery and toxicology. Eager to take on new challenges and expand her skill set, she embarked on a transformative path with us at Neovarsity.

Diving into her chosen path, Abigaëlle has dedicated herself to a specialization in Molecular AI, with a prominent focus on computational toxicology. Her intense focus has revolved around developing expertise in programming, cheminformatics, and the nuanced realm of molecular ML/AI, which align seamlessly with the specialized offerings of our platform.

She said: “After over 10 years in the biopharma industry with a Bachelor of Science degree in toxicology from the University of Toronto, I chose Neovarsity to redirect my professional trajectory toward data-driven drug discovery and toxicology”.

The concept of Abigaëlle embracing the learning of molecular AI has been a natural progression. With a wealth of biopharma experience spanning a decade and a degree in toxicology, she is primed to seamlessly blend her scientific acumen with state-of-the-art skills crucial for modern, data-driven drug discovery and toxicology.

Neovarsity provides her with an ideal platform to achieve this amalgamation, which holds the potential to revolutionize drug discovery and redefine safety assessment methodologies.

“Throughout this journey, my focus has been centered on cheminformatics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for drug discovery with a special focus on computational toxicology,” she said.


Forging ahead in data-driven toxicological assessment

At Neovarsity, Abigaëlle is immersing herself in programming, cheminformatics, advanced machine learning for drug discovery, and artificial intelligence. As her journey unfolds, she will progressively refine her focus, eventually zeroing in on computational toxicology.

Ultimately, through her studies in molecular AI and computational toxicology, she will not only acquire knowledge but also craft a unique path where her understanding of toxicology could converge with AI-driven methodologies.

Nevertheless, her time at Neovarsity isn't just about acquiring technical skills; it is about cultivating a mindset of constant innovation, adaptability and networking with fellow learners and researchers.

As her LinkedIn profile eloquently describes, Abigaëlle's journey is characterized by her ability to handle opportunities right.

Her innate leadership and interpersonal skills proved instrumental in navigating the challenges of her coursework and projects. She thrived in high-pressure environments, consistently delivering results that showcased her commitment and dedication to excellence.

In her own words regarding her ongoing experience with Neovarsity:

"The structured curriculum, real-world projects, and hands-on tools have been providing a challenging but rewarding path to build the portfolio and skills I need to transition roles and advance in modern drug discovery research and safety assessment".

From her beginnings in biopharma to her current pursuit of becoming a Molecular AI specialist, she serves as an inspiration to all those seeking to forge new pathways by blending traditional expertise with emerging technologies.

Her journey encapsulates the spirit of growth and learning that defines the ever-evolving landscape of modern science and technology.

The words of Mark Hunter, "It’s not about having the right opportunities. It’s about handling the opportunities right" —a quote also adorning the outset of her LinkedIn introduction—resonates profoundly within her narrative.


About Molecular AI Specialization:

Our Molecular AI Specialization is a tailored curriculum designed to empower individuals with the expertise to leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence in small-molecule drug discovery.

This specialization bridges the gap between conventional pharmaceutical research and cutting-edge computational drug design.

Interested in joining our Molecular AI Specialization like Abigaëlle? Contact us for personalized counseling. Initiate an online chat or contact us at support[a]neovarsity.org .

Explore the experiences of learners who have embarked on the Molecular AI Specialization journey at Neovarsity. Read here.


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