Jen Lapan
About Jen Lapan
Jen Lapan serves as the Principal Software Product Manager at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where she has worked since 2015. With a background in bioinformatics and a commitment to enhancing patient recruitment for research, she has held various roles in the life sciences and software sectors.
Work at Broad Institute
Jen Lapan has served as Principal Software Product Manager at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard since 2015. In this role, she has focused on direct-to-patient recruitment for rare diseases, including rare cancers and more common conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Lapan led the product management of Pepper, a direct-to-participant research software platform, during its initial five years. She played a crucial role in ensuring that research studies continued to enroll participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting processes to accommodate quarantine and social distancing requirements.
Previous Work Experience
Before her tenure at the Broad Institute, Jen Lapan held various positions in the field of software product management and research. She worked as a Project Manager at EPAM Systems from 2012 to 2015, focusing on bioinformatics and life science software systems. Prior to that, she served as a Business Development Manager at Neova Solutions Pvt Ltd from 2010 to 2012. Lapan also gained experience as a Product Manager at BBN Technologies and Dining In, and she volunteered as a Connector for Boston World Partnerships in 2012.
Education and Expertise
Jen Lapan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she graduated magna cum laude. She also studied Web Development at the New England Institute of Art and has a background in Japanese from Guilford College. Her educational journey has equipped her with a diverse skill set applicable to her roles in software product management and research.
Advocacy and Initiatives
Lapan advocates for remote, self-directed participation in research, emphasizing that access to research should not be limited by geographic factors. She believes that proximity to research centers and transportation access should not hinder individuals from participating in important studies. Lapan founded Choral Enthusiasts, which is recognized as LinkedIn's largest and oldest affinity group for choral singers, conductors, and composers, showcasing her commitment to community engagement.
Volunteer Work and Leadership Roles
Jen Lapan has actively participated in volunteer work, notably serving as President and holding various board positions at The Boston Cecilia from 2002 to 2012. This involvement reflects her dedication to leadership and community service within the choral music sector. Her volunteer commitment as a Connector for Boston World Partnerships further illustrates her engagement in fostering connections and collaboration within the Greater Boston Area.