Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface! In episode 15, Fells' Elements of Success: A Periodic Journey, we immerse ourselves in the world of chemistry and career alchemy with James Fells. From his early days as a curious freshman to his role as an Associate Director, In Silico Discovery at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, James recounts his journey through the ups and downs of the scientific realm and the importance of guidance along the way.

Hear how his childhood curiosity about Gargamel inspired his success, how he moved between academia and industry, and why his story stands out. We think this episode will really connect with you.

Listener discretion is advised.

02:12 The story behind the early use of MOE software in 1999
03:36 Childhood obsession with potions and how it sparks real science
07:00 Funding, scholarships, and the importance of independence
08:41 Making the leap from academia to industry: speed and culture shock
12:33 The value of humility, openness, and collaboration in pharma
16:15 Crafting winning fellowship applications and proactive networking
20:19 Transitioning from postdoc to industry: timing and strategy
24:17 How industry teams differ from academia in hierarchy and respect
37:33 The big cultural shifts moving from Merck to Johnson & Johnson
45:18 The importance of company culture, openness, and shared lessons learned
49:12 J&J's evolving approach to science, leadership, and opportunity
57:47 Reflections: What he'd do differently, advice for future scientists
62:03 If not in science, what would James do? Coach? Math teacher?
63:53 Final thoughts: Exploring opportunities, being adaptable, and following your curiosity

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Welcome to the last episode of 2025 for our podcast, Under the Surface! In this episode, SVL: Santavy vs Labute - The HoliDAVE Edition, get cozy with this special holiday edition of "Under the Surface"! Chris Williams and Dave Thompson are here to share laughs, swap stories, and spread some cheer as they chat with CCG's always-jolly Principal Scientist, Martin Santavy. From the wild beginnings of programming to the everyday adventures of debugging, this episode takes you on a fun-filled ride through the world of computational chemistry. There's plenty of laughter, a sprinkle of science magic, and a whole lot of heart as we talk about the quirks of coding and the power of good communication. Whether you're a science fan or just love a great story, come join us—grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let's celebrate the season together!

Listener discretion is advised.

03:45 The Journey to CCG: Early Days and Influences
10:02 The Development of SVL: A New Programming Language
14:56 Challenges and Innovations in Computational Chemistry
20:55 The Evolution of CCG and Its Market Position
22:23 Reflections on Missed Opportunities
24:25 The Evolution of Software in Chemistry
26:50 Navigating the Language of Chemistry
30:54 The Importance of Communication in Science
35:32 Debugging and Problem Solving
42:45 The Joy of Software Development
50:35 Passion for Science and Software

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In episode 13, Unfiltered Leadership, we dive into the fascinating journey of Erin Davis, who proves that the path to becoming a CTO at X-Chem is paved with caffeine, coding, and a touch of chaos.

Erin's story is a masterclass in creativity and resilience. Tune in for tales of tech debt, DNA-encoded libraries (DELs), questioning authority, and why she believes humans are just 'meat sacks' trying to make sense of it all.

This episode is a delightful mix of humor, inspiration, perfect for anyone who loves a good science story with a side of laughter. This episode will leave you inspired and entertained!

Listener discretion is advised.

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