Meet the Next Women in Life Sciences Breakfast Speaker: Amanda Clark

Investing in female founders is a new element that will be added to the next SCbio Women in Life Sciences Breakfast. Hear from Amanda Clark, RCP, RTT, founder and chief executive officer of PulManage, Inc., on her company’s evolution, including funding challenges and successes. Attendees will learn from Clark’s experience and why investing in a female-run life sciences company is an option people may want to consider.

This addition results from the success of the featured women’s panel at the SCbio Annual Conference, where members expressed interest in learning more about investments. This regional breakfast will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 8 a.m. in Columbia and is sponsored by Dominion Energy, Womble Bond Dickinson and Poly-Med, Inc.

With over two decades in respiratory care, Clark has identified critical gaps in funding and innovation for chronic lung disease, the third leading cause of death globally. Recognizing the healthcare sector’s significant underfunding and lack of attention, she founded PulManage to develop impactful digital health solutions to transform the management and care of chronic lung disease while improving patient outcomes.

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Clark’s journey is deeply personal. It is rooted in a long family history of chronic respiratory conditions—a lineage she affectionately calls a long line of “wheezers.” Her understanding of the healthcare industry’s patient care journey and intricacies, combined with a proven ability to lead and collaborate, enabled her successful transition from bedside clinician to entrepreneur.

Through PulManage, Clark’s team is spearheading groundbreaking research, including studies supported by the National Institutes of Health, to explore estrogen’s impact on women’s respiratory health. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Clark is a passionate advocate for health equity, working to ensure better clinical outcomes and enhanced quality of life for all patients affected by lung disease.

Driven by the simple yet powerful belief that “Breath is life, and without it, there is none,” Clark continues to lead the charge in respiratory innovation and advocacy.

Clark holds an associate degree in respiratory care therapy from NorthWest Arkansas Community College and a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care from Newberry College, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Join now to enjoy expanded member benefits!

Enjoy exclusive member content, special events, savings, networking and more

Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.