In honor of Women’s History Month, which kicks off today, we wanted to highlight 10 incredible women making a mark in the life sciences in the BioHealth Capital Region. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Jane Shaab, Senior Vice President, UMB Health Science Research Corporation (RPC), Associate Vice President for Economic Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore

Jane Shaab has dedicated her life to building the region as a top life sciences destination. Under her leadership, the UM BioPark has grown into Baltimore’s largest cluster of life sciences companies, revitalizing 14 acres of years-vacant commercial property and generating over $600 million dollars in capital investment to revitalize the development of a 470,000 square foot world-class biomedical research center. 4MLK is next. 

Shaab is not only a champion for the BioPark’s development but also an ambassador to the neighboring West Baltimore communities. She ensures responsible growth and has facilitated over $1 million in support for community-requested funding, addressing needs such as schools, safety measures, and job training. Shaab actively participates in UMB’s community engagement efforts, leading initiatives to support the local community during the pandemic.

She is involved in various boards, including the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Board of Visitors, the Southwest Partnership, the B&O Railroad Museum, and the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance. She was a founding member of Poe Baltimore Board of Trustees. 

Shaab’s contributions have been recognized over the decades for her “notable successes and demonstration of strong leadership both within and outside of their chosen field.” After being named to The Maryland Daily Record’s Top 100 Women list three times (1997, 1999 and 2001), she became a member of the Circle of Excellence.

Most recently, Shaab received AURP’s 2023 Career Achievement Award and she is a 2023 finalist for BioBuzz’s ‘John Holaday’ Leadership Award. 

See the full list from BioBuzz.