TEDxAlconR&D

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Megan Driver

  Principal I, Microbiology & Toxicology

  Megan began her career in the field of Education before transitioning to Alcon’s Preclinical division, where she has contributed for the past 14 years. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Tarleton State University in Fort Worth, a credential that supported her move into her current role in Research and Development, specializing in Toxicology. Megan is dedicated to advancing pre-market medical devices and pharmaceutical products, playing a key role in bringing innovative solutions to market. Her work reflects a strong commitment to scientific rigor and patient safety. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she is a devoted mother of two boys and enjoys the rhythms of rural life, where tractors and ATVs are seen as a part of the daily routine. While her schedule leaves little room for leisure, she embraces the balance of career and country living with family.

• Nishant Maller

  Sr Brand Manager, Core Cataract, US Surgical Marketing

  Nishant is a global healthcare marketer, storyteller, and probably the ONLY ballroom dancing, horse-riding marketer you will meet. In his current role as the lead for the UNITY® CS launch in the US he is known for blending strategic insight with creative flair. Originally from India, Nishant began his career at Alcon as a marketing MBA intern in 2012. His experience in ophthalmology spans across cataract, refractive, and surgical retina, specializing in downstream marketing, product launches, and customer engagement. Over the years, he’s earned accolades including MM&M’s Young Marketer of the Year (2019) and 40 Under 40 (2020) and finalist for the 2021 Rising Star in Ophthalmology Award (OWL). No stranger to the Red Dot, his original TEDx talk (2021), “From the Ballroom to the Boardroom: Mastering the Box Step,” explored how ballroom concepts translate into our corporate 9-5.

• Prince Akowuah

  Principal, Clinical Project Management

  Prince Akowuah began his journey at Alcon as an R&D intern in the summer of 2022. After earning his PhD in Vision Science from the University of Houston, he returned to Alcon full-time in 2023. Today, as Principal in Clinical Project Management, Prince thrives on the diversity of ideas and the thoughtful, nuanced approaches his colleagues bring to solving complex challenges. His work is driven by a deep sense of purpose—knowing that the innovations he helps bring to life improve the vision and lives of patients, including his own mother. Outside of the lab, Prince finds creativity at his sewing machine, often reimagining how a pair of pants should fit.

• Renae Soley

  Manager, Complaints

  Renae Soley BSN, RN is a Manager in the Quality Complaints Department here at Alcon, she brings over 19 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and 28 years as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Her career has been rooted in patient care, both in clinical and operating room settings - supporting outcomes and safety. In 2017, she transitioned into the Medical Device Industry, combining her clinical insight with corporate quality expertise to ensure product integrity and patient safety. Renae is passionate about people and the products that support their vision, having cared for patients using many of the same devices she now supports in her quality role. She is a lifelong learner, a TEDx volunteer, and a proud “Sugar” to four wonderful grandchildren - bringing heart, purpose, and dedication to every aspect of her work.

• Roee Lazebnik

  Vice President, Medical Affairs

  Dr. Lazebnik is a physician-executive experienced in building and leading medical affairs, clinical research, and product safety organizations in the medical device, life science, and biotechnology industries. In addition, he is the author of 100+ published manuscripts, textbook chapters, conference proceedings, whitepapers, and patents on many topics related to medical devices and biotechnology. Prior to joining Alcon, Dr. Lazebnik held a number of medical, R&D, and marketing leadership roles at Pfizer, General Electric HealthCare, and Siemens Healthcare. During this time, he led and supported many successful product launches across a large variety of medical devices, software, and pharmaceuticals across many clinical specialties. Dr. Lazebnik earned his MD from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and his PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering.

• Travis Beaven

  Global Head, Vision Care Digital

  Travis Beaven is the Global Head of Vision Care Digital Health at Alcon. He has spent his 30 year career outside of health care, delivering consumer products for Microsoft, Toyota, Carnival, AT&T and Disney before coming to Alcon in 2021. He has spent his life bringing award winning user experience to emerging technologies including IoT, wearables, AR and smartphones. Travis is the proud father of two girls and is married to a biotech researcher that sparked his desire to evolve Health Care. Travis is an artist in his spare time and has a passion for psychology and transforming user behavior through innovation.