Infinite Careers is a collaboration between Career Services (CAPD) and the MIT Alumni Association to explore career paths and the non-linearity of career decision making. Read profiles of alumni with unique career paths, hear their stories and network at a series of talks.
Education
- MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 8 – Physics
- MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 22 – Nuclear Engineering
- MIT – Doctor Of Philosophy, HST – Health Science & Technology
Bio
Dr. Agata Wiśniowska is Senior Director of Global Market Access & Pricing at Sanofi, where she leads strategy for Dupixent across multiple dermatology indications. She’s passionate about bringing innovative therapies to patients with high unmet needs—especially those with serious conditions lacking approved treatments.
Agata holds a PhD in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics from the Harvard-MIT HST program and dual BSs in Physics and Nuclear Science & Engineering from MIT. Her career spans life sciences consulting, pharmaceutical strategy, and translational research, with publications in Nature Communications, PNAS, and eLife. She’s also deeply committed to mentorship and has contributed to admissions and research review processes across academic and industry settings.
Agata looks forward to connecting with students to share insights on navigating interdisciplinary careers and making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?
I was drawn to Physics and Nuclear Science & Engineering because I wanted to understand the world at its most fundamental level. MIT’s emphasis on problem-solving and interdisciplinary thinking helped me build a strong analytical foundation. That training has shaped how I approach complex challenges in healthcare—breaking them down, identifying patterns, and designing strategic solutions that can scale.
What influenced your choice of graduate program/programs? How has it/have they shaped your career choices and professional ability?
The Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program offered a rare blend of engineering, medicine, and translational science. It taught me to think across disciplines and always ask: “How does this help patients?” That mindset continues to guide my work in market access, where I help bring innovative therapies to people with serious conditions and few treatment options.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
Helping deliver therapies to patients who previously had no approved treatment options. One moment that stands out was hearing a mother describe how a new therapy transformed her child’s life with severe atopic dermatitis. Knowing that our work can restore a sense of normalcy and hope to families is deeply fulfilling.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I’m driven by the opportunity to bridge science and strategy to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. I’m especially passionate about expanding access to therapies for underserved populations and conditions with high unmet need. Every time I hear a patient story, it reinforces why this work matters.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How have you managed or overcome it?
Navigating ambiguity—whether in scientific research or commercial strategy—has been a recurring challenge. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty by staying curious, asking the right questions, and building diverse teams that bring different perspectives. It’s not about having all the answers, but about creating clarity together.
What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?
Don’t be afraid to take a nonlinear path. The skills you build at MIT—critical thinking, resilience, and curiosity—are incredibly transferable. Whether you pursue academia, industry, or something in between, stay open to evolving your definition of success and seek out roles that align with your values.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?
Ballroom dancing—a passion I pursued competitively during undergrad and grad school, and now cherish as a hobby. My most memorable competition was in New York, sharing the dance floor with the best U.S. couples. Dancing gives me a profound sense of flow, grounding and connection to the “now”.
Last edited: October 2025
