… as the future science major lay to bed,

Dreams of syringes and broken bones danced in his head,

Just before he closed his eyes, to himself, he said,

“ I will do my best in college, for medical school is ahead.”

The scenario above describes many of the science majors that I know, including me. Many aspiring doctors have had their hearts set on medical school for years before they even got to college. These ambitions might stem from the prestige, monetary compensation, and altruism that come with the title of MD, and yet, as I did, many students fail to see other opportunities that arise from a scientific background. It was not until I became involved in UBRP, and started in research, that I realized science is a wonderful thing for its own sake.

Medical professions and research are not the only career paths to follow with a science degree. Numerous opportunities in business and law are emerging for those with a scientific background. The recent Biology Career Series expanded on the growth of biotech in the U.S. and in Arizona with a panel discussion on “Biotechnology, Business and Law.” Presenters varying from CEOs to a patent attorney discussed how their scientific background aids in their day-to-day dealings.

Candice Nulsen, PhD in Cell Biology and Anatomy (UA), discussed her work as scientific liaison with Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). Dr. Nulsen interprets the Institute’s research to various contingents of the local and national community, coordinates company organization, and is working on developing internship opportunities within TGen.

Jay Foust, BS Molecular & Cellular Biology and MBA (UA), spoke on his position as director of Research Corporation Technologies. Foust uses his scientific knowledge as a venture investor in upcoming pharmaceutical and biotech products. He attributes his patience with biological “dealings” to his background in science because, as Mr. Foust and most of us in UBRP know, doing research can seriously test one’s forbearance.

Louis Breton, UA alum with a BS Molecular & Cellular Biology, is the president of Arc Technologies and founder of Cellz Direct. Mr. Breton talked about some of the duties that come with his various titles. Mr. Breton also discussed his dealings with businessmen who said his ideas would not succeed; however, his perseverance and understanding of business/science proved otherwise.

Nina Ossanna, PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology (UA), is the senior licensing associate with UA Office of Technology Transfer and BIO5 Institute. Dr. Ossanna discussed her employment as a patent examiner and in the office of technology at Johns Hopkins Medical School. She recently began working with the BIO5 Institute and discussed the growing biotechnology sector in Arizona.

Jim Ostrem, PhD in Plant Physiology (UA), was the next presenter. Dr. Ostrem is the director of Protein Therapeutics and co-founded other biotechnology companies. His interactions with the FDA through Protein Therapeutics and day-to-day dealings were topics of his presentation. He also emphasized the growth of the biotechnology community and the demand for scientists with an interest in business.

The final speaker of the night was Gavin Milczarek-Desai. Mr. Milczarek-Desai received his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology and JD (UA) and works as a patent attorney. With his knowledge of science, Mr. Milczarek-Desai is able to represent biotech clients in patent disputes, and trademark protection. The need for a greater number of scientifically informed lawyers was one of his main points.

The presentations were followed with a quick Q & A in which all of the speakers reiterated that the biotech sector is on the rise and demands an increase in business-savvy scientists. For anyone interested in the business approach, the panel suggested that one should take communications and statistics classes along with striving for an internship at a local scientific company. Mr. Breton also recommended taking the initiative of contacting a mentor in the biotech field, for they are usually willing to talk to or work with aspiring students.

Now as I left the conference and sprang to my car with a whistle,

I exclaimed to myself as I drove out of sight,

“ There are some many career choices for all, and to all a good night.”

Shane Morrison, UBRPer in Dr. Vahe Bandarian’s lab, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics