Biology and innovation, preparing for biotech and life science careers

“Innovation in biotechnology is touching on every aspect of our lives, from climate change and agriculture to health and wellness,” Fred Adler, Professor of Mathematics and Biology, Director School of Biological Sciences. Chemistry and biological sciences, which educate a significant number of students that join the biotech and life science sectors, are the top-ranked programs in their fields in Utah and hold top-ten rankings among both public and private schools in the West.

Distinguished Alumnus Ryan Watts, BS’00 CEO and Co-Founder of Denali Therapeutics After graduating from Utah’s Cottonwood High School, Ryan Watts selected the U for the opportunities to explore and learn science at a top-tier research institution. As an undergrad, he was inspired by the research and discoveries coming out of the Olivera lab. Through his interactions with Dr. Olivera, Watts recognized how biochemical insights could be translated into treatments for pain. Empowered with new ideas and laboratory skills, Watts continued in research at Stanford University, earning a PhD in 2004. Reflecting on his journey and the transformative learning experiences he had at the U, Dr. Watts encourages students to “build connections with the incredible faculty at the U and explore opportunities to get into a research lab as soon as possible. Top notch research universities like the U offer a unique chance to discover original insights as part of your education.”

Distinguished Alumnus Randy Rasmussen, PhD’98 One of 3 U alums who founded BioFire Diagnostics. While studying biology at the U, Randy Rasmussen found exceptional mentorship and an opportunity to develop valuable research skills while in the lab of Professor Sandy Parkinson. At BioFire, going from scientist to CEO was a unique transition. He says, “It was initially difficult to start off from a focus of research and development to being primarily focused on the day-to-day of building a business.” Reflecting on his life and career, Dr. Rasmussen urges students to explore their passion, and explains that a degree in the STEM field will open doors to many opportunities. He encourages STEM students to take business classes and participate in internships to gain additional experience and perspective.

The pipeline from the classroom, and the lab, to a successful career. College of Science faculty have received numerous awards for contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship of undergraduates and graduate students. More recently, two rising stars in the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) were recognized for their exceptional science and for the contributions they are making to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. Associate Professor Sophie Caron, a neuroscientist and recipient of the 2023 U Presidential Scholar and College of Science Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring, uses Drosophila (fruit fly model system) to further our understanding of how the nervous system develops and functions in processes that allow for learning. In 2023, Associate Professor Ofer Rog was recognized by the Office of Undergraduate Research as an “Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor.” In 2024, Dr. Rog received the Early Career Medal from the Genetics Society of America (2024), for advancing our understanding of the associations between homologous chromosomes during sexual reproduction and the role of the Synaptonemal Complex (SC) in this process (read more in “Nematode proteins shed light on infertility”).

Alumni from the School of Biological Sciences have played a significant role in fueling Utah’s booming biotech sector.

BioFire Diagnostics. Randy Rasmussen (PhD’98 biology) and Kirk Ririe (BS’05 chemistry) were two of three co-founders of BioFire Diagnostics. The company pioneered instruments that shortened DNA analysis techniques from hours to minutes. Using this technology, they created molecular diagnostics that now simultaneously test for multiple infectious agents, allowing healthcare professionals to get quick and accurate results from onsite instruments. In 2013 BioFire was purchased by bioMérieux, a French biotech firm, for over $450 million. The company is now one of Utah’s largest life sciences employers, with over 3,400 employees throughout its six sites. While Rasmussen and Ririe have since moved on to other projects, College of Science graduates like Amy Davis (PhD’03 biology), vice president of molecular biology, and Tom Robbins (PhD’04 mathematics), vice president of software development, continue to play significant roles in the company’s work.

Denali Therapeutics. Ryan Watts, BS’00 discovered a passion for research while an undergraduate. After he finished his degree, he earned a PhD from Stanford University and eventually co-founded the biotech startup Denali Therapeutics, focused on defeating neurodegeneration. The company went public in December 2017, breaking that year’s record for an initial market valuation of a biotech company. Today, Denali has over 400 employees and a market cap of over $3 billion, including a growing presence in Utah.

Looking forward. The College of Science is devoting significant resources to prepare graduates for what the Utah Department of Workforce Services deems accelerating growth in the rapidly changing fields of biotech and life sciences.

This story originally appeared in Synthesis, the College of Science’s annual magazine.