What is your role at Enanta?
I’m an Associate Director of Biology.
Why did you join Enanta?
I’d always wanted to work at the cutting edge of science with a mission to develop medical solutions for people’s health problems. Couple that with a strong interest in viruses and ways to directly target and inhibit them, and Enanta was the perfect fit for me.
How did you get into Biology?
Broadly speaking, my father was a scientist, and I was with him when he discovered a new fact about the diet of sea turtles. When it happened, we were the only two people in the world to know something new about that species of animal, and I thought that was the coolest feeling. That experience led me to seek out those first discoveries in my own career and life. Later, in school, I was introduced to molecular biology, and it all came together.
What do you think is the most important challenge for the biopharmaceutical industry?
Balancing the limited resources available with the numerous avenues of potential medical advancement. It’s an unfortunate situation that not all diseases which can be tackled have the funding available or market size to justify the cost of developing treatments for them. All industries must balance costs versus profits, but in our business, its people’s health and lives that hang in the balance of such decisions. I wish there were more government/public funding opportunities to develop therapies for smaller market-sized ailments.
What would be the one word to describe the team at Enanta?
Engaged
What is the best career advice you got when starting out?
No matter what your position is, never be afraid to ask questions or offer your opinion on issues.
What did you like to do when you were young that you wish you could do more as an adult?
Play ultimate frisbee on an almost daily basis.
What do you do for fun when you’re not at work?
I enjoy being with my family, traveling, hiking, and video games.