The Road from University to Small Business

Scientists are trained to solve problems, persevere, and be innovative with a goal of improving the quality of life for others. Pursuit of science undergraduate and graduate degrees is often based on our desire to become a physician, solve a critical problem, follow in the footsteps of a family member, or satisfy an inquisitive mind. This aptitude uniquely suits us to be successful entrepreneurs who can change the world by developing high tech companies. Keys to being an entrepreneur include perseverance, innovation, and commitment. These qualities are cultivated during the rigorous process of obtaining a science degree which requires laboratory work, problem solving in team settings, innovation to answer exam questions that are sometimes abstract, and dedication to take electives and non-electives not always of one's choosing over the course of four to ten years. Taking a risk and starting a business using the core skills developed during science studies is the focus of this talk. The viewpoint is based on the path of one scientist who always dreamed of performing research and obtained a PhD in chemical engineering along the way to founding a biotechnology company.