Connecting Academia to Industry
How does cutting-edge academic research translate into life-changing therapies? For Dr. Catherine Chatelain, an alumna of the Computational & Integrative Biology (CCIB) doctoral program at Rutgers University-Camden, this question has shaped her career. Her groundbreaking work in functional genomics during her doctoral studies laid the foundation for her role at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she now drives innovation in cell therapy. Dive into her journey to discover how academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to transformative results for patients worldwide.
From Tragedy to Discovery
When I was 14, my older half-brother lost his battle with melanoma. His journey with cancer revealed to me that the medical field was far more dynamic and investigatory than I had previously understood. This realization laid the foundation for my scientific curiosity. In high school, my interest in molecular biology and biochemistry was ignited during my AP Biology class, where I developed a fascination with gene expression and function.
After earning my BS in Biochemistry from Messiah College in 2002, I began my career in not-for-profit research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. There, as a scientific wet lab research technician, I contributed to studies on heart development mechanisms and DNA break repair. In 2008, I stepped away from the lab to focus on my family, but my passion for science remained unwavering.
I recognized that pursuing a PhD in the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB) at Rutgers-Camden would provide the skills and mindset needed to achieve my goals.
Dr. Catherine Chatelain
A Return to Science: Teaching and Rediscovering Passion
My journey back to science began as a part-time lecturer in the Chemistry Department at Rutgers-Camden. During this time, I rediscovered the intellectual fulfillment of problem-solving and addressing unanswered scientific questions. By 2013, I was driven to advance my education and contribute to research that directly impacts patients. While small scientific advancements in not-for-profit research can take years to influence treatments, I aspired to work in the pharmaceutical industry, developing life-changing and potentially curative therapies.
Though pursuing a career in industry is sometimes dismissed in academic circles as “selling out,” I saw it as entirely aligned with my original motivation: alleviating the burden of cancer. I recognized that pursuing a PhD in the Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB) at Rutgers-Camden would provide the skills and mindset needed to achieve my goals.
The Choice to Join CCIB: A Program for Collaboration and Innovation
During my time at Fox Chase, I gained a deep appreciation for collaborative, cross-disciplinary research. While teaching at Rutgers-Camden, I learned about the PhD program in CCIB. After speaking with Dr. Martin, I was impressed by the program’s structure, which fosters problem-solving through interdisciplinary collaboration. The CCIB program’s emphasis on addressing complex questions with multifaceted approaches made it the perfect fit for my aspirations.
Groundbreaking Research in Functional Genomics
As a PhD student in CCIB, my research focused on developing a tool to advance functional genomics. This tool demonstrated its value by enriching our understanding of gene regulatory networks in both development and disease, showcasing the real-world applications of cross-disciplinary research.
Lessons and Impact: Building a Career Beyond the Lab
Completing my PhD at Rutgers-Camden instilled in me patience, perseverance, and a talent for interdisciplinary communication. Through countless hours refining presentations with Jongmin, I mastered the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
Today, as Associate Director of Cell Therapy Analytical Science & Technology at Bristol Myers Squibb, I apply the strategic thinking, data-driven mindset, and agile problem-solving skills I honed during my doctoral studies. My time at Rutgers-Camden not only shaped my scientific career but also deepened my commitment to improving lives through transformative therapies.
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