An Entrepreneurial Biochemist Looking to Develop Human Health Solutions: Nick Inboden
CU BOULDER: THE PLACE FOR ME
Toward the end of my senior year of high school, I had narrowed down where I wanted to go to college between one out of state school and 蜜桃传媒破解版下载. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to pursue but having always loved chemistry, and having found its intersection with biology interesting, biochemistry was the natural choice. I was torn between schools until I spoke with a researcher in the life sciences who explained the strength that Boulder had in regard to research and faculty, particularly through BioFrontiers. His recommendation, along with the recommendation of other individuals I respect, were the main reasons I chose Boulder.
Throughout my coursework within the Biochemistry department, I鈥檝e been fortunate enough to receive exposure to many different subsets of Biochemistry and their respective applications. Speaking with various professors about their industry experiences, basic academic research, and ventures they were spinning out with IP from basic research played a significant role in how I viewed the field and sparked my continued fascination with biochemistry.
BIOCHEMISTRY AS INSPIRATION
The idea that a researcher studying bacterial defense mechanisms in an academic lab can lead to cures for otherwise devastating human diseases is as fascinating as it is inspirational. I think this in essence encapsulates my interest in the field. Most people I interact with in the field have an authentic interest in what they are working towards, whether it be academic or commercial, and view their work as more than simply a means to a paycheck. This meaningfulness and the mentally stimulating nature of the field really inspires me.
It is difficult for me to figure out where I will end up in the field. What I want to do changes every 3 weeks when I discover a new facet of Biochemistry. I do believe that my future lies in developing solutions for human health issues, but I don鈥檛 have a specific path or timeline in mind...
鈥淎 year ago, I was in a very different place from where I am now. Things always look good on paper and LinkedIn, but the reality is that there鈥檚 times where things are tough. I鈥檓 happy I鈥檝e learned to be honest with people and ask for help when I need it.鈥
CHARTING MY OWN PATH: CU BIOCHEMISTRY + INDUSTRY SUPPORT
At the end of my sophomore year, I had my eyes set on investment banking. A blessing in disguise, a coffee chat I had set up hoping to be offered a summer analyst position revealed to me that I was terrible at having conversations in a business environment. Getting rejected from that position led me to start improving my communication skills by blogging about the intersection of biotech and finance, and also by setting up coffee chats with people ranging from research scientists to private equity generalists, to bankers who had taken therapeutics companies public. During one of these conversations, I asked an individual if they knew anyone in biotech they could connect me with, which is how I got in contact with Michael Savvides, CEO of Imagine Biotech. Reading into the work Imagine Biotech was doing regarding predictive toxicology and reducing the risk novel therapeutics run to both patients and investors, I knew an undergrad wouldn鈥檛 be of much use to the company. Leveraging my blog and putting together a rudimentary due diligence report that I presented during my first meeting with Michael, I was able to start doing marketing work for the company. As with any startup, roles change quickly so I was able to get exposure to market research authoring portions of the due diligence report provided to a company to aid in their IND application.
As my skills reading papers developed, the architecture behind the predictive toxicology models became more interesting and understandable. Eventually, I was able to move into a more technical role working with these technologies. The field is rapidly evolving and being able to participate in it is rewarding.
LIFE OUTSIDE OF BIOCHEMISTRY ACADEMICS
Outside of biochemistry, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing piano, cooking, reading and going to the gym.
The Department of Biochemistry is excited to congratulate Nick as he approaches the Spring commencement where he will earn a BA in Biochemistry and also successfully completed his Minor in Business Finance in Spring of 2025. We believe he will continue in a role with Imagine Biotech where he has been involved in Marketing, Market Research, Machine Learning, and Predictive Toxicology.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:
For better or for worse, I take on responsibility before knowing if I am capable, and figure things out as I go. All of the successful individuals I鈥檝e met have adapted and figured things out along the way. This is why I don鈥檛 make detailed plans for my life, things change and I know I鈥檒l have to adapt.