Translating Research Into Health Solutions for Patients
Michael Olaopa
Doctoral Student, IU School of Medicine, CBLS Graduate Associate
“The level of networking available to me as a CBLS associate is a great asset to have as I make future career plans.”
Michael Olaopa’s curiosity about the business side of the life sciences was sparked while working on a project for his biotechnology class. For class, he was to invent a drug and describe his process of testing and marketing it. Olaopa, a doctoral student in the IU School of Medicine’s medical and molecular genetics program, realized that his science-based classes had not provided him much background on the business and marketing aspects of the research and development process. When he heard about the CBLS Graduate Associates program, he knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about the translation of research into meaningful health solutions for patients.
“I now have a better understanding of both sides of the industry and how the two play very distinct but cooperative roles in the biotech industry,” Olaopa says. He has also been grateful for the exposure to various business perspectives within the biotech industry, not to mention the amazing networking opportunities he’s gained by attending CBLS conferences.
In addition to his involvements with CBLS, Olaopa is a volunteer for the American Heart Association and a graduate student ambassador for IUPUI with his eyes always on the future. “My ideal career will be one that allows me to be actively involved in projects aimed at translating results from basic research into successful drug development,” he says. “The level of networking available to me as a CBLS associate is a great asset to have as I make future career plans.”
