Pooja Acharya
MBA
Lebow College of Business
Why did you choose Drexel?
I heard about Drexel University and its business program when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree. When I decided to pursue my MBA, I realized how closely Drexel aligned with my interests. I chose Drexel because of its curriculum and freedom to personalize coursework. Its focus on hand-on learning and supplementing coursework with real-world experience are what ultimately led me to Drexel University. Drexel also has a renowned science department, which would allow me to network with professionals in the healthcare industry.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellow Program?
The Coulter Fellow Program was a great opportunity for me to combine my background in Biotechnology with the MBA I am currently pursuing. I was also excited by the idea of being exposed to the commercialization process behind innovative medical products/devices. I believed that this program would serve as an ideal springboard to gain deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and in turn, propel my post MBA goal.
What have you learned so far by being a Coulter Fellow?
I have gained a better understanding of the product journey - from the early stages of research to commercialization. In addition, I also learned how to use data to provide valuable and actionable market insights.
How do you feel this role will impact your future?
Having developed a wider perspective of the healthcare industry and the knowledge on methods for product management/development within the industry through extensive market research and analyses has allowed me to expand my skill set and knowledge. I am confident that this will make me better prepared for a career in the industry.
Fun fact: I am a certified yoga instructor
Student Profile: Roze Alzabey
BS/MS Biomedical Engineering, Neuroengineering Concentration
Coulter Fellowship Program
Why did you choose Drexel?
I chose Drexel for its highly accredited Biomedical Engineering program and its opportunistic Coop program. It is both a pioneer in my direct field as well as a great institution that provides unprecedented opportunities and experiences.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellow Program?
I found out about this great program through a graduate seminar and was instantly drawn towards the opportunity. I have always wanted to learn more about the market side of biomedical design and to see firsthand how a product transitions from the lab into the market.
What have you learned so far by being a Coulter Fellow?
I have learned a great deal about analyzing the market for potential products, and researching the different facets that a product could be applied in.
How do you feel this role will impact your future?
This fellowship has opened up new doors that I did not know existed by introducing me into the field of market research. I will come out of this role with a comprehensive understanding of gathering the tools to build a marketing portfolio and applying it within the process of product development.
Fun fact: Becoming an astronaut has always been my dream job.
Maëlys Amat
MD/MBA Program
College of Medicine
Why I chose Drexel
I came to Drexel medical school because of the number of opportunities available to medical students both within the University and in the city of Philadelphia where there is a huge underserved population with significant unmet needs.
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
This was a perfect opportunity to apply my knowledge base from the MBA and combine this with my medical background.
What have I Learned as a Coulter Fellow
I gained a better understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, the process and all of the different elements of bringing a drug to market, the decision-making process behind funding different drugs and the factors that must be taken into account.
What am I Hoping to Gain from the Experience?
I'm hoping I'll gain a good understanding of how to create a market analysis and how to determine the competitiveness of a proposed technology within its market.
Fun Fact
I grew up in France
Chiranjiv Chevli
Associate Validation Engineer, Baxter Healthcare
What was your major at Drexel?
For my Bachelor’s degree I majored in biomedical engineering and then for my Masters, I majored in integrated biomedical engineering and business.
Why did you select your major?
Since high school, I loved biology, but I always had a soft spot for math. I realized that Biomedical engineering was the best fit and a blend of two. I was always amazed by the biomedical technologies from a simple glucometer to a complex MRI machine.
What were you looking for when you applied to the Coulter Fellows program?
I heard about the Coulter Fellows program opportunity from my professor who taught Entrepreneurship in Biomedical Engineering. When I read the responsibilities for the coulter fellow, I realized that this was the best opportunity to work with research teams, as well as understand the industry landscape for upcoming biomedical technologies. In addition, I would get hands on experience with the commercialization process in translating a technology from University labs to the real world.
What project(s) did you work on?
I have worked on three different projects. First, I worked on Non-Thermal Plasma technology where I evaluated the current market need of the technology, prepared the competitive landscape and identified the potential hurdles. My second project had me working on novel APS scaffolds for wound healing. For this project I worked with a senior entrepreneur in evaluating cost of goods and forecasted financial projects for preparing a business plan. Most recently, I have worked on polyurethane vascular graft technology where, I performed due diligence with the office of tech-transfer to understand the competitive landscape of the technology.
Why do you think being a Coulter Fellow was so valuable to you?
The experience of being a coulter fellow is valuable because I understood the translational phase of a new technology from academia to industry. I became more confident in talking with clinicians, Key Opinion Leaders and healthcare professionals. This experience helped me professionally and developed my overall personality. Recently, I was interviewed with a Strategic consulting company, where I could associate the coulter Fellow experience to answer case interview questions.
What did you find most interesting about the Coulter Fellow experience?
The most important of being a Coulter Fellow is that, I learned how to convert insights into data and synthesize the data for making a concise market research report. Every project I worked on was different and I was able to learn about something new in the current landscape of biomedical technologies.
Who do you think is a good fit for the fellows program?
In my opinion, if you are interested in wearing different hats i.e working on different project or an inclination towards commercialization aspect of the technology I feel this can make for a great fit. Any Engineering major or MBA graduate student can be a good fit for this program.
What do you feel you gained from the program?
I have gained additional skillsets which I don’t believe I would have obtained just by being an engineering student. I learned how to perform primary and secondary market analysis, how assess the commercial potential of the technology and how to best determine the market dynamics. I developed a strong business acumen to translate a technology. Furthermore, I was even trained on technology commercialization by an entrepreneurship professor where I learned about the lean start up methodology, which is a practice for developing products and businesses based on early customer feedback.
Ian Dwinell
MD/MBA Program
Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCoM)
Why did you choose Drexel?
I chose Drexel because the university has a great reputation for hands-on experience with its co-op program and because Philadelphia is the original epicenter for medical education and research in the United States.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellows Program?
The Coulter Program is the perfect expression of my decision to pursue an MBA along with my MD degree by joining the knowledge base of the medical field with the business of innovation.
What have you learned so far as a Coulter Fellow?
I have learned that the process of bring a new drug or device to market is a multi-disciplinary approach and is comprised of some incredibly talented individuals with widely diverse backgrounds and expertise.
How will this experience impact your future?
I feel this role has opened a door onto a new path parallel to the path of clinical medicine that will allow me to contribute to advancement in the healthcare field for decades to come.
Fun Fact: I play guitar, drums, and vocals in Drexel Medical College's rock band that has been led by one of our deans for over two decades.
Malena Farber
BS/MS Biomedical Engineering,
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Why did you choose Drexel?
I chose Drexel because of the co-op program.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellows Program?
I heard about technology transfer about a year before I applied for the fellowship and that year conducted informational interviews with the directors of different TTOs (tech transfer offices) and was enamored by the field. I saw this fellowship as a stepping stone into that career path should I so choose it.
What have you learned so far as a Coulter Fellow?
I've learned many things from this fellowship-market analysis research skills, how to create a business plan, and how to give a good pitch are just a few.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I’m hoping to gain first-hand knowledge and insight into the tech transfer industry and translational research. I first heard about the industry and this program when Kathie Jordan came to speak in my pediatric engineering class in the summer and it fascinated me. Since she spoke to us, I’ve reached out to several people in the industry and conducted informational interviews. These interviews in combination with this fellowship have been very fruitful for me. I've greatly enjoyed being a part of the innovation.
Fun Fact: I've donated anywhere from 10-14 inches of hair every other year since the 5th grade which is cumulatively a length that is longer than me. I am incapable of cooking dinner for less than 6 people. I can (somewhat) play the flute, guitar, and piano.
Melissa Franklin
Masters Program, Biomedical Engineering
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Why I chose Drexel
I came to Drexel for its renowned industry partnerships and opportunities in collaborative research projects.
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
I was drawn to be a Coulter fellow so I can first-hand assist in translating biomedical products from bench to bedside, which is something I would like to pursue as a career. Additionally, this position lets me see the economic side of biomedical projects, which is usually not considered from an engineering perspective.
What have I Learned as a Coulter Fellow
I have learned so much about clinical trials and how difficult it is for them to be completed successfully.
What am I Hoping to Gain from the Experience?
I hope to learn new ways to research biomedical markets as well as what goes into budgeting a research project start to finish.
Dharshini Jayaraj
Masters Program, Business Administration
Bennett S. LeBow College of Business
What was the most valuable thing you learned from your 1st year as being a Coulter Fellow?
The most valuable thing I learnt from 1st year was how important market research for any product or business it is.
What did you gain from your 2nd year as a Coulter Fellow?
I gained more experience on Glucose sensors and how we can use it with other purposes.
Advice for Future Fellows
Please take part in these projects, as they give a sneak peak to the real world
Favorite Drexel Memory
Last minute working before any assignment deadlines.
Alec Lafontant
PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED)
Why did you choose Drexel?
I was convinced to choose Drexel by a family friend who is an alum of the School of Biomedical Engineering and spoke very highly of the program.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellows Program?
I have always been interested in biotech market analysis. My undergraduate minor in engineering management consisted of market research for biotech products which was a good way to learn about the competitive industry landscape.
What have you learned so far as a Coulter Fellow?
It's very difficult to develop devices or drugs for rare conditions and disabilities because of limited market potential. This is unfortunate because even the most practical and helpful solutions will have trouble getting funded because it takes a large amount of resources to get a product off the ground and even more through the FDA approval process.
How do you feel this role will impact your future?
I think this role has given me a different perspective of the medical device development process. As an engineering student, I have been mostly involved with building and testing stages but this role allowed me to focus on commercialization of products including identifying the market potential and possible barriers to success.
Fun Fact: I love cooking and making different foods from all continents
Dillon C. Malloy
PhD Candidate, Neuroscience, College of Medicine
Why did you choose Drexel?
I chose Drexel because of the strong research core in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy for clinically relevant investigations. My research preferences were heavily focused on translational research and therapeutic applications, both of which I found in my lab and department at Drexel. Additionally, the Division of Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience program always marketed itself as a close-knit, collegial, and supportive environment which seemed ideal to me for pursuing and completing my PhD, and this has absolutely been the case.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellows Program?
There have been many instances in my academic research career at Drexel where I would be performing benchwork and would think: “This would be so much easier if someone invented a device to do this faster.” “Why hasn’t this been invented yet?” “We could totally sell this.” So, I became interested in understanding what makes that possible. I was drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program because I was eager to learn more about business and commercialization aspects of science and technology. I did not have any prior exposure to the process of technology transfer for biomedical research with strong potential for clinical application. The Coulter Fellowship Program provided me with the opportunity to not just learn but to be deeply involved in this process at different stages and for various projects.
What have you learned so far as a Coulter Fellow?
I had very little prior knowledge about performing market research, so I have learned a great deal as a Coulter Fellow thus far. One primary detail I have learned is the importance and complexity of doing competitor or comparison analyses. To understand the market and your potential share within that space, it is crucial to know who your competitors are, what their capabilities are, what their offerings are, and how you compare. Depending on your business and commercialization strategy, you may need to know how you differentiate yourself from your competitors, how you create synergies with your competitors, or a mix of both. So, I have valued learning to perform these in-depth competitor or comparison analyses as a Coulter Fellow.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
Through my experience as a Coulter Fellow, I am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to fund commercialization efforts and bridge the gap between lab-based technology and a marketable product. I want to be able to leverage my experiences and knowledge to enter the business sphere of science and continue to be involved in the technology transfer efforts of biomedical and therapeutic innovations.
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother. No, we are not identical (I know you were going to ask)
Eugene Mironets
PhD Candidate, Neuroscience
College of Medicine
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
The Coulter fellowship allows students to gain valuable insight into how an academic project can progress to a clinical application. As graduate students, we are only taught what to do in order to pursue a successful academic career. I was drawn to the Coulter fellowship because I believed it would allow me to understand one facet of science beyond the academic space to help my career once I finish at Drexel.
What was the most valuable thing you learned from your 1st year as being a Coulter Fellow?
Prior to being a Coulter fellow, I had very little knowledge of market research. Learning about this space and how critical it is as a resource for finding the right path to commercialize a therapeutic was very eye opening to me, especially as someone interested in translational biomedical research. I also learned that being a marketable person can often be just as important as the product someone is pitching. Investors often care about whom they are investing in as much as what they are investing in.
What did you gain from your 2nd year as a Coulter Fellow?
Fortunately, I got to work on a similar therapeutic during my second year, but for a completely different clinical indication. This was great for me because not only did I broaden my knowledge of the significance of this drug target, but I also learned considerably more about other CNS disease indications and the market opportunities/obstacles associated with them.
Advice for Future Fellows:
Always keep an open mind as a graduate student when you consider your professional path. We are all still so young and so it is best to not restrict your career trajectory at this stage. Personally, my graduate studies and lab commitment make it difficult to do other professional activities. Furthermore, most academic PhD programs do not prepare trainees well for careers outside of academia. Thankfully, I have a progressive boss who encourages me to find opportunities outside the lab like the Coulter fellows program in order to broaden my interests and make myself a more attractive candidate to employers beyond academic institutes.
Favorite Drexel Memory
I really enjoy going to scientific conferences, especially if they are in another country. Conferences allow you to expand your professional network, regularly meet in face with outside collaborators and see old friends. Additionally, there is something refreshing about listening to innovative science in another country. You almost get the pleasure of going on a vacation, yet it still somehow qualifies as work. I always feel more curious and enthusiastic about my work upon returning from a trip.
Jessica Nabitovsky
Technology Analyst, Accenture
What was your major at Drexel?
For my Bachelor’s degree I majored in biomedical engineering and then for my Masters, I majored in integrated biomedical engineering and business.
Why did you select your major?
During my last year of undergrad as a biomed major, I realized that the jobs that I was applying to and jobs that I really wanted didn’t align. I wanted to not only know how different products were being developed by why they were being developed as well. It was then that I decided that a background knowledge in business was missing and that I would get my masters to fill that void. In terms of why I chose biomed, everything about the field always attracted me. It combined my passion for medicine with the problem solving and thrill of innovation and technology.
What were you looking for when you applied to the Coulter Fellows program?
I applied to Coulter during my graduate studies at Drexel. In the classroom I was beginning to learn business concepts that were completely new to me with no application for them. Coulter was my chance to apply the lessons that were taught to me to help research teams get funding. Within only a year, the material that I absorbed alongside Kathie and the team conducting market research was equivalent, if not more, than the material I learned in the classroom.
What project(s) did you work on?
I worked on several projects as a fellow for the Coulter program
- List of potential licensees for MiMecore
- CloudCASA market research
- Expanded Graphite market research
Why do you think being a Coulter Fellow was so valuable to you?
This was my first exposure to the business end of biomedical research. Throughout school, I had been so focused on the research and development of different techniques and technologies, that I had never thought about the market research or funding aspects. Coulter taught me to look at the projects from both the investors and customers point of view rather than just the researchers.
What did you find most interesting about the Coulter Fellow experience?
My favorite part of the Coulter experience was having the opportunity to sit in on the oral presentations that the research teams delivered to the board. Listening to the comments and concerns that came up taught me how to really pick apart and dig deep into some of the research that is being conducted. Additionally, understanding the questions that were asked and how different aspects can affect the success of these findings opened my eyes to a much bigger picture.
Who do you think is a good fit for the fellows program?
An individual with a passion for either biomedical engineering or business is perfect for this position. In addition, this individual should also be self-driven, flexible, and willing to learn relevant material along the way.
What do you feel you gained from the program?
In all honesty, I have Coulter to thank for my position at Accenture. During interviews, I was asked to explain my experience and the business concepts that I learned over and over again that allowed me to see just how valuable this experience was. Understanding the much bigger picture outside of a project and the research is essential for its success, and consulting firms such as Accenture focus on just that. I was able to work alongside a great team that was willing to help me every step of the way, and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge (and job) that came out of that.
Alexander Nwobi Opaluwa
MBA
Lebow College of Business
Why did you choose Drexel?
After studying and working in Asia and Africa, i felt a US MBA would help connect me with a western business mindset and Drexel was my choice because it's more of experiential learning not just classwork.
What attracted you to apply to the Coulter Fellow Program?
For me, the Coulter Fellowship Program gives me a first hands on experience to perform market research and data analysis. Having an engineering background and business expirence this was a perfect experimental learning for my MBA Experience and work life in the USA.
What have you learned so far by being a Coulter Fellow?
I had a great insight into medical device space of how devices go through different stages of trials then to completion before hitting the market. It gave me a insight of the US medical device industry in comparison to the world at large.
How do you feel this role will impact your future?
This role would impact my future as i have a better understanding of the medical field and also in conducting market research. I feel very confident and interested of my future career move when it comes to medical world.
Fun fact: I speak, read and write Chinese (Mandarin)
Saiprasad (Sai) Sankaranarayanan
Masters Program, Biomedical Engineering & Business
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Why I chose Drexel
This was the only school (other than Johns Hopkins CBID program) which offered a combination of Biomedical Engineering and Business. Also, Philadelphia is a growing hub for Medical Device and Pharmaceutical industry. Being at Philly, I was hoping to expand my network and build professional connections in the Biomedical field.
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
Working on projects that will soon hit the market got me thrilled. My career goals align with Coulter's mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry.
What have I Learned as a Coulter Fellow
Conducting Market Research is fun! It gives insights on current industry trends.
What am I Hoping to Gain from the Experience?
I hope to gain more experience on conducting Market Research and analyzing results; and also to understand more on the process of patenting and licensing technologies.
Fun Fact
In my free time, I make independent short films and videos!
Harshita Shah
Masters Program, Integrated Biomed Engineering & Business
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Why I chose Drexel
There were many reasons for choosing Drexel University for my MS degree. The main reason was the integrated program. My major in Biomedical Engineering and Business, will prepare me for all the sectors related to biomedical industry. Another reason was the excellent advising committee at Drexel that really drew me to this University.
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
Being done my undergrad in Biomedical Engineering, I was always attracted to medical device technology development. My major here, at Drexel (Biomedical +Business) gives me an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of healthcare industry. After reading about the coulter fellowship, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to put my theoretical knowledge to practical analysis. The attributes of the fellowship that attracted me the most were market research, compliance, nascent stage for medical technology development etc. Coulter program aims in transferring promising technologies developed at Drexel into clinical practice. It is a combination of engineering, research and business that fascinated me the most about Coulter fellowship.
What was the most valuable thing you learned from your 1st year as being a Coulter Fellow?
My 1st year as a Coulter fellow was technically the first job I had in my career. I learned good workplace ethics and team learning. I am glad that I could be a part of a team belonging to different educational (engineers, doctors, marketers, neuroscience students, business students) and cultural backgrounds, working towards a single goal: helping the nascent healthcare technologies to grow at Drexel for a better tomorrow, bringing change in lives of people in unimaginable ways.
What did you gain from your 2nd year as a Coulter Fellow?
My project in the 2nd year dealt with technology that is still not available in the market. I gained a great insight of commercializing the new technology (which was not the case in the 1st year). Market research for such a technology is crucial and I think I gained an experience for lifetime.
Advice for Future Fellows
Coulter fellowship allows you to have good industry insight as a student. It provides a good launchpad if you’re interested in the business side of healthcare or look forward to working in industry after your graduation. Mentored by amazing ladies like Amy and Kathie, you are going to have a good time working here, make sure you make the most of it!
Favorite Drexel Memory
I have many special Drexel memories, but the one that I am going to cherish for the lifetime is sipping hot vanilla latte in Lebow Starbucks overlooking the Korman Centre on a snowstorm day! (I belong to a place where temperature never goes below 65F!)
Lyandysha (Lana) Zholudeva
PhD Program, Neuroscience
College of Medicine
Why I chose Drexel
One of the best things about Drexel is the incredibly collaborative environment, whether within the College of Medicine, or between campuses. This characteristic was evident not only as an interviewee for the Neuroscience program, but also now as an official member of the community. I chose Drexel because I knew I would be in an environment that would support me in becoming the type of scientist I’ve always wanted to be: curious, objective and driven.
Why I was Drawn to the Coulter Fellowship Program
The Coulter Fellowship seemed like a great opportunity to utilize my literature research and communication skills that I have acquired during my scientific career, and to apply the skills in a completely novel way (i.e. to the business and marketing sector).
What have I Learned as a Coulter Fellow
The scientific, business, and marketing sectors use completely different languages! My experience has been the equivalent of visiting China or Italy for a couple of months and trying to learn a language I knew about but have never really tried to learn and use.
What am I Hoping to Gain from the Experience?
I hope to continue to develop my market research skills, becoming even more proficient in building a portfolio for a product. I also hope that the research I have done thus far will be beneficial for my Drexel colleagues.