John Walker

Neuroscience PhD, 2024

WHY YOU CAME TO DREXEL:

I came to Drexel University to delve deeply into the Neuroscience field. The University’s investments in biotech innovation really attracted me as I was eager to gain scientific knowledge and jumpstart a biotech career in Philadelphia.

WHY WERE YOU DRAWN TO COULTER FELLOW:

I want to build an impactful career transferring biomedical devices and pharmaceutical treatments from academic laboratories and startups to patient populations. Given the Coulter Fellowship’s legacy in successful technology transfer and innovation, I felt that working as a Coulter Fellow would no doubt provide a meaningful start to my career on the business side of life sciences after completing my doctoral dissertation in neuroscience.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT SO FAR BEING A COULTER FELLOW:

As a Coulter Fellow, I learned many practical skills related to technology transfer, market research, and business strategy. Additionally, I learned about a variety of career pathways available for PhD holders to transition from bench to business. Finally, my experience as a Coulter Fellow was overwhelmingly positive and reaffirmed my determination to pursue a life sciences career in technology transfer and business development.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING YOU WILL GAIN FROM FELLOWS POSITION:

I am hoping to and have already gained valuable skills and network connections through this program. I intend to leverage these new assets to jumpstart my career after I defend my PhD.

FUN FACT:

I learned how to play the fiddle to perform the musical accompaniment to my wife’s Irish dance routine at our wedding after a 10-year hiatus from being a classical violinist.