Lessons Learned From ADC Therapeutics CEO Ameet Mallik
Doctoral candidate Rogelio Alvarado shares why he wanted to hear from the newest member of the MBP Industrial Advisory Board and his biggest takeaways from the talk.
Rogelio Alvarado knew Ameet Mallik ('94, MBP '95) was a Northwestern graduate, but beyond that, he knew little about the CEO of ADC Therapeutics.
Mallik, a new member of Northwestern Engineering's Master of Biotechnology Program's (MBP) Industry Advisory Board, returned to campus to talk about his career and the state of biotechnology. Alvarado, a doctoral candidate in Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences, was grateful he attended the event.
"Interacting with new people and exploring different career paths is crucial for undergraduate and graduate students," Alvarado said. "Invited speakers provide valuable insights and ideas to help us make informed decisions about our career paths and enhance our research work."
Alvarado's research focuses on developing a nano-drug delivery vehicle using virus-like particles. His work is in MBP director Danielle Tullman-Ercek's research lab, and he learned about Mallik's talk through the Biotechnology Training Program.
Mallik joined ADC Therapeutics in the spring of 2022. Since then, he's worked tirelessly to support the company's efforts to bring targeted cancer therapies to market for patients with unmet medical needs.
"Ameet discussed how technologies must be further developed to be effective and efficient," Alvarado said. "Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a developing biotechnology intended to assist in treating cancer patients. These ADCs are diverse and can result in various side effects, so it is crucial to customize them for specific purposes and ensure they are ethical and practical."
Mallik also discussed the challenges many people face in accessing medical treatment due to cost. He presented an optimistic view of new research and technological advancements that could lead to more affordable therapies.
"As a PhD student, I aim to use my research to improve the delivery of a drug therapeutic system," Alvarado said. "Learning about other drug delivery systems is essential to understanding how drugs can be administered through various methods to treat illnesses."
That was why Alvarado was drawn to Mallik's talk in the first place.
Beyond the technical knowledge, Alvarado appreciated the opportunity to learn from an industry professional and find out about potential job opportunities.
"Navigating the biotechnology field is challenging due to the many disciplines it encompasses," he said. "Ameet's experience in navigating the job market provides valuable insight into how to network and manage time effectively, and guides me and others on progress in this ever-evolving field."
Northwestern is contributing to that progress. Alvarado was drawn to the University because of its global approach to innovative challenges and solutions. He's since been inspired by the work being done in the school's Center for Synthetic Biology, where biology, business, computer science, chemistry, engineering, humanities, math, physics, social sciences, and synthetic biology are woven together to accelerate technological innovation.
"Northwestern University's ongoing research is undeniably pioneering," Alvarado said. "Senior researchers are training new scientists to confront global environmental challenges and health issues head-on. Their role in addressing these pressing concerns is crucial."
