In this episode of the Biotech and Breweries Podcast, Daniel Shroeder and Shannon Miller, Principal Investigator at Scripps Research, have a discussion at Bivouac Ciderworks in San Diego. Shannon shares her passion for bridging the gap between technology and diseases to make permanent cures possible. Having recently been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, she discusses her journey from undergraduate research in synthetic organic chemistry to her graduate studies, where she applied directed evolution protein engineering techniques to gene editing tools, to her current research today with CRISPR technologies and developing cures for genetic diseases.

Bivouac Ciderworks 

Quote:

“I don't think there's a very specific skill set. Yes, they have to be a scientist. Right? But I don't think they need an introductory skill set. They need to know how to do CRISPR. But, I really look for people who are interested, who are motivated, and who are excited about the research.” - Shannon Miller [19:49]

Topics discussed:

• The Intersection of Directed Evolution, CRISPR Technologies, and CRISPR Therapeutics
• CRISPR and Women in Science Leadership
• San Diego’s Growing Biotech and Pharma Ecosystem

Resources:

Connect with Shannon Miller:

Linkedin

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In this episode of the Biotech and Breweries Podcast, James Mackey, CEO of Aristea Therapeutics, a clinical-stage drug development company focused on immunology-focused therapeutics to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. James shares the origin story of  Aristea and his long professional history in life sciences. He also shares how fundraising allowed Aristea to extend its development, how Aristea is contributing to the life sciences industry in San Diego, and how the company is finding ways to positively impact the community. 

Quote:

“What makes San Diego so special to me is the collaborative nature of everyone here. People are delighted you are here and they want you to succeed. They will do what they can to help you succeed even if you are a competitor because they see success as success for San Diego.” - James Mackey [22:22]

Topics discussed:

• James’ professional journey 
• The origins of Aristea and RIST4721
• Fundraising and the life sciences financial market 
• Life Science Cares San Diego and SD2

Resources:

Connect with James Mackey:

Linkedin

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In this episode of the Biotech and Breweries Podcast, Nick Marron, Director of Brewery Operations at Harland Brewing Company, shares what is next for the brewery and many of the exciting projects they have on the horizon, happening throughout Southern California.

Amir Ferry is the Co-Founder of Nucleate Bio San Diego, a collaborative entrepreneurship program that facilitates the formation of life sciences ventures by bringing together scientific trainees and business students. Amir shares his personal journey toward the field of Life Sciences and how Nucleate is creating diverse opportunities. He also talks about the importance of mentorships and partnerships with professionals in the industry.

Quotes:

“We are very open to inspiration. If we eat something cool or experience a new flavor in a cocktail, we think about how we can recreate it in a beer and what processes and ingredients we need to do that.” -Nick Marron [04:01]

“We want to survey very diverse departments because we feel like that is exciting. We want to showcase all the great science that San Diego has. It is a challenge because it isn't a one size fits all curriculum, but we really try to tailor the program to what a team's needs are.” -Amir Ferry [22:45]

Topics discussed:

• Harland Brewing
• New releases from Harland Brewing
• Amir’s journey in Life Sciences
• Nucleate
• Connecting students with industry leaders

Resources:

Amir Ferry:

LinkedIn

Nucleate

Nick Marron:

LinkedIn

Harland Brewing

Daniel Schroder:

LinkedIn

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