Alumni Careers

Saumya Jain (B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Mathematics, '20)

Hello Seattle U students! I am currently in a graduate program at UCLA for Chemical Engineering. My research in the lab of Dr. Nasim Annabi focuses on tissue engineering using polymer-based hydrogel technology. My current project is on creating a multifunctional biocompatible material that can be used as a hemostatic agent on injured tissue (replaces suturing/gauze/material that can be harmful to tissue after prolonged use). I also hope to expand this project to regenerate damaged electroactive tissue such as heart, nerve, and muscle tissue. I’m really interested in this topic because it’s a unique blend of ochem, bio, and math – all the subjects I loved taking at SU. I’m also really excited about the possibilities in this field. Even though hydrogels have been investigated for decades, there is still so much work that can be done to make them suitable alternatives for commonly used but sometimes inefficient medical practices. If you have any questions about grad schools, hydrogels, or ochem (I was a tutor at LAP for years) please don’t hesitate to contact me at saumyaaditi@gmail.com!

Paul Goo (B.S. Biochemistry, '20)

In Dr. Langenhan’s lab, we published a paper highlighting the work we did synthesizing glycosylated asparagine residues. With this experience, I was able to obtain an NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergrads) at Montana State University, where I did grad-level biochemistry research for a summer. The REU further confirmed that I loved working in a lab but that I didn't feel quite prepared or passionate enough to do graduate school level work. I decided on taking the industrial route for a few years and got a position as a Vaccine Manufacturing Associate at Inventprise. At Inventprise, we are beginning our work to go to clinical testing for our pneumococcal (pneumonia) conjugate vaccines. Truth be told, manufacturing lab work comes along with along with a lot of documentation and paperwork, and I'm finding that I miss the freedom and creativity research lab work has. I hope to transition to a Research Associate position soon, though I haven’t yet closed the door on going to grad school. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about what life is like after graduating at paul.j.goo@gmail.com.

Lydia Griggs (B.S. Biochemistry, '19)

I am a Post-Masters researcher in Dr. Aaron Wright’s group at the Pacific Northwest National Lab in Richland, Washington. In the Wright group, we develop and deploy chemical probes that form irreversible bonds to protein targets in microbes and mammalian cells and tissues, that are analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, imaging, or flow cytometry. Chemical probes improve our functional and mechanistic understanding of biological process, facilitate target discovery of drugs or other xenobiotics, or screen for low-abundance pathogens in complex samples. I really enjoy working at PNNL because I get to conduct exciting research at the interface of organic chemistry and biology. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in chemical biology, probes, PNNL or anything else: Lydia.griggs@pnnl.gov. 

Pax Reed (B.S. Cell & Molecular Biology, '18)

I am a Research Associate at a biotechnology company called SiDX. Our goal is to develop rapid near-patient diagnostic blood testing on silicon chip platforms. I work within the Biologics team to develop and refine biological assays on these silicon chips. I enjoy my job because I find the intersection of biology and technology really fascinating. The problem solving required at that intersection is both challenging and fulfilling. I can be reached at reedp@seattleu.edu. 

Katie Rykaczewski (B.S. Biochemistry, '18)

My time at Seattle University sparked a desire for organic chemistry and performing research, leading me to graduate school at the University of Michigan. In the Schindler group my research focuses on the synthesis and applications of strained heterocycles. Some of my favorite aspects are getting to mentor students, designing new research projects, and working in a highly collaborative group. After graduate school I look forward to applying these skills in the synthesis of novel therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry. I can be reached at krykacze@umich.edu. 

Karyl-Lin Yamakawa (B.S. Biology, '18)

Hello fellow Redhawks! I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2018 from Seattle U and am now in my last year of dental school at UW. Dental school has been a tough yet rewarding journey. Each day, we are challenged to think critically and creatively to best serve our patients. The influence of science and technology has propelled the field of dentistry and opened many doors to the possibilities of more esthetic, functional, and long-lasting restorations. I have come to appreciate my time as a research student at SU because we were never just “following a recipe.” We were encouraged to explore ways to resolve challenges, improve protocols, and read and critically analyze literature. These are all skills that I have applied every day in my pre-clinical and clinical years as a dental student and will continue to use to improve as a dentist in the very near future (yikes!). Next year, I will be doing a general practice residency at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. Research comes with so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow, even if you choose not to include it in your future career. I am always open to questions or conversations at karyl.yamakawa@gmail.com.

Calvin Leonen (B.S. Biochemistry, '16)

My name is Calvin Leonen, and I completed my BS in Biochemistry in 2016 at SeattleU. I was fortunate to take organic chemistry with Joe and work in his lab from 2014-2016, optimizing a reaction toward the synthesis of N-linked glycosides. It was in Joe’s class and lab that my interest in bio-organic chemistry took hold and changed my career path to one in research. From there I went to the University of Washington where I completed my PhD in 2021 in the Chatterjee Lab using protein and peptide chemistry to study histone posttranslational modifications. Currently I am an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow at The Rockefeller University in the Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, where I am expanding my research into cell cycle regulation of DNA binding proteins using Xenopus egg extracts. After my postdoc I hope to work at a university like SeattleU where I can engage with students and help them achieve their goals in bioscience and medical research. Please feel free to reach out to me at cleonen@rockefeller.edu. 

Dan Delurio (B.S. Biochemistry, '15)

I currently work as a Technical Field Sales Representative at Restek Corporation, a mid-size, employee owned, chromatography consumables company. In my role, I am responsible for managing customer relationships and growing our business in the Pacific Northwest. I love what I do because I am a part of a great team and utilize my professional lab background and ability to work with people to help them solve their chromatography problems. The work has a high level of variety and I get to consult directly with customers working on unique, exciting, and challenging projects across a wide scope of applications. I also enjoy the benefit of being an off-site fully remote employee and get the opportunity to travel to customer sites and conferences for work! Feel free to reach out to me directly with questions and curiosities at dan.delurio@restek.com. 

Steven Loskot (B.S. Biochemistry, '14)

I had the pleasure being a member of the Langenhan group from 2012-2014. After graduating from SU, I earned my Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Caltech under the tutelage of Brian Stoltz. I then joined Janssen Research & Development as a scientist in discovery chemistry, where I work developing, designing, and synthesizing novel small molecules in pursuit of creating an orally bioavailable pharmacologically active molecule. In this role, I not only synthesize the targets, but actively interact with number of internal and external collaborators to understand and interpret the ADMET, pharmacokinetics, and physicochemical properties of each compound. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at sloskot@its.jnj.com. 

Halina Werner (B.S. Biochemistry, '12)

My name is Halina Werner and I was a member of the Langenhan Group from 2010-2012. After graduating from SU, I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, then spent a few years teaching at Bryn Mawr College. I recently accepted a new position as a lecturer at the University of Central Florida. I primarily teach organic chemistry to 250 students per semester, and next semester I’ll assume a new responsibility coordinating all the organic teaching labs. My favorite aspects of this career are related to helping students conquer challenges presented by chemistry classes (especially organic chemistry), such as simplifying a tricky concept for everyone during lecture or meeting with individual students to discuss their study strategies. Please don’t hesitate to reach out (Halina.Werner@ucf.edu) if you have any questions for me about my experience in this career!

Maile Panerio-Lander (Post-Bac)

Following my time at SU, I received a Masters of Public Health in Health Equity and my graduate research focused on understanding and addressing factors that lead to inequitable maternal and infant mortality rates.  I currently work as a public health practitioner working to design and implement public health strategies.  My work includes working with regional or state partnerships — health clinics, social services agencies, health departments, and local governments — to assess community health needs, guide strategic planning, and analyze sustainable funding sources. What I enjoy about the work I do is that we take a look at how the places where we live, learn, work, and play affect the health of our communities and are intentionally working as a community to create and sustain ways for folks to be healthier.  We know that medical care only contributes to about 20% of a person’s overall health.  The other 80% happens in community contexts or results from health behaviors.  I enjoy being immersed in that 80%, innovating and creating opportunities for health for and with communities. I can be reached at mpaneriolanger@gmail.com. 

Derek Rogalsky (B.S. Biochemistry, '10)

I was fortunate to come to SU on a soccer scholarship and more fortunate still to land in Dr. Langenhan's organic chemistry class and ultimately his research group. It was there that I learned how to learn complex material and think critically about observations. I went on to a year of service in Haiti, with my wife Rebekah, where I taught biology. From there we went to Washington, DC where I attended Georgetown Medical School. Based on my prior research experience, I landed a summer internship at the National Institutes of Health and published several papers with another great mentor. After my summer internship I joined a group doing kidney transplant research at Georgetown. From there I decided to go into surgery and matched into general surgery at Oregon Health and Science University. Surgery residency was a wild ride and unexpectedly I found my niche as a rural general surgeon doing a wide range of operations for a small community. I currently care for traumatically injured patients, patients with all types of cancers lung, breast, colon, melanoma, and more. I do weight loss operations and robotic surgery. I also do more mundane things like appendectomies, hernia surgery, and colonoscopies. Variety is the spice of life and I enjoy a good work life balance with Rebekah, our two boys and our new puppy. The thinking skills I learned from Dr. Langenhan have been a foundation for everything that has come since. I can be reached at Dr.rogalsky@nbmchealth.com. 

Edouard Mullarky (B.S. Biochemistry, '09)

After my biochemistry degree at SU and working in Joe’s group on the synthesis of naturally occurring glycosylated alkoxyamines called amphimedosides, I did a PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. My PhD focused on cancer research, but also incorporated organic/medicinal chemistry work as I was trying to develop small molecule inhibitors of metabolic enzymes that I had identified as good therapeutic targets. During my PhD, I got exposure to the venture capital and biotech worlds which got me interested in combining my scientific expertise with business. To pursue this interest after I finished my PhD, I worked as a consultant in a life-science strategy consulting firm serving pharma and biotech clients. I learned a lot about clinical development, medicine, and biopharma business strategy. Consulting firms value fresh PhDs graduates from science and engineering backgrounds for their analytical capabilities and subject matter expertise. Consulting is beneficial to PhDs because you get good on the job project management and business training and after a few years you can transition to many different kinds of jobs. I decided to work at a Wall-Street investment bank as a sell-side equity researcher where I basically use my scientific and consulting background to analyze biotech and pharmaceutical company stocks and help investors think through whether these companies are good for them to invest in. At my current role I am learning a lot about finance, how companies work, and regularly get to talk with CEOs about their companies.

Lauren Slevin (BA Chemistry, BA Biology, '09)

I graduated from Seattle University with a degree in biology and chemistry in 2009. Since then, I earned a doctorate in biophysics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and, after a decision to switch career gears, a master’s in genetic counseling from California State University, Stanislaus. While a doctorate is not a typical step in becoming a genetic counselor, it provided in-depth training in critical thinking, creativity in problem-solving, and unique skills in evaluating protein structure that serve well in interpreting pathogenicity of genetic variants. I currently work at Swedish Medical Center in the Maternal and Fetal Specialty Center as a perinatal genetic counselor, where I meets with patients to discuss genetic risks and testing during pregnancy. I am happy to speak with anyone interested in genetic counseling, structural biology, and/or transitioning from the bench to the clinic, and can be reached at Lauren.Slevin@swedish.org. 

Abigail Kwasnik  (BS Biochemistry, '08)

I currently work as a pharmacist at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett as the inpatient clinical pharmacy manager. Under this position, I have many responsibilities managing the pharmacy department which include managing our clinical services and staff pharmacists, maintaining a drug formulary and inventories, and am the pharmacy residency director. Prior to this management position, I specialized in emergency and critical care pharmacy for both adults and neonates. In the last 14 years since I graduated from Seattle University, there have been many twists and turns as my first job was in a clinical lab running urine hormone samples. This was followed by 4 years of pharmacy school at the University of Washington, an internship at Virginia Mason Hospital, a residency at CHI Franciscan, clinical pharmacy positions at a few hospitals around the region until I landed where I am now! My favorite aspect of my current position at Providence Regional Medical Center is coordinating students and the residency program. I love teaching students how to apply what they learn in a didactic classroom setting to real world care in large community hospital. Previously in my other frontline clinical positions, I enjoyed being part of the emergency response teams getting to participate in urgent traumas and resuscitation efforts throughout the hospital. Although aspects of my job in frontline health care can be quite demanding and unpredictable, I have enjoyed the team atmosphere and ability to integrate my critical problem solving skills with my drug knowledge and biostatistics to make important decisions to improve patient care. Feel free to contact me with questions: abigail.kwasnik@gmail.com. 

Lindsay Fay (BS Biochemistry, '08)

I graduated from SeattleU in 2008 with a degree in Biochemistry.  From there I spent two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I earned a Master’s degree in Chemistry.  I knew I wanted a career in industry and was thrilled to first be hired at Amgen where I spent four years applying all the protein analysis skills I learned in biochem lab to antibody formulations.  For the past 7 years I have been fortunate to work at Seagen, the world leader in antibody-drug conjugate development.  I now lead a team of scientists developing stable formulations and drug product manufacturing processes for mAbs and ADCs.  I still get a little thrill when I hear of cancer patients being treated with a product that I played a small role in bringing to clinic.  If you’re curious about careers in biotech, I’m be happy to speak with fellow Redhawk chemists anytime: lfay@seagen.com. 

Jeffrey Engle (BS Biology, BA Humanities, Chemistry Minor, '07)

I graduated from Seattle University in 2007 and earned my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Oregon in 2013. I am currently a chemistry instructor and department chair at Tacoma Community College. I teach a variety of courses, but favorite course to teach is organic chemistry. I really enjoy teaching at the community college level. Community colleges are incredibly diverse and we serve a large number of first-generation college students. While I miss doing research, I also enjoy being able to focus all of my time on teaching. If you have questions feel free to email me at jengle@tacomacc.edu.