*Lyme disease: A bacterial infection primarily caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks.
Contents
・The Joy of Knowledge Through Philosophy: Tracing the Footsteps of My Teacher to UC Berkeley
・A New Journey in Biotechnology Sparked by Admission to Harvard University
・Establishing Nanoplex: A Biotech Venture to Prevent Lyme Disease
Today, I am the CEO and founder of Nanoplex, a biotech company focused on preventing tick-borne diseases. But if you had known me in high school, you’d never have predicted this future. Back then, I wasn’t serious about my studies, and I grew up in an environment with little to no exposure to the kinds of scientific opportunities that many of my peers had.
Everything changed when I took a philosophy class in community college. For the first time, I learned to think deeply and see the world through different perspectives. Philosophy taught me that I, too, could engage with complex ideas. Inspired by my philosophy teacher, who had studied at UC Berkeley, I decided to apply there myself.
Some people asked, "Why are you applying to UC Berkeley? You weren’t even good in high school." My response was simple: “Let them tell me ‘no’ Everyone has the right to apply.” So, I applied. To no one’s surprise, I received a rejection letter. But at the bottom of that letter was a small note: "If you are not satisfied with this decision, you can appeal." It seemed like a long shot, but I went for it. The next notification I received? My admission had been granted.
When I first enrolled at UC Berkeley, I pursued philosophy and sociology. But when my mother was diagnosed with kidney disease, I found myself questioning how I could help. That question led me to the field of immunology, where I discovered the complexity of the immune system. For the first time, I experienced the joy of learning on my own terms, devouring textbooks and research papers. That’s when I realized my true calling was in science.
I later transferred to San Francisco State University to focus on life sciences. But juggling work and school was exhausting, and I was close to failing. That’s when I learned about the RISE Program, an NIH-supported initiative that provided research experience and a stipend. After months of persistence and multiple rejections, I was finally accepted when a last-minute spot opened up. That opportunity changed everything. No longer burdened by part-time jobs, I could focus entirely on my studies. My grades shot up, and I graduated with a master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology, eventually earning a place at Harvard University.
At Harvard, I joined a lab that was in the process of launching a biotech startup. That experience ignited my interest in founding my own company one day. But rather than jumping into entrepreneurship right away, I knew I needed to learn more about the broader factors involved in starting a company—beyond just research.
While working on my doctoral dissertation and serving as a consultant, I was invited back to Harvard Medical School to help form the first research consortium focused on Lyme disease. Through discussions with professors and researchers, I learned about the immense suffering caused by Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. This knowledge inspired me to think about ways to prevent them. Eventually, our team discovered a unique mechanism to stop tick attachment, which laid the foundation for what would become Nanoplex.
Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, pose a significant global challenge. They affect not only people but also livestock, causing an estimated $18 billion in losses annually. Our company has already received support from organizations like the USDA’s Cattle Tick Fever Program, recognizing the critical need for solutions in this area.
When people ask me why I decided to start a company instead of focusing solely on research, my answer is simple: I wanted to make a scalable impact. Research can lead to important discoveries, but founding a company allows you to turn those discoveries into products that can change the world. Companies like Moderna, Pfizer, and Genentech have transformed healthcare through innovation, and I want to create that same kind of impact with Nanoplex.
Our goal is ambitious: to create a world where no one suffers from Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. By preventing tick damage to livestock, we also hope to support economies that rely heavily on agriculture, helping them ensure food security and achieve economic stability. Although we are still in the early stages, we have promising research data and are optimistic about the potential to revolutionize tick prevention.
Message to Researchers: Moving Forward with Confidence in the Face of Adversity
I grew up in a single-parent household with limited financial resources. At times, we were even homeless. Yet, my family’s support—especially my mother’s relentless perseverance—kept me going. Watching her never give up, no matter how hard things got, taught me the value of resilience.
Growing up in poverty isn’t just about lacking resources; it also affects your self-worth. I struggled to believe in myself because I didn’t see many role models who looked like me—Black men who became scientists or doctors. But when I pushed myself into challenging environments like UC Berkeley, I realized I could rise to the occasion.
The most important battle I fought wasn’t against external obstacles; it was an internal struggle to believe in myself. If I didn’t believe in my own potential, no one else would. Even when it felt impossible, I learned to fake confidence until I actually felt it. And once I regained that self-belief, I never looked back.
The Importance of Relationships in a Career
When you’re navigating a career, especially during a transition, relationships are everything. It’s not just about salary—it's about finding people who genuinely support you. Good relationships at work can enhance your performance and mental well-being, while a lack of support can lead to burnout.
In industries like biotech, where communities are tightly knit, building relationships across companies can give you valuable insights into different workplace cultures and help you find the right opportunities. Networking is crucial—attending industry events, engaging in conversations, and leaving a positive impression can open doors to your next job.
Taking Initiative and Observing Others: Key Strategies for Advancement
If there’s a specific career or position you aspire to, start by observing the people who currently hold that role. Understand the steps they took and try to replicate them. At the same time, don’t forget to observe yourself. Be honest about your strengths and how you can contribute to the success of others.
Once you understand your skill set, use it to help those around you. Offering to help others not only demonstrates your value but also helps you grow. And while it’s important not to overextend yourself, consistently showing your worth will pave the way for advancement.
In the end, success isn’t just about talent or intelligence—it’s about persistence, relationships, and self-belief.
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