Where Biochemical Engineering Meets Innovation, Industry, and Community
CHM ENG 170B students present innovative “Pet Biomolecule” projects, connecting with industry and alumni on the College of Chemistry plaza.
On May 6, a sunny Tuesday, the College of Chemistry plaza transformed into a dynamic showcase of scientific creativity and collaboration as students in CHM ENG 170B: Biochemical Engineering unveiled their end-of-term "Pet Biomolecule" projects. Hosted by Professors Jason Ryder and Wenjun Zhang, the Spring 2025 showcase marked the culmination of a semester's worth of applied learning, drawing a crowd of faculty, peers, alumni, and representatives from 28 bioprocessing companies.
Victoire Velluto, MBPE ‘25 student, explains her team’s research poster about the purification of fermentation-based honey truffle sweet protein to an engaged audience during the “Pet Biomolecule” showcase.
A Semester of Innovation on Display
Twelve student teams, each composed of three to four members, presented vibrant, thoughtfully designed posters detailing their research on a self-selected "pet" biomolecule. The projects spanned a wide spectrum of real-world biochemical applications, including monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, therapeutic bee venom, engineered enzymatic biomaterials, and a naturally derived sweet protein.
These weren't just academic assignments – they were hands-on, research-driven experiences that integrated core biochemical engineering concepts with real industry relevance. For many students, the project served as a pivotal moment in understanding how their academic training maps onto future professional roles.
"Being able to do a project like this, where you're taking your knowledge and actually applying it to a process that's happening in a company, is really helpful in understanding what my future might look like," said Katarina Castro, a third-year Chemical Engineering student. "This class helps you build your academic side and your professional development."
Her classmate Tavis Chen, a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student, echoed the value of starting from scratch:
"It's a project you work on from day one. You develop your own ideas rather than just joining a project or completing an assignment. It let me see development from a 'bird's eye view'."
Sonja Niederlohmann and Jonathan Evans (MEng ‘20) from Bayer and Stephan Hubbard from NeuroAge Therapeutics connect at the “Pet Biomolecule” showcase, building industry partnerships and supporting student innovation.
Industry Engagement in Action
The "Pet Biomolecule" showcase has quickly become more than an academic tradition, it's a talent pipeline. Industry guests, many of whom are alumni or guest speakers in the course, engaged deeply with students, asking questions, providing feedback, and quietly scouting the next generation of biotech leaders.
Stephan Hubbard, Growth Strategist at NeuroAge Therapeutics, remarked:
"It's very gratifying and educational. Practicing how to answer questions from a critical audience is a vital skill for these students to go much further in the bioprocess world."
Eric Fallon, Executive Director at Neurocrine Biosciences, emphasized the unique alignment between the class and industry needs:
"The scientific rigor and industry relevance are super impressive to see from an academic setting. These presentations are a great way to identify top talent to potentially recruit. The people themselves are the greatest takeaway."
Eric Fallon (CBE ‘94) and his son Trent, a rising Chemical Engineering senior, at the CHM ENG 170B showcase where Trent presented a project on tocilizumab, a drug Eric helped develop at Genentech.
For Eric, the event held personal meaning as well: his son, Trent Fallon, was among the presenters, showcasing a project on tocilizumab – a monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed by Genentech to treat autoimmune diseases. The project was especially significant because Eric, a Chemical Engineering alum ('94), helped develop the bioprocess for tocilizumab during his years at Genentech from 2005 to 2021. Their story is an exciting example of how the showcase highlights the lasting impact and intergenerational connections fostered by the community within the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
CHM ENG 170B Professor Jason Ryder poses for a celebratory selfie with Master of Bioprocess Engineering Program's alumni (Vicky Olivares '22, Kirch Quijano '22, Mikk Otsmaa '22, and Nouf Alhazmi '24) at the "Pet Biomolecule" showcase.
Alumni Reflections: From Students to Mentors
Also in attendance were alumni of the Master of Bioprocess Engineering (MBPE) program, who are required to take the course as part of their curriculum, and now work across the biopharma and biotech sectors. Their presence has underscored the long-term impact of 170B, not just as a classroom experience, but as a career-launching platform.
Kirch Quijano, now a Bioprocess Engineer at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) and MBPE '22 alum, reflected:
"This class gave me all the tools I needed to go beyond the classroom. It kick started my career. Coming back each year has become a tradition and I love seeing how the MBPE program evolves and supports its students."
Tiffany Chen, Senior Research Associate at Sutro Biopharma and MBPE '21 alum, added:
"It's a great place to meet and talk to talented young people who are interested in the industry. The experience and exposure this class offers are unique for students."
The College of Chemistry plaza buzzes with energy as attendees explore the "Pet Biomolecule" showcase and network with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
More Than a Project: A Launchpad for the Future
The CHM ENG 170B "Pet Biomolecule" Showcase isn't just the final project of a course – it's a chance to celebrate creativity, growth, and the support students get from mentors along the way. It provides students with a platform to demonstrate not only their technical understanding, but also their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, traits that translate directly into industry success.
Whether you're a student seeking hands-on, high-impact educational experiences, or an industry partner looking to engage with emerging talent and ideas, CHM ENG 170B offers a powerful bridge between academia and application.
As the sun set over the College of Chemistry plaza, one thing was clear: the future of biochemical engineering is already in motion, and it looks incredibly bright.