Name: Bonnie EJ Maven (she/her/they/them)
PhD: Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, University of California - San Francisco, 2022
What was your main area of research?
I am building technology at a biotech startup for better genetic disease prevention in fertility. Before this, I studied how genetic mutations affect heart development in my PhD.
What is your current job?
I am the CEO/Founder of Vertility Health in San Carlos, CA.
My role balances commercialization and research and development (R&D) activities. On the commercial side, I talk with clinicians and couples to understand the market and their needs better. For R&D, I collaborate with consultants and perform experiments directly. I also navigate raising capital (money) with potential investors (venture capitalists and angel investors) as well as granting agencies.
The most rewarding and challenging aspect is how much of an impact my own perseverance has on this company’s beginnings. It takes a lot of willpower to push through anything challenging, but it’s very empowering and impactful work at the end of the day that I quite enjoy!
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I conceived of my current company's idea through thinking about ways couples can prevent passing on genetic conditions. So essentially, I had an idea to make it work, and then was able to pour months into extensive literature research to set up experimental plans. After securing a provisional patent based off of these ideas, I then started pitching (talking/selling the idea) to investors and eventually I found the right one who funded me based on the concept of our plans, allowing me to launch Vertility!
UCSF/Gladstone PhD graduate ➡️ Short postdoc to finish up PhD work and figure out next steps ➡️ First startup (spinout) ➡️ Bioinformatics work ➡️ Second startup (non-spinout, current position)
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
Honestly, I have a hard time focusing on just the research side of science. I instead thrive on being able to engage with people across diverse areas to develop a well rounded business plan that uses science to help others. Entrepreneurship wasn’t a potential career plan for me at first, but my experience helping another startup spinout from UCSF made me realize being a founder was not only something achievable, but deeply fulfilling as well!
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
If possible, find a thesis lab that has supported their previous students exploring non-academic careers. It’s great to feel supported in whichever path you choose.
Plenty of my colleagues no longer like to do any pipetting - that’s ok! There are a lot of other science-focused jobs that don’t require any benchwork.
Going through a PhD instills a kind of determination that is fiercely powerful in being able to learn how to succeed in any career or path. Your skills gained are not just science-related.