In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Llewellyn Cox, Executive Director of Corporate Relations for Life Science Innovations at USC, to explore a side of biotech that students and early-career professionals rarely hear about: the business of academic innovation.

With experience founding biotech incubators, advising startups, and now building partnerships between USC and industry, Llewellyn shares how universities are no longer just research institutions—they’re becoming active drivers of biotech growth. We dive into the evolving role of academia as a strategic player in funding, spinouts, and deal flow, and what that means for the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.

We cover:

• How academic research gets translated into real biotech companies

• What skills students need to thrive in innovation-focused roles

• Why storytelling, relationship-building, and business literacy matter

• The financial and cultural dynamics of bridging academia and industry

• Why impact-driven careers often begin outside your job description

Whether you're a student exploring your future or a scientist thinking about what's next, this conversation offers practical, behind-the-scenes insight into how biotech careers are being shaped by university ecosystems.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and learn how to think beyond the lab.

Not a scientist? No problem. In this episode, Andy Wilson shares how he successfully pivoted into the world of biotech and health innovation—without a background in science.

Now VP of Business Development for Health Affairs at USC and former leader of the Alliance for SoCal Innovation, Andy explains how he built a purpose-driven career by connecting capital, universities, and entrepreneurs.

Listen in to learn:

• How to break into biotech from a non-traditional path

• Why ecosystems matter more than résumés

• How to find your “why” and build a career around it

• What students get wrong about career planning

If you’re a student or early-career professional wondering how to pivot into biotech without a research background, this episode is your playbook.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we’re joined by Engie Salama, a passionate scientist and Program Manager at Xencor, where she leads teams working on cutting-edge immuno-oncology therapies. Engie’s journey from the lab bench to biotech program management is a masterclass in navigating career pivots, developing leadership skills, and finding purpose in the life sciences industry.

We dive into:
🌱 How Engie transitioned from scientific research to program management.
🧬 The mindset shifts that helped her grow in her career.
🎯 Her advice for students and early professionals exploring careers in biotech.
🌐 The importance of communication and cross-functional collaboration in life sciences.

Whether you're a student exploring biotech, a young professional finding your fit, or a scientist curious about leadership, this episode is packed with insights that can help you think bigger.

🎧 Listen now and unlock a fresh perspective on building a meaningful biotech career.In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we’re joined by Engie Salama, a passionate scientist and Program Manager at Xencor, where she leads teams working on cutting-edge immuno-oncology therapies. Engie’s journey from the lab bench to biotech program management is a masterclass in navigating career pivots, developing leadership skills, and finding purpose in the life sciences industry.

We dive into:
🌱 How Engie transitioned from scientific research to program management.
🧬 The mindset shifts that helped her grow in her career.
🎯 Her advice for students and early professionals exploring careers in biotech.
🌐 The importance of communication and cross-functional collaboration in life sciences.

Whether you're a student exploring biotech, a young professional finding your fit, or a scientist curious about leadership, this episode is packed with insights that can help you think bigger.

🎧 Listen now and unlock a fresh perspective on building a meaningful biotech career.