What was your biggest professional highlight of the past 12 months?
My biggest professional highlight of the past 12 months was seeing an AI-designed small molecule formulation, developed using Intrepid Labs’ advanced machine learning platform, move into clinical evaluation. Being on site for that trial was a defining moment for me as a scientist, founder, and CEO. This milestone was built on a two-year collaboration with Quotient Sciences to integrate AI into its Translational Pharmaceutics platform, demonstrating AI-enabled formulation development moving from theory into practice. Most importantly, it brought us closer to our goal of creating real value for patients by getting better formulations into the clinic faster.
What will look completely different about drug development in 10 years?
In 10 years, drug development will be far less fragmented. Instead of moving through a series of disconnected handoffs, from discovery to formulation to manufacturing to clinical development, we will see more end-to-end integration powered by AI. The real opportunity is not simply to apply AI to individual steps, but to connect decisions across the entire development pathway. That means using data and advanced models to design better molecules, formulations, processes, and clinical strategies in a more coordinated way. Just as importantly, it means keeping domain experts, clinicians, regulators, and patients actively involved in the process.
I do not believe the future of drug development lies in AI replacing human expertise. I believe it is AI amplifying human expertise. The companies that get this right will make better decisions earlier, reduce unnecessary iteration, and develop medicines in ways that are faster, more rigorous, and more centered on patients.
Do you think your younger self would be surprised to see the career you’ve had?
Yes, I think my younger self would be surprised by the career I have had. I was the first in my family to go to university, and at that stage I was simply a young person who loved science and wanted to do work that created value. I could not have imagined that this path would lead me from academia to entrepreneurship, drug delivery, AI, and building a company focused on changing how medicines are developed. But I think my younger self would recognize the same curiosity, work ethic, and desire to make an impact. The greatest impact in my career has come through collaboration: with students, colleagues, industry partners, clinicians, and patients. I have learned that science moves faster, and becomes more meaningful, when people with different expertise come together around an important problem. I also believe that luck favors those who work hard, stay open to opportunity, and keep showing up. I feel fortunate, but I also know this career was built through persistence, relationships, and a willingness to step into new spaces before the path was fully clear.
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