Genetic Diagnostics & Student CEOs with Dr. Jonathon Hill

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Jonathon Hill discusses the unique partnership between his lab and the university, which allows students to become entrepreneurs, develop their own projects, and become the CEO. Dr. Hill discusses the potential for AI to better diagnose disease based on the individual’s genome. He also talks about Lumicell's fluorescent system for highlighting residual breast cancer tissue and the importance of genetic diagnostics in personalized medicine. Dr. Hill shares his advice for students interested in genetics and biotechnology research, emphasizing the value of research experience and taking risks. He also discusses the challenges of regulatory pathways in the biotech industry.

 Takeaways

• The unique partnership between academic institutions and companies can provide students with opportunities to develop their own ideas and become entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and impact in the biotechnology industry. 

• Lumicell's fluorescent system can help detect residual breast cancer tissue, reducing the need for additional surgeries

• Genetic diagnostics will play a crucial role in personalized medicine, but there are limitations to relying solely on genetic sequencing

• Navigating regulatory pathways is a challenge in the biotech industry

Sound Bites

• “We like to say that we are creating CEOs in our labs … CEO at age 23.”

• “When you go to the doctor, they do a guess and check model.”

• “Why did you not carefully diagnose the problem and give me the right treatment the first time?”

• “And medicine needs to go in the direction of AI-aided diagnosis because it's going to lower costs, make things faster and more efficient and better in the long run if we can create if we can create accurate diagnoses.”

• “Typically about 50% of high school seniors indicate they will go to college. This year it’s down to 37%”

Chapters

01:01-The balance between being professor and running a lab

02:00-The unique partnership between university and industry

03:55-More students are looking to pursue entrepreneurship out of college

06:31-How will AI affect genetics research and the industry?  The impact of AI in future diagnoses.

12:58-New News! Lumcell’s breakthrough in residual breast cancer imaging detection.

16:10-Dr Hill’s passions within and outside his professional life.

17:37-Advice for young scientists and budding biotech entrepreneurs.

21:00-Growth of bioinnovations and training scientific students for business success vs. backlash of the cost of education.

28:48-The regulatory hurdles and progress for Wasatch and their DNA research.

New News Article

The FDA has granted a groundbreaking approval to a fluorescent light system that illuminates leftov...https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-delivers-approval-lumicells-fluorescent-system-highlighting-residual-breast-cancer 

How to reach us:

Dr. Jonathon Hill

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-t-hill/ 

Wasatch Labs: https://www.wasatchbiolabs.com/ 

Rainforest Trust - https://www.rainforesttrust.org/ 

Dr. Chad Briscoe