BPR: Could you give us an overview of your work?
LC: As the Director of R&D at Sunflower Therapeutics, I lead a team of scientists that is developing accessible and cost-effective solutions for manufacturing biologic medicines and vaccines, including both equipment and processes.
Our mission is to make protein manufacturing more accessible by developing simple bioprocesses and automated, user-friendly equipment. On a day-to-day basis this includes activities like developing and optimizing yeast strains, media formulations, fermentation and purification processes to express different protein products.
When did you realize you were interested in science?
I realized that I was interested in science when I was in elementary and middle school. I really enjoyed all my science and math classes - and certainly preferred them over English or history classes - so I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in a STEM-related field from a young age.
Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?
When I first entered college, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do for my career, but I knew that I enjoyed math and chemistry. Chemical engineering seemed like the logical choice, so I pursued it as my major. Although it opened the door to various career paths, I found myself particularly drawn to applications in biotech. Even so, I wasn’t sure exactly which direction to take within that field.
After graduation, I decided to explore both industrial roles and graduate programs in biotech. When I was accepted into a one-year master’s program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which included industrial internships, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The program allowed me to explore a variety of chemical engineering applications, but it was in my class on biomanufacturing, towards the end of the program, that I truly found my passion.
The professor noticed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to pursue it further. After completing my master’s, I joined his lab as a technical assistant, where I gained hands-on experience in biomanufacturing. I found the science behind it fascinating, and the potential impact it could have on patient care and global health motivated me to delve deeper.
With the support of the principal investigator, I applied to a PhD program, and the project I focused on—a small-scale device for on-demand biomanufacturing—eventually spun out into a new company, Sunflower Therapeutics. After completing my PhD, I joined the company as its third employee and have now been with the team for over four years. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to continue contributing to innovations that can make a real difference in the world.
What challenges did you face - as a woman or otherwise - along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Earlier in my career, my biggest challenge was a lack of confidence. At the time, it was difficult for me to assert my opinions or pose scientific questions because I always felt that someone else was more qualified. However, this changed when I found an environment during my early work and grad school where I was consistently asked for my opinion, and moreover, I saw that those opinions were valued.
I was truly surprised—and proud—when my boss first asked, “What do you think we should do? I trust your opinion,” while planning an important experiment. It was a defining moment that demonstrated the power of a supportive environment. Over time, that trust helped me build my confidence, and I came to realize that even when I feel the weight of imposter syndrome, I can push through it. My advice to others facing similar challenges is to seek out environments that encourage growth and where you feel supported. Confidence isn’t something that happens overnight, but in the right space, it can flourish.
What ignites your passion in your current role?
Science and its potential for impact are what truly fuel my passion. While working at the cutting edge of science can be frustrating at times, the excitement of discovery is always there. But it’s the opportunity to make a meaningful difference—both locally and globally—that really drives me.
In my day-to-day work, I’m now in the position where I get to create and foster that supportive environment that I greatly benefited from to help mentor young scientists in their own careers, all while directing work that is aimed at improving the global accessibility and equity of vaccines and medicines. It’s a win-win situation! At Sunflower, I’ve also gotten to interact with and learn from scientists from nearly every continent (except Antarctica). This has only strengthened my belief that great scientists can and do come from any background. I know that scientists all over the world have brilliant ideas to impact human health, and I’m excited that Sunflower’s approach to manufacturing accessibility could help make these ideas a reality.
What is your current work ethos/style?
My current work style can be best described as staying organized, being an active listener, and collaborating closely with my colleagues. Some of my close friends and colleagues joke about how many lists and spreadsheets I keep, but that’s what works for me! I also try my best to always be an active listener. There is so much to learn from our colleagues, collaborators, and customers, but we can only learn about it if we truly listen.
Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?
The advice that I would share with young women starting to develop an interest in science is that it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do - it’s also okay to change your mind! If you’re interested in certain scientific topics, then follow that interest and be open to any unique opportunities that might come up, such as a position at a start-up. If you are following one interest and then decide that you want to explore another interest for a while, then go do it. I wish I had been told that no career decision is irreversible.
Brilliant scientists can come from any background, and we need talent from all walks of life to tackle the diverse challenges our world faces. The path may not always be easy or direct, but if you’re determined to become a scientist, pursue it—don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t!