Lin Song 0:04
Hey, welcome to the Postdoc Leadership Fellow Podcast. I'm Lin Song, third year postdoc in the Hellen Diller Cancer Center working on lung cancer.
Rachel Rudlaff 0:17
I'm Rachel Rudlaff. I'm a postdoctoral fellow in Bo Huang's Lab.
April Bell 0:21
I'm April Bell. I am a second year postdoc with the California Preterm Birth Initiative.
Oleta Johnson 0:27
And I am Oleta Johnson. I am a third year postdoc, also at the Mission Bay campus, working in Sandler neurosciences building. And in this series, our goal is to promote community at UCSF by connecting you to resources that are important for being a postdoc.
Lin Song 00:44
In our fourth episode, we are here with our guests, Nathaniel Prorak and Jeni Jancie from the Catalyst and Launchpad programs from the Innovation Ventures. We hope you enjoy the podcast.
Hi, my name is Lin, a leadership fellow here today with my colleague Rachel.
Rachel Rudlaff 01:16
Hi, I'm Rachel, I'm a postdoc. I've been at UCSF for about a year and a Postdoc Leadership Fellow. And, yeah, I'm excited to hear from this office today. I'm not actually that familiar. I've been here so little, I haven't actually interacted with the innovation office. So I'm really excited to be learning with our listeners here today.
Nathaniel Prorok 01:36
Oh, great. Yeah, I'm Nate Prorok. We're here with the UCSF Catalyst program as well as the UCSF Launchpad. And both of these entities are within UCSF Innovation Ventures office that's composed of all sorts of innovation, entrepreneurship groups, including the Tech Transfer office, the Office of Strategic Alliances, as well as an entrepreneurship center. And Catalyst is also part of the Center for, I guess, the Clinical Translational Science Institute at UCSF.
Jeni Janci 02:19
Great. And I am Jeni Janci. I'm a program director at the UCSF Catalyst program and the campus director of the UCSF Launchpad. The Launchpad is a program really to support and promote entrepreneurship in our student and postdoc and other trainee population. So, we're here to offer events and learning opportunities and other support through mentorship and guidance along the way.
Lin Song 02:46
The first question we have today is that can you give our listeners a short description of your office and how you serve postdocs?
Nathaniel Prorok 02:56
Yeah, great question, Lin. The the Catalyst program is UCSF's translational accelerator. So, we take early stage ideas, and oftentimes, from PIs and postdocs and postdocs are incredibly involved in these projects. And we provide these projects that have a potential for both patient benefit and commercialization with some intramural funding. Funding is up to $100,000 for therapeutics, diagnostics, medical device, digital health, and bio tools projects. And this is a way to take the idea of the observation wherever it is in the translational pathway, and get it to the next step. So, not only do we provide funding to get it to that next step, but we pair the project team so the physician, the PI, the postdocs, lab researchers, with fantastic industry advisors who have tremendous expertise in everything from licensing to starting businesses, reimbursement, regulatory issues. And all these people have founded companies, they've been on boards, they are CEOs, Chief Scientific Officers as well. And so, this kind of network of our industry advisors work with the project teams to kind of provide guidance and mentorship so that these projects can continue to progress along the translational pathway and eventually be commercialized and be used by patients for their great health benefit. And within this Catalyst program, those Catalyst Awards, as I just mentioned, are pretty much our our flagship, our main entity, but we do all sorts of other things, you know, fireside chats and events, different opportunities for learning. And one of these things is the Catalyst internship, which is a joint venture between the Catalyst program and the Launchpad where postdocs, residents, clinical fellows, medical students, PhD students, I guess students of all kinds within UCSF, learn more about the translational path. And oftentimes there are, they're paired with projects from the Catalyst Award. So they can be embedded in these projects and can work with them to learn more about translational science, translational medicine, as well as providing significant help to these projects.
Jeni Janci 05:49
Yeah, and I guess I can answer that for the UCSF Launchpad. Launchpad also, that's kind of where, the Catalyst Internship is kind of where we overlap. Because, really, the Launchpad is here for postdoc and student entrepreneurship, and the goal of learning that, and whatever that means, for each, you know, each person. So, we offer that internship, but we also have select, you know, learning events throughout the year. Nate, and I just actually hosted a health tech Launchpad Startup Week, which was a week experience where people could come absolutely, you know, having no experience at all in in this space that come with an, you know, potential business idea or not, and just show up, and then the people pitch these ideas, and then you kind of form teams, you know, around an idea, of four or five people. And then you just you work on your idea. And so you go and you talk to people, you do some customer discovery work, and you learn the process of what it means to you know, start a venture, and it's a great experience getting, going through, you know, coming up with an idea, really learning how to talk to people, who your customers are, knowing how to pivot because of that information. And then ultimately, create a pitch deck of like, why you know, what problem you're solving, and why is this going to be successful. So, that's, you know, one of the things that we offer, but you know, some people are already, you know, further along, maybe, you know, they've gotten that help already, we're here to meet them wherever they're at in their entrepreneurship journey, or just to gain this mindset, because it's really, you know, an important skill set, regardless of what career you choose. So, we're here to help guide wherever can be, we often will hook people up with mentors that might be you know, specific for them, point them in the right direction of all sorts of funding opportunities, or learning opportunities that may or may not be, you know, based at UCSF, but we have lots of great partnerships at other UC schools, and also through this whole Launchpad, Blackstone Launchpad Network, which was a network of 46 schools across the country, and in Ireland, we offer fellowships throughout the year that are small, you know, $5,000, funding opportunities for them to help further their venture. There's always, and we're, honestly, we're always here to hear what postdocs want, too. So we're here to help in whatever way we can.
Rachel Rudlaff 08:19
That's so cool. You guys offer so much programming for postdocs. I'm so excited to get into that and learn more about it. Before we go there, I'm kind of curious to hear about the two of you. And what drew you to UCSF and what drew you to these roles, where you're, you know, working on these Catalyst and Launchpad programs.
Nathaniel Prorok 08:39
Yeah, for me after grad school, I had a fellowship at the University of Utah Health. And that really inspired me in the idea of an academic medical center innovating and solving some of the biggest problems that the world faces. We did a lot of different kinds of innovative care models. And for me, when my fellowship concluded it was a natural transition for me to move from an innovative care model to an innovative product or an innovative way to work with people so that these problems could continue to be solved. And UCSF is, you know, world renowned for their level of innovation and entrepreneurship that I am thrilled to be a part of and learn about every day. And it is so much fun to share this community, this vast I&E ecosystem with the UCSF population that may not be aware of it. And so exposing postdocs to all these great resources that are at their fingertips for, for their ideas for their innovations to the problems that they see has been a fantastic experience.
Jeni Janci 09:57
Yeah, I agree. And what drew me to UCSF, and especially this program was, I guess, I started out my career in the biotech startup space, so, as a research associate, and I loved being in that kind of fast paced, constantly pivoting and innovative, you know, you were really wear like so many hats, even though you may or may not have the experience to do it. And it was just, it was a really fun experience for me. I decided to go back and get my PhD. And so I went through that process, which is a very different environment to be in. So I knew once I finished my PhD, that I was headed back to industry, because that's just, I like being more part of a team. But, I didn't understand how, you know, these in, you know, how these startups started and stuff like that, I was always looking for opportunities to really understand who starts these, you know, biotech companies and and how does that happen, and there wasn't a lot , when I was getting my PhD, there just wasn't a lot of information or support around that at all. So, when this opportunity came up to work at UCSF, which obviously has amazing research going on, and a lot of companies have spun out of UCSF, I was like jumped at the opportunity to be, like , to be able to see this this process, this translation from research to, you know, actual industry and commercialization. So, it started with the Catalyst program in order to really, you know, support some of these, you know, research driven focuses. But, of course, it was amazing to have this additional opportunity of starting the Launchpad at UCSF and just opening eyes and just making entrepreneurship more accessible to anyone that's interested because it really is like anyone can do it. If you're interested in it, you know, it can be a lot of work, a lot of fun. You know, many people take different paths, but I just, it really is open to everyone.
Lin Song 11:54
Hey, Lin here, I hope you're enjoying this episode. If you are, be sure to check out the postdoc office website at postdocs.ucsf.edu to keep up with the latest resources, events, and programming to build community among postdocs and help your research and career goals. Also, I encourage you to reach out to any Postdoc Leadership Fellow if you have any questions about what you're hearing in this episode, or if there's something else you would like to hear. And now, back to the podcast.
The next question is that what do postdocs most commonly come to your office to see you for?
Nathaniel Prorok 12:43
Yeah, postdocs come to us, between both the Catalyst and the Launchpad for a variety of things, I would say. Now, the number one thing that they come for initially, is funding, to fund their projects to fund their research. But after that, they realize that it's not just funding that is what we do, but all these other opportunities to learn and grow their idea, grow their understanding of I&E, whether it's through a fireside chat or a webinar, or an event like Jeni mentioned, where it's either a week or a weekend long, or we've done hackathons, to work as a team to solve a problem.
Jeni Janci 13:29
Yeah, I second what Nate said. I mean, yeah, funding sometimes just the understanding of where do I go next? How do I how do I take this further? And so, and that answer may be different for everyone, depending on where they are. So I guess, individualized support is kind of what both Catalysts and the Launchpad can offer.
Rachel Rudlaff 13:51
That's awesome. I think one of the other things that we really want to do in talking with you is eliminate any misconceptions that people might have about using your office or getting involved in either of your programs. So, are there any misconceptions you see postdocs having about your programming? We'd love to hear about those and what your responses to them?
Nathaniel Prorok 14:13
Yeah, that's a great question. And it kind of touches on what Jeni mentioned earlier about making innovation accessible. Far too often we hear and see people be like, "Oh, innovation, like, that's not my jam," or it's like, "Oh, no, like, I don't innovate in my role", which to me couldn't be further from the truth. If anybody sees a problem or an issue with their job, or with what they're doing, that is the potential to innovate, if you make an observation that, you know, this isn't working the way it should, or, you know, I think we can do it some other way. That to me is the heart of innovation and that's exactly what we do. And you know, so it's making this idea of innovation a lot more accessible to help people understand that it's not some scary word that happens at, you know, the top of the ivory tower. But it's something that we're doing, all of us every, single day.
Jeni Janci 15:15
I agree wholeheartedly, I think, yeah, one of the misconceptions just like, oh, they there's not, you know, "I'm not at the place where I'm starting a company, so I don't need to access, you know, talk to Catalyst or talk to Launchpad". And really, even if you don't think you're at a point of needing help, I mean, just to come, we're here to teach and provide access to this entrepreneurial space in general. And so, there's never a bad time to come, you know, have a conversation.
Nathaniel Prorok 15:46
Exactly. So if anyone who's listening to this is hesitant about contacting the Catalyst program, contacting the Launchpad, because they're unsure that what they're doing, may or may not fall within our scope, then just reach out. And it's innovation, is what you're probably doing, if you're even thinking about contacting us. And if you're not ready to use a word like that, we have so many opportunities and programs to I guess, add some fuel to that fire and get excited of the possibility of solving your problems using a lot of the resources that we have it completely free and at their 100% disposal.
Lin Song 16:35
I feel so lucky to have your office that offers a wonderful program for us. And the next question is that what's your goal for what you want postdocs take away after they meet you or participate in one of your wonderful events, from your office?
Nathaniel Prorok 16:54
Yeah, we're happy to meet postdocs wherever they are on their innovation and entrepreneurship journey. And so, if they come in for, you know, a webinar or a startup weekend, we want to start to expose them to this whole great community of resources, and help them make the connections so that they can continue down this path. And further their understanding, further their research, further their knowledge, and just become, yeah, more aware of everything that's ready and available to them.
Jeni Janci 17:35
Yeah, I agree. I mean, you know, there's part of me that I think that one thing that I hope they take away from is, "Oh, what are my next steps? And who can I go to, to, you know, help me with something." But, it's or, you know, "What program should I join?" and stuff like that. But it's really more than that, what I would really love people to take away from meeting with us is understanding that this entrepreneurship community is really accessible, and is very giving and give first. It's amazing, the people that love to give free mentoring in this space, it's really, a really close community. And yeah, and then one, like I said, very giving and very helpful, because to me, I always had this, you know, preconceived notion that, "Oh, entrepreneurship and starting a business, it must be cutthroat. And it sounds super competitive." And it couldn't be further from the truth, really, like everyone's here to help each other out. You know, we did a fireside chat with a former postdoc, you know, who founded a biotech company. And yeah, he wants to do these things, just to show people that you can do it too. And, you know, would completely be willing to pick up the phone and have a conversation.
Nathaniel Prorok 18:49
Absolutely. Great point, Jeni. And that kind of, you know, furthers the idea of accessibility. This community, they've just been incredibly generous with their time and energies and efforts. And it's really, I mean, sometimes people think of, you know, a cutthroat shark tank where ideas are bullied and really vetted in such a hard way. But it's much more of a cordial, collegial environment where people are really intellectually curious and inquisitive. And it's, uh, lots of great questions are asked lots of good support, and really nurturing them and their ideas.
Rachel Rudlaff 19:35
That's so great to hear. I think it's, yeah, I think that I have been in a place where I have felt that all these things were big and scary. And, so, it is really cool to know that there's so many resources dedicated to breaking everything down for us. And kind of closing, you know, what is your favorite thing about your job and about working at these programs and working with postdocs?
Nathaniel Prorok 19:58
Oh boy, it is so cool to see a postdoc come in with an idea that they're not so sure about, but they, you know, they take the step and they present their idea. And then over the course of a week or a month, or even several months to see how this idea develops, to see them start to make these connections to ask different questions of their solution, of themselves, of their team. And to see these ideas grow from, you know, just a casual observation, to something that is really full of potential to make a big difference in the world is fantastic. And not only seeing these ideas grow, but even more so to see the postdocs themselves grow as scientists and as learners and contributors and members of this ever growing community.
Jeni Janci 20:54
Yeah, I'd say my favorite thing about my job, one, is to see all this really cool innovation coming out of UCSF, and it's so diverse, you know, from therapeutics, and you know, diagnostics development to, you know, cool cutting edge digital health solutions, and you know, and everything in between. But, what's really cool is to see someone come in and think, okay, this is going to be, this is the project, and then having that aha moment, or pivot or change and seeing where they go, is a fun, is a fun thing to see. And also just, you know, being there at the start and seeing people just thinking about it as a possibility, like, I think I, you know, I think this could be a company, and then you know, giving that support, connecting people, and then all of a sudden, you know, two years later, it's like, it really is a legit company, and they're now raising $5 million. Like, that's, that's just an amazing thing to see that growth so fast.
Lin Song 21:52
What you just said, really beautiful, and really inspiring. The last question is what the one thing that your program did for postcards that you didn't expect?
Nathaniel Prorok 22:04
You know, I think after doing this for a couple of years now, I feel like there's nothing out of the realm of expectations. You know, Jeni was just talking about how they come with this idea, and then they're raising $5 million. I mean, that is now totally in the realm of not necessarily being expected of them, but in the realm of very real possibility.
Jeni Janci 22:29
Yeah, I mean, I think I think I would agree, it's like, I, when I first started this job, I didn't know like, how, how much people could succeed out of this. And then I think that, that, you know, just giving that support, and you know, and in the right places, just really does make an impact. So again, whether, you know, they have a lot of support in their research ideas, but getting the industry advice, you know, from our outside advisors, that are, you know, willing to give their time and expertise is, it really does push, you know, push people forward a lot faster than I expected.
Rachel Rudlaff 23:04
That's awesome. It sounds like, there's a lot of things you all do that I need to look into.
Jeni Janci 23:09
Yes, please, we love everyone to come over.
Nathaniel Prorok 23:13
Yeah, we have a regular newsletter that goes out, we'd encourage you to sign up for that. Check out our website, we put all sorts of opportunities--Jeni mentioned, the, the Startup Week that we just did. And right before that we did a career fair, that was just a fantastic networking opportunity for everybody. And you know, we're still very early in what this Launchpad is, and there have been so many times where a postdoc has come to us, and they're like, you know, it'd be cool if there's something like this. And we're like, okay, yeah, let's do it. And we bring the postdoc on as much as they want to contribute and participate to the organizing and planning of said opportunity, and we do it. Because usually, if one person has the need for it, then we're, there's usually a fertile community that's also very excited for something like that.
Jeni Janci 24:08
I encourage everyone to you know, reach out to us. Another, maybe, plug that I want to put in is our, we're growing our online community, if you will. And so that's at UCSF.startuptree.co. And, you know, that's a place where you can schedule time with us. You can also just email us, which is absolutely fine, too. But, you can see jobs and events and opportunities at the startup tree website, too.
Rachel Rudlaff 24:40
Thank you both so much for all this information. It is so cool. I'm sure so many postdocs are gonna flock to you all that don't know about it already. And learn more, this is always such an exciting space, I think.
Jeni Janci 24:53
Yeah. Great. Thanks so much for having us.
Nathaniel Prorok 24:55
Yeah, thank you.
Jeni Janci 24:56
I know we look forward to talking with as many postdocs as possible
April Bell 25:06
Thank you for listening to the Postdoc Leadership Fellows podcast. We hope you enjoyed it. But more than that, we hope that it was helpful to you.
Oleta Johnson 25:13
And, if it was helpful to you, we encourage you to share this with any postdoc that you think might find this information useful.
Rachel Rudlaff 25:23
As a reminder, you can contact us at any time. You can find our information on the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars website, and you can also reach out to the postdoc office.
Lin Song 25:34
Thank you so much to listen to this episode.