It’s a Good Time to Be a Scientist
By Burstein, Laurie
Four scientists with strong ties to St. Louis share their thoughts on how and why they got into the ?eld of science, exciting projects they are working on, and why they love what they do.
Dr. Ranier W. Bussmann
Missouri Botanical Garden
Dr. Ranier W. Bussmann joined the Missouri Botanical Garden last November as director of the William L. Brown Center for Plant Genetic Resources. As an ethnobotanist, vegetation ecologist and conservationist, Dr. Bussmann’s department is responsible for everything that has to do with useful plants.
“That means we study how people all over the world can use plants in all kinds of ways,” Dr. Bussmann explains. “Whether it’s for traditional medicine, herbal supplements, food, bio fuel or fibers, we study how plants can be used in any way possible.”
Dr. Bussmann says that today his field is becoming more important as research and exploration is leading to new applications for plant- based medicine. And the Missouri Botanical Garden has one of the largest research programs with projects all over the world.
“We are really in a renaissance of plant use and are working to find new food resources to improve the nutrition in developing countries, ” he says. “This is a very exciting time to be in this field.”
Dr. Bussmann adds that his department is working in at least a dozen countries now with large projects to study crops and plants in places like Peru, Madagascar and Indo China. Here they look at how plants can be safely produced so local communities can get income, while being mindful of rainforest conservation and global climate change.
“We also focus on bringing back plants to the U.S. for traditional drug discovery and the herbal market, as well as the food/beverage industry for coffees, teas and chocolate. Plants have so many uses today,” Dr. Bussmann says.
Dr. Bussmann explains that the plant science field has dramatically changed in the last two decades. “Before we simply documented information about plants, but today there is such a demand for finding plants for drug discovery and new foods. And with developments like climate resistant crops and the demand for new herbal medicines, there are many important developments,” he says.
Dr. Bussmann first became interested in science in his native Germany. As a high school student, he had a teacher who encouraged him when he started breeding butterflies and studying plants. At 14, Dr. Bussmann knew he wanted to get a Ph.D. in botany. One of his first jobs was studying the tropical mountain forests in East Africa. His twenty-year career includes teaching and research positions at various universities in the United States. He is the author of more than 150 papers and several books.
There are many things Dr. Bussmann loves about his field. “I love the daily thrill of finding new plants that can contribute to better health and nutrition. I also get to meet very interesting people every day whether it’s politicians, other scientists, or a nomad in a mud hut. It’s fascinating to be around many different people in many different settings.”
For students wanting to get into science, Dr. Bussmann’s advice is to study what they are really interested in no matter what people may say.
“I am a good example of this strategy,” Dr. Bussman says. “When I first started studying, I was told by one person not to study botany and that I would never get a job. I pursued my studies in botany anyway, and it worked out very well. My studies got me around the world doing what I love to do. My advice is don’t stop in front of closed doors. Keep pursuing what you love.”
Dr. Daniel Getman
Pfizer Inc.-St. Louis Laboratories
Daniel P. Getman, Ph.D. is vice president of Pfizer’s global research and development and director of the St. Louis Laboratories.
Dr. Getman’s expertise and training is in synthetic organic chemistry and he has spent more than 25 years in pharmaceutical research and development. During his career, he has held positions with Monsanto, Searle and Pharmacia before joining Pfizer in 2003. His research experience includes drug discovery in the areas of arthritis, cancer and infectious diseases including AIDS. Dr. Getman is an inventor of over 50 U.S. patents and the co-author of nearly 25 publications.
As director of research and development for Pfizer’s St. Louis labs, Dr. Getman is responsible for 1,200 people including 1,000 scientists. In St. Louis, Dr. Getman says there are two main areas of focus: 1) inflammation with an emphasis on arthritis. Pfizer scientists are working on the next generation of drugs to treat several forms of arthritis. 2) biologic drugs which include protein- based medicines. These have great potential in treating many diseases including cancer and arthritis.
These two areas are exciting because they are at the forefront of science Dr. Getman says. “We are at the forefront of new technology to develop new medicines against a variety of diseases,” he says. “The bottom line is we have the potential to have a major impact on diseases that affect millions of people around the world.”
“When I worked in the lab doing medicinal chemistry, I used to tell people I had the best job in the world,” Dr. Getman says. “I can come into the lab and make a new composite that has the potential to make a huge difference in people’s lives. Today, I lead a large group of people at Pfizer who have the opportunity to impact people’s lives.”
Dr. Getman says he first got into science in high school when he was lucky to have a chemistry teacher who really got him excited about science. He worked in the lab every day after school and his teacher got him a summer job working with a graduate student where his job began with cleaning the lab. This eventually led to more internships, and Dr. Getman found he loved being in the lab and being part of a team.
“Some people might think scientists work by themselves, but there is a tremendous amount of camaraderie in working in the lab. You are part of a team working together, and it’s a very exciting process,” Dr. Getman says.
“I think we are in the midst of another revolution in terms of medicine,” Dr. Getman says. The amount of knowledge and technology we now have is unbelievable. We have the human genome, but our challenge is to decide how we best use the knowledge and technology.”
For those seeking a career in science, Dr. Getman says, “Science is a great career because there is a lot of opportunity for people who want to make a difference and who want to be a part of a team. The nice thing about science is that you always continue to learn, it’s not static.”
Dr. Getman continues, “My advice for students is to really get out and experience science. The best thing I ever did was work in the lab. Go to your science teacher and ask where you can get some practical experience and exposure.”
Dr. Getman is also enthusiastic about science in St. Louis. “St. Louis has a critical mass of great institutions and scientists here. We are starting to become more well-known through our educational facilities and science-based companies, and are seeing more start- up companies. I believe we have built a solid base that is ready to take off. I think it’s a really exciting time for both science and for the St. Louis area.”
Dr. Jai Nagarkatti
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation
Dr. Jai Nagarkatti is an organic chemist by training and has spent his 40-year career in the field in one form or another. Today he serves as president and CEO of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, a $2 billion global life science company headquartered in St. Louis.
With more than 7,000 employees in 35 countries, Sigma-Aldrich produces 130,000 different chemicals used by researchers all over the world. Its products are used for lifesaving pharmaceuticals on one end of the spectrum, to flavors for food and fragrance in perfumes, and even in the chemicals found in paints to produce works of art.
Sigma-Aldrich products are also being used in new areas including chemicals for making computer chips. These chemicals are used to create the vivid colors found in high-definition flat panel TV screens for example.
Sigma-Aldrich is known for providing chemicals to manufacturers to produce vaccines for everything from childhood diseases to animal health. In addition, Sigma-Aldrich develops agricultural chemicals for pesticides.
Dr. Nagarkatti says a big part of his job is to make sure his company keeps pace with technology and delivers products to its more than one million customers around the world.
“We sell our products in over 150 countries and we get anywhere from 15-17,000 orders a day from customers all over the world,” Dr. Nagarkatti says. Most pharmaceuticals developed today use a Sigma- Aldrich product at some stage.”
Dr. Nagarkatti says his field is changing in a number of ways from people trying to get research done faster with less trial and error, to using chemicals that are biodegradable and better for the environment.
Curious by nature, Dr. Nagarkatti says he has always been interested in why things work the way they do. “This forms the basis for anyone who goes into science. I was influenced by my environment with teachers who helped shape my own curiosity.”
Dr. Nakargatti taught chemistry in India where he was born and earned a master’s degree. He came to the United States in 1970 and got his Ph.D. in chemistry and then joined Sigma-Aldrich where he has worked ever since. He has gone from making new products, to running plants, to ultimately managing the company today.
Throughout his 40-year career, Dr. Nagarkatti says he has always been interested in finding solutions. “Today it’s very satisfying that we can make a product at Sigma-Aldrich that enables others to create something that improves quality of life.”
Dr. Nagarkatti strongly encourages those contemplating a career in the biotech sector and says St. Louis is a great place to get experience.
“The world needs more young people in science. We are very fortunate that in the St. Louis community we have remarkable learning centers and universities, as well as facilities like the Saint Louis Science Center.”
Dr. Nagarkatti believes that there has never been a better time to be involved in science. “We are on the cusp of achieving even greater things as a society and the fundamental basis for everything is science and research. The more people who get involved in science, the more we can help solve many of the world’s problems.”
Dr. Ganesh Kishore
Burrill & Company
Dr. Ganesh Kishore has a long history of working in St. Louis and spent the past 26 years with two well-known companies -21 years with Monsanto and five years with Dupont. And although he recently moved on to become managing director of the San Francisco-based company Burrill & Co., he still considers St. Louis to be his home.
As managing director at Burrill & Co., a venture capital group, Dr. Kishore focuses on activities in Malaysia and India, among other things. In addition, Burrill is a merchant banker and has a media group that publishes reports on biotechnology.
Dr. Kishore specializes in technology as it relates to life sciences and biochemistry. “We try to find applications in agriculture, food and nutrition, and biofuels to serve consumers in all parts of the world.”
He continues, “We participate actively with entrepreneurs to see how science can be turned into technology and technology into products and businesses.”
One of the exciting new developments Dr. Kishore identifies is that the cost of sequencing of genomes has come down dramatically making the potential for practical applications even more possible.
“One example is that the corn genome has been sequenced recently by a group from Washington University,” Dr Kishore says. “The way we breed corn will be more efficient. Genome sequencing has also opened up potential in the area of synthetic biology. Through our ability to mobilize genes into microorganisms, we will be able to construct almost anything we want from fuel that will replace gas and diesel fuel to making an anti-malaria drug. “
“And with human genome sequencing, we will be able to ward off diseases and experience a state of well being that mankind has never seen,” he adds.
As a young student in India, Dr. Kishore knew he wanted to get into science at an early age. “I was fortunate to read and learn about biology and it really drew my attention. My father wanted me to be an electronic engineer, but I chose biochemistry and he trusted me to make my own decision.”
In 1980, Dr. Kishore came to the United States and was the third biochemist hired by Monsanto. He went on to work on several huge products including NutraSweet and took a leadership role in developing the technology behind Roundup Ready. He became the chief biotechnologist for Monsanto during his 21-year career with the company. He then went on to work with DuPont for five years and served as chief biotechnology officer.
Dr. Kishore says he has never looked back from his early decision to become a biochemist and says scientists really have an opportunity to make an impact both locally and globally.
“The interfacing of chemistry, biology and physics is where the action is today,” Dr. Kishore says. “Our challenge is to address the kind of problems we have and serve humanity. Technology and science are the keys to everything from the way we produce food, to how to care for an aging population, to climate change.”
And although his new company is based in San Francisco, Dr. Kishore speaks very highly of St. Louis as a biotech hub.
“St. Louis is one of the country’s secret jewels,” he says. “We have so many fantastic institutions in the region. In St Louis, you can do exciting work and interact with great people, while still being connected globally.”
In terms of advice for students, Dr. Kishore says, “Really focus on being a scientist and don’t get distracted. It’s hard work, but with skills and imagination you can be successful. “
Even after a long successful career, Dr. Kishore is still excited about the field of science and has no plans to slow down. “This is an enormously exciting time. In fact, I wish I was still a baby since there are so many profound discoveries to be made in the next 50 to 100 years.”
Copyright St. Louis Region Commerce and Growth Association Jun 2008
(c) 2008 St. Louis Commerce Magazine. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.