Be A Biochemist

An Entrepreneurial Biochemist Looking to Develop Human Health Solutions: Nick Inboden

Jessica Helzer — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:00:14 +0000

An Entrepreneurial Biochemist Looking to Develop Human Health Solutions: Nick Inboden Jessica Helzer Fri, 03/13/2026 - 14:00

CU BOULDER: THE PLACE FOR ME

Toward the end of my senior year of high school, I had narrowed down where I wanted to go to college between one out of state school and 91��ý. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to pursue but having always loved chemistry, and having found its intersection with biology interesting, biochemistry was the natural choice. I was torn between schools until I spoke with a researcher in the life sciences who explained the strength that Boulder had in regard to research and faculty, particularly through BioFrontiers. His recommendation, along with the recommendation of other individuals I respect, were the main reasons I chose Boulder.

Throughout my coursework within the Biochemistry department, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive exposure to many different subsets of Biochemistry and their respective applications. Speaking with various professors about their industry experiences, basic academic research, and ventures they were spinning out with IP from basic research played a significant role in how I viewed the field and sparked my continued fascination with biochemistry.

BIOCHEMISTRY AS INSPIRATION

The idea that a researcher studying bacterial defense mechanisms in an academic lab can lead to cures for otherwise devastating human diseases is as fascinating as it is inspirational. I think this in essence encapsulates my interest in the field. Most people I interact with in the field have an authentic interest in what they are working towards, whether it be academic or commercial, and view their work as more than simply a means to a paycheck. This meaningfulness and the mentally stimulating nature of the field really inspires me.

It is difficult for me to figure out where I will end up in the field. What I want to do changes every 3 weeks when I discover a new facet of Biochemistry. I do believe that my future lies in developing solutions for human health issues, but I don’t have a specific path or timeline in mind...

“A year ago, I was in a very different place from where I am now. Things always look good on paper and LinkedIn, but the reality is that there’s times where things are tough. I’m happy I’ve learned to be honest with people and ask for help when I need it.”

CHARTING MY OWN PATH: CU BIOCHEMISTRY + INDUSTRY SUPPORT

At the end of my sophomore year, I had my eyes set on investment banking. A blessing in disguise, a coffee chat I had set up hoping to be offered a summer analyst position revealed to me that I was terrible at having conversations in a business environment. Getting rejected from that position led me to start improving my communication skills by blogging about the intersection of biotech and finance, and also by setting up coffee chats with people ranging from research scientists to private equity generalists, to bankers who had taken therapeutics companies public. During one of these conversations, I asked an individual if they knew anyone in biotech they could connect me with, which is how I got in contact with Michael Savvides, CEO of Imagine Biotech. Reading into the work Imagine Biotech was doing regarding predictive toxicology and reducing the risk novel therapeutics run to both patients and investors, I knew an undergrad wouldn’t be of much use to the company. Leveraging my blog and putting together a rudimentary due diligence report that I presented during my first meeting with Michael, I was able to start doing marketing work for the company. As with any startup, roles change quickly so I was able to get exposure to market research authoring portions of the due diligence report provided to a company to aid in their IND application.

As my skills reading papers developed, the architecture behind the predictive toxicology models became more interesting and understandable. Eventually, I was able to move into a more technical role working with these technologies. The field is rapidly evolving and being able to participate in it is rewarding.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BIOCHEMISTRY ACADEMICS

Outside of biochemistry, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing piano, cooking, reading and going to the gym.

Biochemistry Profile: Nick Inboden

The Department of Biochemistry is excited to congratulate Nick as he approaches the Spring commencement where he will earn a BA in Biochemistry and also successfully completed his Minor in Business Finance in Spring of 2025. We believe he will continue in a role with Imagine Biotech where he has been involved in Marketing, Market Research, Machine Learning, and Predictive Toxicology.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:

For better or for worse, I take on responsibility before knowing if I am capable, and figure things out as I go. All of the successful individuals I’ve met have adapted and figured things out along the way. This is why I don’t make detailed plans for my life, things change and I know I’ll have to adapt.

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Postdoctoral researcher Nathan Bullen announced as a 2025 Jane Coffin Childs fellow, supporting his research on how organisms survive when their RNA is under attack

Jessica Helzer — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:47:51 +0000

Postdoctoral researcher Nathan Bullen announced as a 2025 Jane Coffin Childs fellow, supporting his research on how organisms survive when their RNA is under attack Jessica Helzer Wed, 07/02/2025 - 15:47

A University of Colorado Boulder postdoctoral researcher specializing in biochemistry is one of 29 to be awarded a Jane Coffin Childs fellowship in 2025.

Nathan Bullen, a postdoctoral scholar in the 91��ý Department of Biochemistry and the Aaron Whiteley Lab, studies how organisms survive when their RNA is under attack. As a Jane Coffin Childs (JCC) fellow, he will receive three years of salary funding to support his research out of the almost $8 million the JCC has committed to its fellows this year.

The Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research (JCC Fund) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious postdoctoral fellowships in the United States. Established in 1937 to honor the memory of Jane Coffin Childs, who died from breast cancer in 1936, and to support cancer research, the JCC Fund has since expanded its mission to include fundamental basic scientific research into the causes and treatment of human disease.

See More in the 91��ý A&S Magazine!

Nathan Bullen, a postdoctoral scholar in the 91��ý Department of Biochemistry and the Aaron Whiteley Lab, was awarded a 2025 Jane Coffin Childs fellowship.

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Postdoctoral fellow Hannah Ledvina recipient of 2021 Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 20:47:14 +0000

Postdoctoral fellow Hannah Ledvina recipient of 2021 Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 06/04/2021 - 14:47

Dr. Hannah E. Ledvina, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Aaron Whiteley’s lab in the Biochemistry Department, is a recipient of the 2021 Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship. This prestigious award was first established in 1937 and aims to support cutting edge medical research at the early career level. Each year 25-30 applicants selected “from among the best young scientist” are awarded three years of funding in a rigorous, highly informed selection process conducted by the Jane Coffin Childs (JCC) Board of Scientific Advisors.

The JCC Memorial fund “has taken a broad approach to the study of cell growth and development, emphasizing the study of the basic biology and chemistry of the underlying processes.” Previous awardees include CUs own Dr. Edward Chuong (BioFrontiers and MCDB), Dr. Robert Batey (Biochemistry), and Dr. Aaron Whiteley (Biochemistry).

Prior to joining 91��ý, Dr. Ledvina did her PhD research at the University of Washington in the lab of Dr. Joseph Mougous. There, she characterized a novel family of enzymes encoded by bacteria that can manipulate host cell membranes and promote bacterial growth. Additionally, her work revealed a previously unrecognized mechanism utilized by the pathogen Francisella tularensis during infection to obtain essential nutrients from the host. In recognition of her contributions to the field of bacterial pathogenesis, Dr. Ledvina was awarded the Helen R. Whiteley Dissertation Award.

Motivated by the desire to continue studying the molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions, Dr. Ledvina joined the lab of Dr. Whiteley here at 91��ý. Research in the Whiteley lab is focused on understanding the fundamental aspects of immune signaling and pathogenesis. Specifically, Dr. Ledvina is interested in the antagonist interplay between viruses and their host with the goal of uncovering novel antiviral therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Ledvina’s work funded by the JCC is focused on studying bacterial innate immune systems that defend against the viruses that invade bacteria, phages. Numerous facets of these pathways remain unknown, as do the mechanisms utilized by phages to evade immune detection. Dr. Ledvina plans to combine genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology to uncover to molecular mechanisms underlying these systems. Excitingly, bacterial immune systems are the progenitor to certain human innate immune pathways known to defend against viruses and cancer; therefore, findings from this work have the potential to be directly applicable to human health.

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