I provide analysis on the state of private and public investment in synthetic biology through maintaining the synthetic biology index and writing the quarterly investment reports. I believe that new biological technologies will have a huge impact on fields ranging from healthcare to industry to agriculture. I'm looking to connect with entrepreneurs and investors in these fields to provide expertise.
I completed my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Professor Christina Smolke in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University. My research involved the use of machine learning to automate the design of biological systems.
During my Ph.D, I worked with a number of early-stage venture groups to assist in the sourcing and evaluation of life sciences startups, and worked with startups to develop their businesses.
Former clients: Five Prime Ventures (now Genoa Ventures), Breakout Labs, Fifty Years, Playground Global, Adi Family Office, Haystack Sciences, Lattice Automation.
Ph.D. - Bioengineering: Stanford University
Master of Science - Bioengineering; Stanford University
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Cell Biology; Rice University
Senior Data Scientist - Boston Consulting Group; Houston
March 2022 - Present
Data Scientist - Mercury Data Science; Houston
October 2020 - March 2022
Performs data exploration, analysis, and machine learning services for clients.
Builds predictive models for user behavior and determines which product features drive user engagement.
Creates interactive dashboards and presentations for the effective communication of findings.
Advisory Board Member - Cemvita Factory; Houston
January 2019 - March 2022
Advises on commercial and fundraising strategy.
Venture Consultant
January 2018 - March 2022
Writes and presents investment memos to partners detailing the commercial potential of a company using technological research, market analysis, and KOL testimony.
Leverages network in the life science startup ecosystem to source potential investments in early-stage life science companies for clients, leading to investment opportunities.
Supports clients’ portfolio companies by creating technology development and go-to-market strategies.
Works with startups to refine their fundraising pitches and advise on commercial strategy.
Product Manager - SynBioBeta; Houston
October 2019 - October 2020
Managed the Bioeconomy Hub membership product.
Conducted market research to determine customer profile and needs.
Developed the technology platform to deliver features and experiences that fulfill member needs and exceed member expectations.
Doubled sales revenue year-over-year as a business development associate.
Provided analysis on the state of private and public investment in synthetic biology through maintaining The Synthetic Biology Index and writing the quarterly investment reports.
Ph.D. Candidate - Dr. Christina Smolke's Laboratory; Stanford University
June 2014 - October 2019
Thesis title: Rational design of ribozyme switches through big data and machine learning.
Developed software that can accurately predict activity of ribozyme switches using machine learning, enabling the de novo design of RNA-based genetic devices.
Member of the 2016 - 2017 Accel Innovation Scholars program, learned about technology commercialization.
Analyst Intern - 5 Prime Ventures; San Francisco
January 2015 - December 2017
Contributed to deal-flow and diligence activities by identifying promising opportunities, analyzing sector landscapes, conducting expert interviews, and assessing specific technologies, companies, and markets.
Student Ambassador - Breakout Labs; San Francisco
October 2015 - October 2017
Identified promising early-stage technology-based startups and assisted them in applying for Breakout Labs funding.
Research Assistant - Dr. Matthew Bennett's Lab; Rice University
December 2010 - June 2014
Developed a genetic circuit that allows for multiple plasmids to be maintained under only one selection marker, which simplifies working with large genetic networks.
Technology Commercialization Intern - Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship; Rice University
January 2013 - May 2014
Evaluated technologies from Rice and Houston-area labs on their commercial potential.
Amgen Scholar - Dr. James Golden's Laboratory; UC San Diego
June 2013 - August 2013
Characterized theophylline-activated riboswitches in several cyanobacterial species to increase the number of tools researchers can use for biofuel production.
Biotech Equity Research Intern - Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Inc.; New York
June 2012 - August 2012
Completed an initiation of coverage report for Infinity Pharmaceuticals, which included researching drug candidates and developing a financial model of the company through 2019.
Schmidt CM, Smolke CD. A convolutional neural network for the prediction and forward design of ribozyme-based gene-control elements. eLife. April 2021.
Schmidt CM, Smolke CD. RNA Switches for Synthetic Biology. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. January 2019; 11:a032532.
Ma AT, Schmidt CM, Golden JW. Regulation of Gene Expression in Diverse Cyanobacterial Species Using Theophylline-Responsive Riboswitches. Applied Environmental Microbiology. November 2014; 80(21): 6704-6713.
Schmidt CM, Shis DL, Nguyen-Huu TD, Bennett MR. Stable maintenance of multiple plasmids in E. coli using a single selective marker. ACS Synthetic Biology. October 2012; 1(10): 445-450.
Citywire: Why Baillie Gifford and ARK are all over ‘synthetic biology’
Silicon Republic: New York invests $25m in SOSV’s IndieBio to fuel life sciences ambitions
Forbes: Why This Synthetic Biology Stock Has Doubled Since IPO
SynBioBeta: How Twist Bioscience doubled its stock price in nine months
SynBioBeta: These 37 synthetic biology companies raised $1.2B this quarter
Breakout Labs: New Harvest 2016: How will science shape the future of food?