The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to a graduate who has achieved special recognition in his or her professional career. We are proud this year to honor:

Cynthia Robbins-Roth, Ph.D., Principal, BioVenture Consultants was named the Distinguished Alumnus of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the May 2006 commencement services.

Dr. Robbins-Roth received her undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1980.  She completed post-doctoral work at UTMB in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.  She was a research scientist within the Immunology and Protein Biochemistry groups at Genentech, Inc. and then joined the Business Development group at California Biotechnology Inc. (Mountain View, California).

Dr. Robbins-Roth has been a consultant to the Bioscience Industry since 1986, providing technology assessment, competitor analysis, strategic planning, due diligence, market analysis and fund management consultation services. Her clients include major venture capital firms, established pharmaceutical companies, and early-stage biotechnology companies. Dr. Robbins-Roth is a member of the Board of Directors of NewBiotics, an early-stage biotechnology company, and former board member for Xavos Corp. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Genesys Capital (Toronto) and BioVeda Capital (Singapore).

Dr. Robbins-Roth founded BioVenture Publishing, which produced BioVenture View, a monthly newsletter covering key business and product developments, and BIOPEOPLE Magazine, the first biotech industry business magazine. She was the founding Editor-in-Chief (1989 - 1991) of BioWorld Publications, the first daily biotechnology news and information service. She is the editor and author of Alternative Careers in Science: Leaving the Ivory Tower (Academic Press) and writes a biotechnology column for Forbes ASAP Magazine and Biotechnology Investing.com.

             Cynthia Robbins-Roth Ph.D.

Her second book, From Alchemy to IPO: The Business of Biotechnology, was published in 2000 by Perseus Press and was rated one of the best business books for biotech investors by Motley Fool.

Dr. Robbins-Roth briefly described her non-traditional career path and told the graduates, “all of you can create your very own place in this emerging new world, nothing is set in stone. And you have the very best preparation. As scientists, we are trained to look at uncertainty and create a way to ask questions that might reduce that uncertainty. This skill can be applied to everything you face out there- not just science.  The universe is filled with amazing, astounding ways for you to ask and answer questions. Good luck and have fun!”