About Me:
Hello, I'm Russell Bartlein; a first-year master's student with the Microbial Biotechnology program at NC State University. I have always had a passion for the practical improvement of health using innovative technologies, leading me to pursue a career in Pharmacological Biotechnology. With current experience in the MMB program, a strong undergraduate biology background, and relevant industry projects, I am well-suited to make a positive impact on the industry.
As a short aside about myself, I am a North Carolina native, and I love to hike, cycle, and climb. I also greatly enjoy connecting with people involved in all aspects of the biotechnology space, as I believe there is great value in being educated in many different fields and perspectives.
Russell Bartlein, MMB
ASPIRING BIOTECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL
(+1) 704-929-9857
Email:
Organization:
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone:
ABOUT THE MMB PROGRAM
Program Description
The Masters of Microbial Biotechnology program is a professional science master's program at NC State University with a direct focus on preparing students for careers in the Biotechnology industry. The program blends nominal scientific coursework with MBA-level business coursework and provides practical training through industry-partnered practicum projects and through mid-program internships. Additionally, the program offers an optional dual-degree pathway, permitting an extra year of full-time study to earn an MBA in a particular discipline of the student's choice. With these traits, the MMB program is expertly crafted to provide students with a path to a successful career in Biotechnology.
Academic Pathway:
Program beginning, August 2025
Biotechnology graduate certificate completion, high relevance to R&D
Full-time MBA start, August 2027
2028
2025
Targeted MBA-level coursework and focus on Biotechnology research
Expected graduation date for MMB, May 2027
Graduation with MBA, with focus in product/business development, May 2028
MBA COURSEWORK
MBA-585: Current Topics in Bioscience Management
Description:
A practical course involving the current industry trends shaping the biotechnology industry, with case studies and weekly industry guest speakers
Example Assignment: Case Study Presentation
EDUCATION
RELEVANT COURSEWORK:
2025-2027(2028)
Masters of Microbial Biotechnology
North Carolina State University
Degree Focus: R&D, Product Development
Technical coursework in various subjects related to Biotechnology research and development, such as Core Techniques*, Protein Purification, and Special Topics: RNA Interference. MBA-level coursework includes Biosciences Management and Product Development.
2023-2025
Degree Focus: Cell Biology
Undergraduate studies involved heavy investment in cell biology disciplines. Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Cell Biology, Stem Cell Biology, and Bacterial Genetics. Additionally, undergraduate research was performed on plant pathogenesis and genetic recombination via Agrobacterium, as well as Biology education research.
Bachelor's of Science, Biology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2022-2023
Associates of Science
Gaston College
Transfer Degree: AS
One year was spent at Gaston College to prepare for transfer to UNCCH. Coursework included mostly general education, such as Algebra-based Physics, Analytical Chemistry, and Human Genetics
CAREER OBJECTIVES
Short-term: Internship
My primary short-term goal is to gain industry experience via an internship. I am looking to take a multi-faceted role in any subdivision to maximize exposure
Long-term: Research Director
My longer-term career goal is to work in a position where I can influence the direction of my company in both research and business directions. I believe a research director, or another business-forward position that interacts with research would be ideal.
Sub-Industry Considerations:
Although my core interests lie in pharmacology, many of my practical experiences, such as undergraduate research, are in plant biotechnology. I am heavily considering both fields, but I would prefer to work in the development of experimental human medicines.
The Operative Plan:
While in the MMB program, I am looking to partake in actions to promote my career development. This includes substantial networking, garnering working relationships, and gaining more thorough industry experience through projects to shape my career outlook.
TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION
Individual Communication Proficiency Exemplification:
Group Communication Proficiency Exemplification:
French - Mother Tongue
Teamwork Proficiency Exemplification:
Executive Summary for bioMerieux
PRACTICUM PROJECTS
PRACTICUM PROJECT #1: bioMérieux
Project Description:
bioMérieux is a large biotechnology company focused on the manufacturing and sale of diagnostic products, with a focus on sepsis. This project involved a competitor analysis of downstream diagnostic products on-market for sepsis diagnosis, as well as a clinical gap analysis of bioMérieux's and BD's upstream blood culturing products.
Project Goals:
As a bi-faceted project, this project had two primary goals. The first goal was to construct a comprehensive market landscape of existing and in-development products competing with bioMerieux's flagship downstream sepsis diagnostic products, such as the VITEK2. This was accomplished by thoroughly assessing public databases, scraping technical information, and constructing a numerical comparison matrix. The second goal was to suggest whether or not bioMerieux should expand the boundaries of growth conditions in their blood culture bottles in response to the potential of clinically significant organisms not being captured by their existing product. This was fulfilled by ascertaining large datasets of clinical data to compare any significant gaps that exist in the blood culture product.
PRACTICUM PROJECT
#2: Ummino
Project Description:
Ummino is a small biotechnology startup company focused on the synthesis of functional nutrition ingredients and prebiotic products. This project revolves around driving business-to-business negotiations for Ummino by providing targeted voice-of-customer insights regarding their signature product, Hummino. This product is a prebiotic fiber consisting of a galacto-oligosaccharide chemically bound to LacNAc, a natural sugar found in human breastmilk. With this unique structure, Hummino is able to feed beneficial bacteria, reinforce the gut microbiome, and help reverse leaky gut symptoms.
Project Goals:
The primary goal of this project is to analyze data on consumer interests regarding different aspects of an emerging prebiotic product, arriving at actionable insights for product positioning. Hummino is being positioned as a functional food ingredient, and thus the aim is to integrate Hummino into a variety of foods in order to bring about its prebiotic benefits to the consumer. By reaching out to an applicable customer base, in this case the student body of NC State University, Ummino can glean invaluable business insights as they look to fully commercialize Hummino.
