Jonathan Molina

Class of 2025-2026

Undergrad & Masters: California State University San Marcos PhD: University of Notre Dame, Biological Sciences
2017

Capstone Project Abstract: 

Urinary tract infections are one of most common infections with around 400 million diagnoses per year worldwide accounting for ≥30% of diagnoses. These infections are about three times more prevalent in women than men. Specifically, about 50% of women will develop a UTI at least once in their lifetime. Furthermore, about 1 in 3 UTI patients will also have recurring UTIs (rUTI) where an initial infection is successfully treated but then followed by another re-infection within two months which initial treatment fails to treat. These infections are particularly difficult to treat due to high antibiotic resistance among pathogens and disruption of gut microbiota resulting from systemic antibiotics; no known UTI treatment directly treats the urinary tract. In addition, UTIs that are left untreated may disseminate into the kidneys, potentially lead to bloodstream infections, and result in sepsis with a high mortality rate. To solve this problem, Parkview Health has developed intellectual property for a delivery mechanism that slowly delivers treatments to the urinary tract with high success rate in treating infections. The objective for this project is to determine a commercialization pathway: whether that be spinning out a separate entity or licensing. To do so, the student will gather insights from patients, physicians, researchers, and industry experts to generate actionable insights. With this approach, Parkview will remain committed to providing innovative solutions and treatments for patients with healthcare needs.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose ESTEEM because I found myself creating many new tools and generating ideas throughout my research, and I know that other spinouts have the same process. In the future I would like to be more involved in guiding the decision-making process of new business.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM, I hope to work in industry guiding new MedTech ideas, promoting health in patients, and leveraging my research background to bring innovative solutions to market.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watching movies, building mechanical keyboards, playing pickleball, and learning about the world around me.