Julia Spear

Class of 2025

Susquehanna University (undergraduate), University of Notre Dame (graduate)
Biology, B.S. and Integrated Biomedical Sciences, PhD

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I joined the ESTEEM program shortly after earning my PhD in Biomedical Sciences because I wanted to step out of the lab and into a new opportunity of learning about business and innovation. My goals are to learn about what makes biotechnology and science industry companies successful beyond their research, and I am excited to be working with Amicus Therapeutics as my capstone project.

What is your capstone project?

Amicus Therapeutics is a global, patient-focused biotechnology company at the forefront of advanced therapies to treat a range of rare diseases. Amicus currently has early-stage gene therapies in its pipeline, as these medicines were once thought to revolutionize the treatment of rare diseases. However, the adoption of gene therapy has been slow in recent years, with only a few products approved for public use and a lack of commercial uptake.
Amicus is interested in investigating the landscape of gene therapy programs through a multifaceted approach, including the evaluation of currently approved and rejected gene therapies, and establishing benchmarks for successful gene therapies. An important goal of this initiative is to gather insights from patients, physicians, researchers, and industry experts to formulate an effective strategy for gene therapy programs. With this approach, Amicus Therapeutics remains committed to advancing science and therapeutics for patients with rare diseases and unmet healthcare needs.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

I hope I will be starting my career in biotechnology, where I will combine my passion for research and the new skills gained during ESTEEM in science innovation.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love spending quality time with my dog and partner, and I also am an avid gardener, love cooking, and tasting new bourbons.