Leon Wan, PhD'14
Career: Formulation scientist in the pharmaceutical industry
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have the pleasure of leading a team and working on projects that have generated several patents in the drug delivery and nanomedicine space, and that have the potential to help patients with unmet medical needs.
What are some interesting initiatives you are working on currently?
I am working with some friends and families to fundraise for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) for their annual event, Light the Night. We are preparing and selling handmade soaps with different Chinese Zodiac characters. This year we have raised over $600 for LLS.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
My PhD supervisor Dr. Helen Burt taught me the research skills essential for my current job and the management skills that are especially useful to me as a people manager. I am very thankful to Dr. Burt, and her lab manager, John Jackson, for their guidance during my study at UBC Pharm Sci. Their advice has benefited me for a lifetime.
What UBC moment are you still talking about?
When gathering with the other UBC Pharm Sci alums, we talk about how much fun we had participating in PharGS events. My first PharGS activity was the “Pharmazing Race,” which was mandatory for all newly joined graduated students as an ice-breaking event. I enjoyed collaborating with the students to solve some puzzles and mysterious questions. At the end of the race, all the students met at a restaurant for a complimentary dinner as the reward for the game.