Bridging Science Knowledge With Business Skills

Certificate Program in Business Administration graduate Jingyi (Gene) Xiang grew up in Yichang, a city on the Yangtze River in China, where his curiosity for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects was shaped. Excelling in chemistry and biology during his formative years, Jingyi naturally leaned toward studying these fields in college, and his father's encouragement deeply influenced his decision to specialize in STEM. His father, a first-generation college graduate, also instilled in his son the value of education and an ambition to strive for excellence. This inspiration, combined with Peking University's reputation as China’s top university for chemistry and biology, made the sciences the ideal choice for Gene’s academic pursuits and eventual career path.

“My dream back then was to become a scientist and use my expertise to make a meaningful impact on the world,” Gene recalls. “That dream is still alive today as I work in the biotech field, where science forms the foundation of everything I do.

“Over time, I’ve realized that achieving this goal requires more than scientific knowledge—it demands business acumen and entrepreneurial skills to turn innovations into life-changing therapies.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Gene joined the Ph.D. program in chemistry at Stony Brook University. “Biological chemistry has always been my strongest interest, particularly protein chemistry and structural biology, which captivated me with their potential for translational research and real-world impact,” he says.

“Completing my Ph.D. and then receiving the university’s Chemistry Award for Excellence in Doctoral Research in 2002 boosted my confidence and strengthened my commitment to advancing biotechnology, a field I believe will define the future,” Gene states. “The opportunities in biotech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego and Boston, where innovation and collaboration thrive, inspire me to contribute to impactful solutions that bridge science and innovation.”

Beginning a Biotech Business Career

For six years, before he began working in the private sector, Gene held research positions at UC Berkeley, beginning as a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Daniel Koshland Jr.’s group, focusing on bioengineering projects. “This role allowed me to delve into diverse scientific fields while gaining exposure to the business side of biotechnology,” he relates. “My time there also expanded my network, connecting me with researchers, industry professionals and entrepreneurs, which provided a solid foundation for my biotech career.”

Gene then moved on to Eureka Therapeutics, Inc., where he spent the next 16 years taking on diverse roles across the biotechnology industry and building the career he has today.

“I started as an R&D scientist, later leading the bioanalytics group where I oversaw key functions such as bioassay development, antibody engineering, production and characterization,” Gene explains. “One notable achievement was the bioassay development for the TCR mimic (TCRm) antibodies targeting peptide-MHC complexes. This innovative technology enables the targeting of intracellular proteins presented on the cell surface, significantly broadening the scope of potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.”

His prolific contributions include co-inventing 30 patents in antibody and cell therapy fields and authoring more than 12 peer-reviewed publications that have advanced cancer immunotherapy.

“My responsibilities eventually expanded beyond R&D to include coordinating clinical studies with investigators, managing business development with pharmaceutical and biotech partners, and facilitating fundraising efforts across the United States and in Asia,” he adds.

“These experiences allowed me to gain hands-on knowledge of every aspect of running a biotech company—from scientific innovation to strategic operations. They also highlighted the importance of a deeper, systematic understanding of business principles, inspiring me to pursue a certificate in business administration to guide my career growth and decision-making.”

It wasn’t until 2021—12 years into his growing career at Eureka Therapeutics—that Gene took that next step. And it was while he was already the company’s director of strategy and business development.

Enhancing Career With Business Side Knowledge

“I chose the Certificate Program in Business Administration after evaluating other options, such as full-time or executive M.B.A. programs at UC Berkeley and elsewhere,” Gene says, when asked about why he decided to take our courses at this point in his career.

“The certificate program offered the best balance of cost, flexibility and practicality, allowing me to continue my professional responsibilities while gaining valuable knowledge. Having lived in the East Bay for more than 20 years, I felt a strong connection to UC Berkeley. The pandemic also prompted me to reflect on my career path and explore new growth opportunities in the biotech landscape.”

Gene soon discovered that the certificate courses “perfectly complemented” his work as director of strategy and business development.

“Courses in finance, accounting and essentials of business strengthened my ability to manage budgets, assess investments and make strategic decisions,” he tells me. “The other courses I selected broadened my understanding of the business world, equipping me to navigate the complexities of the biotech industry and deliver impactful results.”

Of those, Basic Corporate Finance and Managerial Accounting had the greatest impact on Gene’s career enhancement. “As a scientist transitioning into business, these courses provided me with a solid framework for understanding valuation, capital budgeting and risk management—critical skills for fundraising and business development,” he adds.

“Managerial Accounting enhanced my ability to analyze financial statements and evaluate the cost structures and revenue models of biotech companies, equipping me to navigate the strategic and financial complexities of the industry with confidence.”

In his role as head of strategy and business development, Gene says he was able to directly apply the skills gained in the certificate program. He analyzed financial performance and evaluated the profitability of potential collaborations, which was critical for structuring deals and assessing long-term value. Knowing the frameworks for navigating negotiations, assessing risk and presenting financial justifications, Gene secured strategic partnerships and made effectual decisions for Eureka Therapeutics.

It helped that his employer supported his professional development with partial funding and that they recognized the value in enhancing Gene’s skills and the contributions he made to the company.

“The company benefited from my enhanced ability to structure effective deals, analyze costs and revenue models, and align strategies with business development teams,” he relates. “These skills helped secure stronger partnerships and supported the company's growth and success in a competitive biotech landscape.”

And how did completing the Certificate Program in Business Administration benefit Gene as his career stays focused on innovations in the biotechnology industry?

“The certificate program provided a strong foundation in finance, accounting and strategy. It also helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset by bridging the gap between science and business, equipping me to navigate challenges and translate innovations into impactful solutions.”

Gene has taken his knowledge and skills to a new role in this career journey: co-founder and CEO of a stealth-mode biotech startup that specializes in targeted protein degradation to eliminate disease-causing proteins. The startup is pioneering a novel therapeutic modality that addresses previously inaccessible drug targets, leveraging innovative mechanisms to meet unmet medical needs and provide solutions where treatment options have been limited. Early milestones include the establishment of the company, securing initial funding and initiating R&D efforts to develop its proprietary platform and pipeline programs.

“My knowledge from the business administration certificate has been critical in making this possible,” he affirms. “The courses equipped me with skills in financial planning, cost analysis and strategic decision-making—all essential for launching and growing a biotech company.

“For example, I’ve been able to evaluate disruptive technologies like ours by analyzing comparable scenarios in the industry and studying business arrangements and commercialization strategies. These insights have been instrumental in structuring partnerships, securing seed funding and aligning innovation with a strong business model.

“The entrepreneurial mindset I developed through the program has enabled me to approach challenges holistically, bridging science and business to bring transformative therapies to market.”

For others seeking their own benefits from the business administration certificate with successful career enhancement in mind, Gene suggests this: “Choose courses that align with your career goals and focus on building a strong foundation in business fundamentals. Apply what you learn to real-world challenges and use the program to broaden your perspective and develop practical, actionable skills.

“For scientists or engineers transitioning into business, this program offers an excellent alternative to a full-time M.B.A., especially if time, cost or career disruptions are concerns. It bridges the gap between technical expertise and business acumen, providing essential knowledge in deal structures, financial models and strategic planning. It’s also a flexible, cost-effective way to cultivate leadership roles.”