Meet Dr. Todd Upton: AES’s Director of OEM & Service
The field of life sciences is continuously advancing, with cell and gene therapy standing at the forefront of ground-breaking innovation. Behind these breakthroughs are the people who push the boundaries of innovation to make life-changing therapies more accessible. AES’s Director of Technical Sales Operations, Todd Upton is one of these individuals.
Table of Contents
With a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, multiple patents, and numerous scientific publications to his name, Todd brings a wealth of experience to AES.
His career has been defined by his contributions to bioproduction and biotechnology engineering, particularly in cell and gene therapy. His role at AES will play an essential role in streamlining and optimizing the design and build of biotherapeutic equipment, driving forward innovation in the industry.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into his knowledge in the field of life sciences and discover what motivations drive Todd to innovate the industry.
Where It All Began: A Passion for Science
A common denominator in Todd’s career has been the constant ambition of helping people and improving accessibility of lifesaving therapies for those who need it the most. His passion for science began in his early teens. Todd was fascinated by the idea of curing cancer.
Todd obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology at the University of New Hampshire and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the UCONN Medical Centre in Farmington, CT.
As he progressed through University, he developed a keen interest in understanding diseases at a molecular level. How does a cell transition from normal to malignant, and how can that process be prevented or reversed? This curiosity is what drove his passion for cell biology and ultimately led him to where he is today.
Pioneering Innovations in Bioproduction
One of Dr. Upton’s most significant achievements was his involvement in developing Corning Life Science’s hyper-technology. This initiative focused on achieving higher-density cell culture, a goal that has had a profound impact on bioproduction capabilities. His work has consistently revolved around tackling scalability challenges in cell and gene therapy, aiming to develop cost-effective solutions that enhance accessibility for patients, regardless of financial status.
Reflecting on his career achievements, Todd shared:
“Being part of the team that brought Corning Life Science’s hyper-technology to market was a defining moment in my career. It highlighted the importance of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to a unified goal.”
Driving Innovation at AES
In his new role at AES, Todd Upton is set to focus on the customization of biotherapeutic equipment, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of clients. He sees tremendous opportunities for innovation, particularly in designing unique equipment that accelerates drug development while reducing costs. His long-term vision is to establish AES as a leader in the design and build of biotherapeutic equipment, further solidifying its reputation within the industry.
Looking ahead, Todd envisions a future where cell and gene therapy become first-line treatments for numerous medical conditions. He identifies artificial intelligence as a key driver of progress in bioproduction, particularly in process optimization and large-scale manufacturing.
Contributions to Scientific Advancement
In addition to his leadership in bioproduction, Todd has contributed to advancements in life sciences through his patents. One of his notable patents, the ‘Large scale cell culture vessel’, is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also the author of several scientific articles.
Todd Upton’s scientific background, paired with his deep knowledge of bioproduction, particularly in cell and gene therapy, makes him a force to be reckoned with. His vision for the future, combined with his dedication to accessibility and efficiency, will undoubtedly shape the next generation of biotherapeutic solutions.
With people like Todd at the forefront of biotech, we can hopefully inch closer to the goal of making lifesaving therapies more affordable and accessible for the patients who need these treatments the most.
Todd has been instrumental in driving forward scalable and cost-effective solutions in cell and gene therapy, and we are incredibly happy to have him as a part of our leadership team at AES.