Date: April 2, 2026
IRIS reached a significant milestone this week with our first-ever industry tour! We were privileged to be hosted by Eikon Therapeutics, a pioneer in live-cell imaging co-founded by Nobel Laureate and UC Berkeley Professor Eric Betzig. Our members gained an exclusive look at the cutting-edge intersection of technology and drug discovery.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Industry
The visit offered our group of approximately 15 student researchers a deeper understanding of the Research and Development (R&D) lifecycle. Through an inspiring talk and a comprehensive lab tour, we saw firsthand how high-resolution microscopy and advanced engineering are being used to track protein dynamics—essential work for developing the next generation of life-saving medicines.
For many of our members, this was a rare opportunity to see how the concepts we discuss in the classroom are applied at scale in a professional biotech environment.
A Special Thanks to Our Hosts
This event was made possible through the incredible support and coordination of the Eikon Therapeutics team. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to:
Dr. Alfred (Freddie) Bowie, for his leadership and for extending the initial invitation that made this partnership possible.
Dr. Jesse Vargas, who served as our primary host. His insightful talk, lab tour, and engaging Q&A session provided our students with invaluable perspectives on the biotech industry. His ersonal journey from rural area in the mid-west to the Bay Area biotech hub is inspiring.
Diana Lee, for her essential work in coordinating the internal logistics and ensuring the visit ran seamlessly for our group.
Student Leadership
The success of this initiative was driven by the dedication of our IRIS student team. Benjamin Lu served as the lead officer for this event, coordinating the communication and logistics required to organize such a high-impact visit. His efforts, alongside the rest of the officer team, ensured a professional and rewarding experience for all attendees.
Looking Ahead
By stepping out of the classroom and into the lab, IRIS continues to fulfill its mission of preparing the next generation of scientific leaders. We are incredibly grateful to Eikon Therapeutics for their hospitality and for providing such an inspiring look into the future of the drug development industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the frontiers of innovation!
