5 Questions With Juan Castro, Ambassador of Buzz, Pursuing an MBA/MS in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University

December 7, 2023

This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think.

1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here? 

Hello, BioBuzz community! I’m Juan Castro, currently on the exciting journey of completing my MBA/MS in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University this upcoming May 2024. My career has taken me through various roles in biotechnology companies like Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, AGC Biologics, Hope Biosciences, and Novavax.

Reflecting on my trajectory, it’s amusing to realize that my path wasn’t exactly what I envisioned in my younger years. Initially aspiring to be a medical doctor driven by a sense of prestige, I pursued the pre-med route and aimed for a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. However, my passion took an unexpected turn during a tissue engineering class in the biotechnology program. It was then that I discovered the vast and fascinating realm of biotech. While I initially pictured myself always at the lab bench, my journey led me to the operations side of the field. Though I may not be at the bedside, biotech has empowered me to make a meaningful impact at scale by contributing to the development and delivery of cell and gene therapies for patients. It’s been a journey full of surprises, growth, and a deepening appreciation for the transformative potential of biotechnology. 

2. How are you helping to build a more connected community? 

BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events, and experiences create, connect, and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing hubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission. 

“Your social capital, or your ability to build a network of authentic personal and professional relationships, not your financial capital, is the most important asset in your portfolio” – Your network is your net worth, Porter Gale

I wholeheartedly resonate with the quote by Porter Gale that underscores the significance of social capital in our professional journey. Throughout my career, every job opportunity I’ve secured can be traced back to the belief and support of my network.

Recognizing the pivotal role that communities play in shaping success, I became an Ambassador at BioBuzz with the mission to enhance accessibility to the diverse segments of biotech. Having embarked on the journey of pursuing a Biotechnology Masters and MBA program, I am enthusiastic about bridging the geographic scope and social capital of BioBuzz with the incoming workforce of students on campus at Johns Hopkins.

Collaborating with the Life Design Lab at JHU and BioBuzz, I have facilitated a recent collaboration that aligns with Johns Hopkins’ commitment to bring valuable resources to campus. The essence of progress lies in creating awareness, fostering accessibility, and cultivating meaningful connections, and I am dedicated to contributing to this mission and vision.

I believe in the power of networks to inspire, guide, and elevate, and I look forward to furthering BioBuzz’s mission of building a more life-science-connected community!

3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…   

Right now, I’m totally immersed in the enchanting world of plants, and let me tell you, variegated plants have stolen my heart. There’s something magical about the absence of chlorophyll, the pigment that usually makes plants green, resulting in these stunning white patterns thanks to a genetic twist.

I’ve been thinking about the possibilities of merging biotech with sustainability, particularly by exploring how we can infuse trees with bioluminescence. Imagine a future where trees light up our surroundings, not only replacing traditional lighting but also being superheroes at soaking up CO2. It’s a wild idea, but the potential is there!

And you know, despite my biotech daydreams, I’m just a regular person with regular hobbies. Video games are my jam, especially getting lost in the immersive worlds of fantasy RPGs.

4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?  

OR what career advice would you shout from the rooftops now? The more the merrier… 

Embrace failure as a pathway to growth, cultivate boundless curiosity, and remain open to experiences that may initially seem incongruent with your perceived path.

A key factor that has proven instrumental in my journey is seizing opportunities and embracing calculated risks. Rather than settling for roles I can merely tolerate, I’ve actively pursued experiences that allow me to genuinely identify and grow in what brings me joy and fulfillment. This approach has not only enriched my professional path but has also led me to discover a true passion for the work I engage in.

Here’s a concise yet impactful list that has proven invaluable in extending myself the grace needed to navigate my career journey:

• Define what success is to you. I used to think salary was the only measure, but now I believe that having time to spend on activities and connections you enjoy is paramount for me.
• Odyssey Planning: Designing your three lives – the truth of the matter is that biotechnology depending on the maturity of the company can be unstable, and job loss can happen. However, we are more than our jobs and we all have rich and vibrant aspirations we seldom act on due to the daily grind. This is why Odyssey planning can bring life to all the possibilities we can be.

5. FUN question. Let’s talk travel. Where would you like to go? Give us your top 10 list.

I proudly consider myself a Southern boy armed with East Coast degrees, and my journey has been nothing short of a flavorful adventure. Growing up in the heart of Texas, life was undeniably hot, but oh, the food! It’s a culinary paradise.

Venturing to the West Coast of Seattle opened my eyes to a whole new world that I’ve utterly fallen in love with. The accessibility to diverse terrains — mountains, beaches, and plains — is simply exhilarating, not to mention the awe-inspiring beauty of nature in its unbridled glory.

Now, as a newcomer to the East Coast, I’ve planted my roots in the vibrant city of Baltimore. Exploring the historic marvels of Harpers Ferry and embracing the thrill of white-water rafting have been early highlights. My passion for travel and exploration has taken me from the sun-drenched Dry Tortugas off the Florida Keys to the icy splendor of the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, where colossal glaciers redefine the term ‘majestic.’

And guess what? I’m just getting started. Below is my ambitious target list of places waiting to be explored, because, for me, the journey is as rich and exciting as the destinations themselves!

• Atlantis: not the theme park but the mythological place, I had a dream as a kid to discover it. 
• Fengdu Ghost City: who doesn’t love a good spooky place?
• Angkor Watt: a monument to time and legacy 
• Uyuni Salt Flat: Imagine a mirror so vast it stretches towards the horizon!
• Point Nemo: The Furthest point away from population is kind of scary but extremely fascinating! 
• Machu Pichu: a baseline of how far we as people have come. 
• Amazonian Lost Settlements: The world is big, and we still discover new things year after year.
• Royal Palace of Madrid: to visit old opulence. 
• Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Another myth but wish it was real, it marries architecture with nature.
• Lion City China: I used to be a competitive swimmer, but I have always feared open water what better way to beat this fear than going underwater to explore this sunken city?