Blending science, quality, and a dash of sour cream & onion—meet the MacroGenics QA specialist making an impact.
When you sit down with life science professionals and leaders across the BioHealth Capital Region, you quickly realize no two journeys look the same. That’s exactly what makes our 5 Questions With series so compelling: the framework never changes, but the stories do. Each conversation pulls back the curtain on the people shaping our industry—their pivots, their challenges, their big wins, and what keeps them motivated.
This week we sat down with Srujana Surapuram, Senior QA Specialist at MacroGenics.
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1) What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a doctor—driven by a fascination with the human body and a deep desire to help others. While my path ultimately shifted from clinical medicine to quality assurance, my commitment to healthcare has never changed.
Today, I focus on patient safety and regulatory compliance, areas that may be less visible than direct patient care but are absolutely vital. I take great pride in knowing that the therapies reaching patients are held to the highest standards.
My journey here really began with a passion for science. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biotechnology in India, and later pursued my master’s in biotechnology at Kean University in New Jersey. I started my career in the lab, conducting in vivo and in vitro assays to ensure the quality of diphtheria toxoid production. It was in those early years that I discovered a true calling in quality and regulatory compliance—a field that allowed me to pair my love for science with my desire to make a tangible impact on patient health.
From that point on, I dedicated my career to building expertise in GMP environments, working across vaccine and monoclonal antibody production. Each step reinforced my belief that protecting patients doesn’t only happen at the bedside—it also happens behind the scenes, in the systems and standards that safeguard every therapy. That mindset ultimately led me to MacroGenics, where I get to be part of an incredible team, continue learning, and contribute to a culture rooted in innovation and quality.
2) How are you helping to build a more connected community?
In the past, I didn’t always make time to attend industry events, but I’m making a conscious effort to change that and get more involved.
Within MacroGenics, I’ve also found new ways to help build community. Since January, I’ve been part of our Quality Employee Engagement Newsletter team—a group of eight colleagues who meet regularly to develop and publish monthly content. Each edition highlights both biotech industry updates and key quality initiatives within MacroGenics, while also including a fun page to keep things engaging. It’s been my first real experience with publishing, and I’m proud of the impact it’s making.
Beyond the newsletter, I try to foster positive connections every day—both within my own team and across departments. One of the things I value most about MacroGenics is its culture of innovation and collaboration. Over my three years here, I’ve learned how important it is to stay flexible, embrace new ideas, and be open to change. I’m truly proud to be part of the MacroGenics journey and to contribute to a culture where people feel connected and inspired.
3) What are you currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
Professionally, I’m buzzing about a new project I’ve been leading at work that’s really pushed me to step up in responsibility.
As a Senior Quality Assurance Specialist on the QA Operations team, I’m responsible for key quality functions like reviewing batch records, lot disposition, and providing QA support on the floor. Earlier this year, I helped implement a daily visual board meeting process—a central platform to track active lots, flag open issues, and ensure timely product release. Leading these meetings has strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, and I’m proud that the initiative has already helped significantly reduce lot disposition cycle times.
On the personal side, I’ve recently started meditating. Not to reach enlightenment or become a monk, but simply to find more focus and clarity. For me, meditation is about being more fully myself—with less noise, more calm, and a little more grace. I started with just five minutes a day (at my mom’s suggestion!) and now I can do fifteen. It’s a small practice, but it’s made a big difference.
4) If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself not to be afraid to speak up or share ideas. Early in my career, I often hesitated in meetings, second-guessing whether my thoughts were valuable enough. Over time, I’ve learned that even an imperfect perspective can spark meaningful discussion and drive innovation.
So my advice to my younger self would be: trust your voice—it matters more than you think.
5) The fun (and rotating) one… If you could have an endless supply of one snack, what would it be?
Oh, that’s an easy one—chips! I can never seem to resist them, even though I probably should. Sour cream and onion is my favorite, and it’s become a family thing—my husband and kids love them too, so we all end up sitting together and sharing a bag.
If I could sneak in a second choice, it would be caramel popcorn. There’s just something about that sweet crunch that I can’t say no to.
