CASE STUDIES David Bearss: How a Gene Discovery Sparked a Career Saving Lives
Jan 7, 2026
David Bearss, a pioneering scientist and biotech founder, takes listeners through his transformative journey from academia to life-saving innovations. He shares how a groundbreaking gene discovery guided his career shift towards entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of investor trust and mentorship along the way. Bearss highlights how his company, Halia, is studying resilient Alzheimer's cases to unlock preventative therapies. With a focus on AI revolutionizing genomic research, he connects genetic insights to personal motivations, showcasing a compelling blend of science, faith, and impact.
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Hand‑Sequencing Changed A Career
- As a grad student David Bearss hand‑sequenced a novel gene and felt like the first person ever to see that sequence.
- That discovery (histone deacetylase) launched his career and opened a whole new research field.
Mentor Who Changed His Path
- A prominent cancer researcher handed David Bearss a business card and later brought him to Arizona with a faculty job.
- That mentor's belief created opportunities David never expected and shaped his path into translation.
Pitch Multiple Programs To Reduce Risk
- If you raise money for hard science, present multiple parallel programs to diversify failure risk.
- Work to convince investors but avoid putting all resources into a single, high‑risk bet.
