The Long Run with Luke Timmerman Ep177: Kevin Parker on Finding Cancer Drug Targets
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Apr 14, 2025 Kevin Parker, CEO of Cartography Biosciences, reveals insights on discovering new cancer drug targets through innovative multi-omic tools. He shares his journey from a biologist in Pennsylvania to a leader in biotech, highlighting the personal drive behind his research. The discussion covers advancements in single-cell genomics, the challenges of drug discovery, and the potential impacts of targeted therapies on patient care. Parker emphasizes collaboration and strategic partnerships as key to navigating the complexities of cancer treatment innovation.
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Kevin Parker's Parents' Careers
- Kevin Parker's parents were both organic chemists, his father later transitioning to patent law.
- His mother worked on DNA synthesis at Blue Heron Biotech and later founded her own company.
From Biology Dislike to Fascination
- Kevin Parker initially disliked biology in high school, finding it to be rote memorization.
- His perspective changed during his freshman year at Harvard when he realized biology involved exploring the unknown.
Undergraduate Research Experience
- Kevin Parker's interest in biology solidified during his undergraduate research at Harvard.
- Working in Kevin Higgins' lab for three years, he experienced the iterative nature of scientific exploration.