PharBE alumna Kayla Garrett on finding your niche

Originally hailing from Central New York, Kayla Garrett’s (PharBE ’18) journey in biotechnology began with a deep-seated love for math and science during her childhood. Her passion for understanding the immune system led her to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology (a program that has since been renamed Molecular and Cellular Biology). The hands-on lab program at RIT played a significant role in shaping her practical skills and fueling her interest in lab techniques and scientific inquiry.

Deciding between academia and industry

Upon graduation, Kayla found herself at a crossroads between pursuing her PhD and entering the biomedical industry. She chose to gain practical experience first, working as a lab manager for a T Cell lab at the University of Rochester. This position provided her with invaluable insights into the academic world and affirmed her decision to transition into the biotech industry.

In 2012, Kayla moved to the west coast, starting in San Francisco and eventually settling in Seattle in 2013. It was here that she joined a small team manufacturing CAR T-Cells for a pediatric clinical trial known as PLAT-02. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this role would place her at the forefront of a burgeoning and exciting field in biotechnology, which has since become her lifelong passion.

After working for a few years manufacturing clinical trials, I knew that I was interested in taking my career in a slightly different direction,” she said. “I wanted to learn more about what my manufacturing role meant for the bigger picture of a clinical trial and if there were other roles that suited me. – Kayla Garrett

PharBE and the importance of networking

In 2014, Kayla began working as a Research Scientist at Seattle Children’s in a T Cell lab. To deepen her understanding of the broader context of clinical trials and explore other potential roles in her field, Kayla enrolled in the UW Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering (PharBE) program. “After working for a few years manufacturing clinical trials, I knew that I was interested in taking my career in a slightly different direction,” she said. “I wanted to learn more about what my manufacturing role meant for the bigger picture of a clinical trial and if there were other roles that suited me. I also wanted to be much more knowledgeable about that area of my field just in general.”

One of her fondest memories from the PharBE program was attending a happy hour at Seattle pizza restaurant Serious Pie, where she enjoyed a memorable conversation with one of her professors over a glass of wine. This experience underscored the importance of networking and building professional relationships outside of her immediate workplace.

From T Cell manufacturing to process development

After graduating from the PharBE program in 2018, Kayla transitioned from manufacturing to process development at Seattle Children’s. In 2019, she started a new role at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she now works as a principal scientist. When asked about what she does in her current role, Kayla responded: “I manage a team of brilliant scientists developing the manufacturing process of early phase products, guiding them into Phase I clinical trials and beyond. Currently my focus is on leading BMS’ first Allogeneic Cell Therapy asset. This particular project has been my absolute pride and joy for years now.” This groundbreaking work earned her a spot on the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list in 2023.

Travel, family and beyond

Outside of her professional life, Kayla and her husband share a love for travel and the outdoors. They have explored destinations such as Taiwan, Thailand, Scotland, and Mexico, and frequently enjoy camping trips. However, their adventurous plans are currently on hold, having recently welcomed their first child.