In the pharmaceutical world, where precision and innovation converge to transform lives, Sherman Yu stands out as a scientist with a passion not only for groundbreaking research but also for inspiring the next generation. A 2024 graduate of UW Bioengineering’s Pharmaceutical Bioengineering (PharBE) program, Yu is currently an associate scientist at Amgen, where he is working on an investigational first-in-class therapeutic targeting inflammation, with the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine.
Yu’s journey into bioengineering began with a BS in Environmental Sciences, followed by a pivotal stint in immuno-oncology. It was during his early career in industry that he realized the depth of his interest in drug development and decided to apply to the PharBE program at UW. “I was exposed to the pharma industry when I was looking for a job after graduating,” Yu reflects. “After working in industry for a while, I knew I wanted to stay in the pharma field long-term.”
Today, at Amgen, Yu is contributing to the development of a therapeutic that helps keep inflammation in check. By restoring balance, treatments he works on aim to support tissue healing and offer a new approach for inflammatory conditions.
Yu’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical science is deeply personal. “My first industry job in oncology was inspired by my mom, who was a cancer patient,” he says. “Knowing someone affected by a life-threatening disease motivates me to improve patient care and quality of life.”
Now working in Amgen’s In Vivo Pharmacology department, Yu collaborates with scientists across various disciplines, including toxicology, pathology and pharmacokinetics. “I enjoy learning about the different experiments needed to push a drug to the next phase,” he says. “The science is fascinating, and the collaborative environment is incredibly rewarding.”
The PharBE program played a transformative role in Yu’s career, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of drug development. “PharBE covers everything from preclinical research to clinical trials and commercialization,” he explains. His favorite class? Clinical Development. “It was challenging but eye-opening,” Yu recalls. “I learned how clinical teams use data generated in preclinical stages to design their trials. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the entire drug development process.”
The program’s guest seminars and industry lectures were another highlight. “Hearing from real-life scientists broadened my way of thinking,” Yu says. “If I hadn’t taken the PharBE program I would never have known about other areas of research and development.”
Outside the lab, Yu’s life is a whirlwind of creativity and community engagement. A dedicated volunteer at Amgen, he inspires young minds by teaching science at schools and fairs. “We do simple experiments to motivate students to pursue careers in bioengineering or chemistry,” he says.
But Yu’s talents extend beyond science, he’s also an aerialist. What began as a pandemic hobby has evolved into both a passion and a teaching opportunity. “If I wasn’t a scientist, I’d be a performer,” he laughs. “I like to say I’m a scientist during the day and a movement artist by night.”
With a promising career trajectory, Yu is optimistic about the future. “Thanks to the PharBE program, I have a clearer idea of where I want to go,” he says. “The program was a turning point that helped me focus my path in the pharma industry.”