How BIO5 mentorship shaped a scientist’s journey
What began as an internship at the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute grew into a path of mentorship, leadership, and discovery for Drew Seiser.
Drew Seiser giving advice as a panelist during the BIO5 Inspiring Women in STEM event in July 2025.
Lily Howe, BIO5 Institute
Drew Seiser’s story begins with a question: where did she fit?
Pursuing her degree in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Arizona, Seiser found herself uncertain about her next steps.
“There are so many paths people can go down and the vast knowledge in these buildings for the science that goes on is incredible, I just wanted to be a part of that,” said Seiser.
That curiosity and passion for science led her to the BIO5 Institute, a collaborative hub at the university where researchers work across disciplines to address biological challenges, from agricultural pests and environmental challenges to biomedical devices and drug development.
Curiosity soon turned into the opening chapter of her BIO5 journey, introducing her to lifelong mentors, scientific opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
“BIO5 has influenced me in many, many ways; they are my second home,” said Seiser, now a proud Wildcat.
Seiser’s BIO5 story began with an internship that led to a student staff position on the public affairs team. As she began to find her voice as a communicator, she moved into a leadership role at BIO5 and became an undergraduate researcher focused on metabolic disease.
Seiser learned BIO5 was never just about labs and research, it was about the people who shared their time, knowledge, and encouragement.
As she begins her doctoral studies in Arizona Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, Seiser’s journey is a reflection of how mentorship at BIO5 can shape future scientists.
Chapter 1: An internship that opened doors
Drew Seiser (right) with Tammy White (left), her mentor through the BIO5 Ambassadors Internship Program.
It began with an internship in 2022.
The BIO5 Ambassadors Internship Program is a unique two-semester opportunity for undergraduates of any major to learn about the collaboration between business and science. As an Ambassador, Seiser stepped beyond the classroom and into the daily rhythm of a research institute.
Working alongside her mentor, Tammy White, BIO5 events and tours coordinator, she played a key role in welcoming guests, guiding them through labs, and sharing the stories behind the science.
Each tour she gave, from speaking to wide-eyed elementary school students to greeting VIP guests, was a chance to grow. Public speaking became less daunting, and each conversation became another opportunity to share science in a way that clicked with whoever was listening.
“It is important to learn how to communicate with diverse audiences,” she said. “It is a valuable skill that I will now take into my PhD.”
Among her first major responsibilities was helping with the inaugural Behind BIO5 event, where researchers, community members, and supporters came together to celebrate the institute’s impact.
Drew Seiser led a tour as an Ambassador during the inaugural Behind BIO5 event in April 2023.
The Ambassadors became more than an internship. It was a safe space to explore new interests and expand her view of science.
“The internship was a perfect opportunity to look a little bit further into science… you can get a feel of the different areas of research,” she said.
Although she wasn’t at the lab bench, the role offered a unique perspective. She connected with researchers through events and built the organizational skills needed to make large-scale projects succeed.
The experience sparked something in her. When the opportunity to lead the internship came, she knew she couldn’t pass it up.
Chapter 2: From learner to leader
Drew Seiser was a student lead for the BIO5 Ambassadors Internship Program starting in April 2023.
Seiser continued with BIO5 as student staff on the public affairs team in the BIO5 administrative office in the spring of 2023. One of her main responsibilities was managing the BIO5 Ambassadors Internship Program.
With a fellow student staff, she organized the next cohort of Ambassadors, determined to give them the same meaningful experience that shaped her own path.
In this position, Seiser discovered the rewarding aspects of leadership. Guiding others and creating growth opportunities gave her a new perspective on her own development.
“I was so passionate about Ambassadors,” she said. “It was fulfilling to help lead the group, plan events, and arrange guest speakers for their professional development.”
BIO5 student staff Paulina Garza (center left) and Drew Seiser (center right) pose with the 2023-2024 BIO5 Ambassadors, Shiv Shukla (left) and Adeeb Hossain (right).
For Seiser, the goal was simple: create an environment where others could thrive, just as her mentors had done for her.
Leading the program taught her that empowering others could be just as transformative for her own growth as it was for theirs.
“It shaped my confidence,” she said. “I’m a lot more confident just putting my ideas out there and putting them into motion.”
Chapter 3: Leaning on mentors
While working on event planning and project management, Seiser had a dedicated mentor, but soon realized the entire BIO5 office staff had become mentors in their own way.
Her connection with Amy Barber, BIO5 marketing and events manager, played a slightly surprising role in her trajectory as a scientist.
Seiser was struggling to find a University of Arizona lab to gain more research during her junior year. She turned to Barber for help.
“I always have a special shout out to Amy for my first introduction into laboratory science,” Seiser said.
Barber was able to connect Seiser with a former University of Arizona faculty member and BIO5 member, Frank Duca, who welcomed Seiser into his lab as an undergraduate researcher.
“Without that connection I don’t think that I would have been able to do what I’m doing today,” she said.
Drew Seiser (center left) joins other BIO5 student workers at a celebration recognizing graduating team members in May 2024.
For over a year, Seiser studied how the body’s systems communicate with one another, with particular attention to metabolism, the gut microbiome, and their possible links to disease.
That first undergraduate lab experience gave her clarity on her scientific interests..
After graduation in May 2024 with her B.S., Seiser accepted a position at a biotechnology company in San Diego.
But she never forgot the supportive community at the University of Arizona and BIO5.
Chapter 4: Ready for the next challenge
Drew Seiser offering advice to 2025 KEYS interns at the BIO5 Inspiring Women in STEM event.
Lily Howe, BIO5 Institute
While working in industry, Seiser decided she wanted to return to graduate school. And her mentors at BIO5 and beyond encouraged that step.
She was even able to share more about her journey as an invited panelist at BIO5 Inspiring Women in STEM event in the 2025 summer. Seiser shared her journey so far as a recent graduate alongside more seasoned researchers and faculty.
“I had to tell myself every single day that those accomplished people didn’t just wake up like that, they had to work hard and start somewhere,” she said.
She is using her own advice as she begins the next phase of her academic journey as a PhD student in the 2025 fall.
“I am over the moon excited to just learn technical and professional skills, learn from it and just grow, and be challenged,” she said.
The support she found at BIO5, paired with her own drive, gave Seiser the confidence to grow. Now, she’s ready for her next chapter.