Inside the Biotechnology Industry: A Conversation with UC Davis MBA Alumni

Curious about what it is really like to pursue an MBA while building a career in biotech? Join us for a candid conversation with members of the UC Davis Graduate School of Management community who participated in the Biotechnology Industry Immersion. This signature program connects MBA students with Northern California’s thriving biotech ecosystem, including UC Davis Health in Sacramento and the Bay Area’s life sciences hub.

Hear directly from Jason Bartus and Vidusha Cyril about their experiences at the intersection of science and business. They will share why they chose UC Davis, what students can expect from the Biotechnology Industry Immersion curriculum, and how their MBA experiences are shaping their careers. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical insights before applying.

What you’ll learn:

• How the Biotechnology Industry Immersion connects classroom learning with biotech companies and real business cases
• What it is like to balance a career in science or biotech with an MBA program
• How UC Davis’ proximity to UC Davis Health and the Sacramento and Bay Area biotech communities enhances the student experience
• Tips for preparing a strong application to the UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Panelists:

Jason Bartus MBA 26

Bartus is a Regional Account Executive with Biologics by McKesson and a former president of the Associated Students of the Bay Area Part-Time MBA program at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. After nearly 10 years in business-to-business sales, including eight years supporting the life sciences industry at Thermo Fisher Scientific, he pursued an MBA to broaden his commercial perspective and prepare for leadership opportunities in biotech and healthcare.

His role at Biologics by McKesson brings him closer to the patient side of the biopharma value chain. He partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to support commercialization and expand patient access to specialty therapies. Bartus completed the Biotechnology Industry Immersion to strengthen his understanding of the scientific, regulatory, and commercial complexities involved in bringing life sciences innovations to patients.

Vidusha Cyril MBA 26

Vidusha is a Senior Scientist at AbbVie with expertise in cell and gene therapy, including T-cell engineering, CAR-T cell development, and immune profiling. Her experience includes roles at Synthego, City of Hope, and other leading research institutions, where her work ranged from gene-editing platforms to clinical CAR-T manufacturing.

By pairing deep technical expertise with an MBA, Cyril brings a valuable perspective that connects scientific discovery with business strategy.