Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

A distinctive
feature of social and
cultural life at CMC

 

Frontier Innovation and Techno-Optimism

Wed, October 23, 2024
Dinner Program
Michael Chambers

Michael Chambers, co-founder of the biotechnology and genetic medicine company Aldevron, will reflect on how great teams, built on complementary strengths, turned Aldevron from a North Dakota startup into a global leader in biotech. He will highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in driving medical breakthroughs that have transformed the industry. Chambers will explore the broader theme of techno-optimism, offering a hopeful perspective on how emerging technologies like biotech and AI are shaping an exciting future full of potential.

Michael Chambers co-founded Aldevron while studying chemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology at North Dakota State University. Aldevron evolved from a small NDSU lab into a cornerstone of the global genetic medicine industry. Today, Aldevron manufactures nucleic acids, recombinant enzymes, and products used in molecular diagnostics, cell and gene therapies, gene editing, and vaccines.

Michael served as Aldevron's CEO until 2020 when he transitioned to Executive Chairman. In 2021, Danaher Corporation (DHR) acquired Aldevron for $9.6 billion. Michael continues to work at Aldevron, his family office, Hive & Colony, and the Centurion Foundation. He is a board member of the Whitehead Institute at MIT and Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT). Michael's wife and five daughters split time between Fargo and Boston.

Mr. Chambers' Athenaeum visit is co-sponsored by the President's Leaders Forum.

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

Claremont McKenna College
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711

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