College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

By Devin Chivers ’27

University of Dayton students in Aaron Sathyanesan’s molecular biology course recently dove into an innovative learning experience with a “molecular biology shark tank.” Modeled after the popular television show, Shark Tank, the assignment tasked teams with pitching products or services that address significant societal issues using genes, genomes or genomics.

The activity featured a panel of “sharks,” including Fred Tenover, distinguished research professor of microbiology, who brought experience in public health, molecular diagnostics and Silicon Valley consulting. Joining him was Varsha Rao, vice president for clinical affairs and strategic partnerships at Claret BIO LLC, who provided expert insights into the biotech field.

“Of course, a shark tank is only as good as its sharks,” said Sathyanesan, an assistant professor with a joint appointment in the UD's departments of biology and electrical and computer engineering.  “We are fortunate to have experts like Dr. Tenover, who’s worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consulted for molecular diagnostics companies, and Dr. Rao to guide our students through the process.”

Sathyanesan, who joined the UD faculty in 2022 to enhance the University’s molecular biology program, said his engineering background inspired the assignment. 

“I try to approach teaching with an engineering mindset,” he said. “How do you do more with less? How do you solve real societal issues in innovative ways?”

The molecular biology shark tank aimed to prepare students for real-world challenges by emphasizing problem-solving, feasibility and teamwork. Student teams developed product concepts and discussed tools they would use to bring them to the market.

“Students rose to the challenge and did a fantastic job,” Sathyanesan said.

Projects ranged from a “BioPatch” to “Cellular Time Travel” and even the genetic recreation of dinosaurs. However, the winning pitch — “Retrotransposon Therapy for Germline Preservation”— stood out for its specificity and societal impact. This idea explored ways to maintain eggs for women having pregnancies later in life.

Malabika Bhowmik, a biology doctoral student from Shillong, India, said preparing for UD's shark tank was an exciting, yet challenging experience.

“We conveyed the scientific importance of our work while also engaging the ‘sharks’ with the potential business and societal implications of the project,” Bhowmik said. “The experience taught us about communicating science effectively and pitching innovative ideas.”

Tenover was impressed by the students’ creativity. 

“Each team went in a different direction, which shows how diverse their thinking is,” he said.

Tenover’s career spans years of developing molecular biology tests, securing patents and navigating the transition from idea to product. He said experiential learning activities like this prepare students for the collaborative nature of the professional world.

“In the real world, it’s all about teams and being able to function as part of one,” he said.

The shark tank was made possible in part through the UD experiential learning innovation fund for faculty.

“I wanted to give students a chance to interact with biotech experts and imagine their lives in the field,” Sathyanesan said. “With the grant, we brought Dr. Rao to campus and provided a networking lunch for students interested in biotechnology. None of this would have been possible without the grant.”

Sathyanesan said the skills honed in the shark tank experience will serve students in any career. 

“No matter what, you’ll always be pitching ideas,” he said. “How do you convince someone your idea is great? How do you present it intelligently?”

For students, the shark tank was more than an assignment; it was a glimpse into the professional world.

Thanh Lan Chu, a biology doctoral student from Vietnam, said the shark tank helped her further develop teamwork and communication skills.

“I would love to do something like this again,” Chu said. “It is amazing to see how much more a team can achieve together compared to working alone.”

Photos: Top: The winning team in the “molecular biology shark tank," including (left) Fred Tenover, distinguished research professor of microbiology. Middle: Another participating team in the “molecular biology shark tank.”