Joshua Ritetz

BSc Biology, entering 3^rd year, ZHAW

Tell me about the bachelor program at your school.

At ZHAW, people studying biotechnology can choose between 2 directions, which are like majors: biology or industrial. We can also add a minor. I’m doing the biology direction, with a minor in cell and tissue engineering.

What are your study and research interests?

Looking to the future, phytopharma could be a possibility. I’m interested in plant cell culture, like using plant cells to produce useful substances. Andreas Lardos and Regine Eibl lead research groups on those topics. I’ve asked Andreas if I could do a project with one of the companies he works with as part of my bachelor work, and it looks promising!

Why did you decide to attend the summer school?

Having a strong network is important for developing a successful career. Especially now, when some companies are cutting jobs, it can be difficult to get that first position in industry. Meeting new people can help open those doors. I also heard that we would be exposed to a broad range of topics in a short time. The summer school is a way to get a crash course on a bunch of new developments across biotechnology and maybe discover an area that I had no idea existed but that could interest me.

Do you have a favourite talk or session so far?

I really liked Steffi Lehmann’s talk about using extra cellular vesicles that deliver a toxin to the inside of a cell and kill bacteria in there. What I appreciated is that she made the topic easy to understand.

What are your plans after you complete your bachelor’s degree?

I’ll most likely go work at a company right after my bachelor’s. I like taking risks and could see myself founding a start-up later. I talked to a lecturer at the summer school who has his own consulting company about what kinds of organisations exist to support start-ups, where I should sign up to get advice, how these support programs can help me raise financing. But first I need a job where I can earn some stable money before I consider a start-up. Doing a part-time masters while I’m working could also be an option.

What is it about founding or working at a start-up that attracts you?

I enjoy getting together with like-minded people that share similar interests and are working toward a common goal. Being part of a small, highly motivated team and accomplishing something together is fun and rewarding.