This month, we’re thrilled to shine a light on a valued member of our HeartWorks team, Drew Narwold! Get to know a little more about him:
Originally hailing from sunny San Diego, California, Drew was born and raised in the Golden State before venturing to the Midwest for graduate studies in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was there that he met his wife, and after eight wonderful years, the couple made the move to Rochester for her fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Outside of work, Drew and his wife are avid outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying hikes and exploring the beautiful parks and green spaces Minnesota has to offer. When not out in nature, you might find Drew on the golf course (with the self-proclaimed caveat of being “far from a professional”) or enjoying a bike ride, with hopes of soon commuting to the office on two wheels. He also has a passion for board games and puzzles, frequently hosting lively game nights with family and friends.
Drew joined the HeartWorks team just over six months ago and is currently a vital part of our Testing team as a Development Technologist. In his role, Drew plays a crucial part in ensuring the quality and safety of our iPSC-derived products, a critical step towards future patient use. What he appreciates most about his position is the significant involvement in both Research and Discovery, as well as Test Optimization and Development efforts. This exposure to multiple teams means that no two days are the same, a dynamic that Drew thoroughly enjoys. A typical day involves processing pending tests on manufacturing products, followed by engaging in experiments aimed at making our tests faster and more sensitive, alongside developing new methods to evaluate cell functionality and performance at various stages.
For Drew, the most inspiring aspect of his job is the direct connection to potential patient impact. Having worked in other biotechnology companies, the immediacy and clarity of how his efforts contribute to future therapies at HeartWorks is particularly motivating.
Beyond the lab, Drew is deeply passionate about collaboration. He believes in the power of shared ideas and the diverse perspectives that drive scientific advancement.
Looking ahead, Drew is particularly excited to witness the progress of the iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte clinical trial and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our manufactured and tested products.
We are delighted to have Drew as part of the HeartWorks team and appreciate his dedication to our mission!
