United Therapeutics is the first publicly traded biotech and pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation (PBC). The company’s public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies, and by technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs.

The interns spent an exciting and educational summer at United Therapeutics reporting directly to Shola Oyewole, an American University alumnus (MS technology of management ’89) and member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. Oyewole is the Vice President of Digital Innovation at United Therapeutics, a role that transcends conventional corporate boundaries. As the company’s steward of digital innovation and impact, Oyewole works across units exploring emerging technologies to propose solutions for enhancing the patients’ and health practitioners’ user experiences, internally endow grants for employees’ pioneering ideas, and foster a spirit of innovation within the corporation. 

For the students, having an opportunity to work with Oyewole was a life-changing experience. “Mr. Shola is an inspiring force,” says Owusu-Hammond. “His ability to foster a culture of innovation and teamwork, while providing guidance and genuine mentorship, makes him an exceptional leader.” 

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Linda Aldoory notes that the College is incredibly lucky to have board members like Oyewole who are willing to take the time to support and mentor students. “These internships allowed our talented students to immerse themselves in the biotechnology industry, gaining invaluable insights into the company’s operations and the broader field,” she says. “Experiences like these are transformative, giving our students the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to thrive in future careers. It also highlights the strength of our science programs, which are designed to prepare students for success in cutting-edge fields with real-world impact."

The Big Idea

The internships all began with the College of Arts and Sciences’ very first The Big Idea contest. Since 2020, Oyewole has run The Big Idea competition at United Therapeutics as an opportunity for employees to share creative ideas for everything from streamlining research to improving the customer experience.  

Last spring, Oyewole brought The Big Idea contest to American University. In a biotechnology class taught by Biology Professor Taisuke Izumi, students were given a real-world biotech challenge and asked to craft innovative solutions that demonstrated their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The content was judged by a panel of judges, including Oyewole, his colleague Dr. Vijay Subramaniam, and AU faculty. Students from the winning and runner-up teams were selected to intern at United Therapeutics under the Student Led Exploration & Development (SLED) program run by Oyewole. Led Exploration & Development (SLED) run by Oyewole.  

“We were put in five groups and tasked with the problem of developing innovative ways/technologies to diagnose Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension non-invasively. My group came up with using nanoparticles that assume the shape and function of a catheter,” says Owusu-Hammond, who is pursuing a master’s degree in biotechnology. 

Owusu-Hammond is passionate about the field’s potential to solve biological problems and make meaningful advances across the field of medicine. She plans on pursuing a career in the biotech space, leading research projects and contributing to scientific literature—and she believes her experience at United Therapeutics has helped set her up for success. “The internship gave me practical experience, helping me understand industry dynamics in the biotech field, exposing me to cutting edge technologies and building connections,” she explains. “I love the fact that United Therapeutics is a company where mission-driven innovation, a supportive culture, and visionary leadership unite to create life-changing therapies.”

“The Effort” That Goes into Medicine

The students worked at United Therapeutics’ Silver Spring headquarters as a self-directed cohort, choosing to sit together in a conference room where they could bounce ideas off each other. They met people across the corporation, spent time in the laboratory, and got exposure to all phases of drug development, from research and development to pricing and sales. “We wanted students to appreciate the entire pipeline,” says Oyewole.  

Oyewole came up with a novel project to teach students about the company's research and drug development. The students ran assays in the company laboratory, researched R&D costs, and developed sample promotional publication documenting the need for the product.

Trzaskowski, who has always been fascinated by science and medicine and plans to apply to physician assistant school, credits the internship experience with exposing him to the biotech space in an “incredibly positive” work environment. “Meeting with so many departments gave me a holistic view of the medical process and allowed me to appreciate the effort that goes into medicine, not only from healthcare professionals, but also the scientists and researchers,” he says. “The work environment at United Therapeutics is great. Everyone is so positive.”

For Calderon, his interest in studying the human body and helping others led to his decision to study biology with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. His experience at United Therapeutics provided him with a strong foundation, he says, that aligns perfectly with his healthcare ambitions. “Networking with professionals in biotech and healthcare enhances my understanding of career paths and opportunities for further education,” he explains. “Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills prepares me to integrate new medical technologies into patient care. Additionally, exposure to research projects deepens my understanding of evidence-based practices essential for healthcare decision-making.”

In terms of hard science, the internship taught Calderon about the intricacies of biotechnology, particularly how it applies to medical research and healthcare advancements. “This includes understanding molecular biology, genetics, and various laboratory techniques that are crucial in developing new therapies and treatments,” he says.

A Path to Life Goals

Oreoluwa Erinfolami, who earned a Master of Public Health degree in the United Kingdom before coming to AU for her Master of Biotechnology, says that the internship has inspired her. “I have a great desire to see advancements in medicine through technology. Avoidable deaths from sicknesses and diseases need to be avoided,” she says. “The mission statement of this company is a guiding light. I've learnt that if I keep at it, I can do it.”

Erinfolami has high words of praise for United Therapeutics as an organization. “There is always an opportunity to learn. People are ready and willing to pull you through,” she says. “Everyone in the company has an ownership mentality, and the company cares for its staff.”

And, like the rest of her cohort, Erinfolami adds her appreciation for Oyewole. “Mr. Shola is an amazing teacher. He encouraged us, working with him was one of the best things that has happened to me! I am grateful for him.”

For More Information

For more information about this partnership, or to discuss potential future STEM internship/mentoring programs with American University, please contact Biology Professor Meg Bentley, Director of STEM Partnerships and Innovation. Her email is mbentley@american.edu.